ASSESSMENT OF VITAMIN E STATUS

Gisela Sofia B. Oclarit

Darlene Shaira B. Juntilla
BS in Nutrition and Dietetics II

A written report submitted to Dr. Allene Mae Marapao, RND, PhD

In partial fulfillment for the course
ND 53 – Nutritional Assessment Lecture

November 2022
Introduction 

Biochemical test provides the most objective and quantitative data on nutritional status. There
are two types of tests. Static and functional laboratory tests are primarily used to detect
subclinical nutrient deficiency states. Some static biochemical tests measure levels of the
nutrient in biological fluids and tissues on the assumption that such tests reflect the total body
nutrient content or the nutrient tissue store most sensitive to depletion.
Vitamin E is the collective term given to a group of fat-soluble compounds first discovered in
1922 by Evans and Bishop; these compounds have distinct antioxidant activities essential for
health. A class of tocopherols and tocotrienols collectively known as vitamin E, α-tocopherol has
the highest level of biological activity (Flohe and Traber, 1999). Alpha-tocopherol is the only
form of the fat-soluble vitamin E that is used by the human body. As an antioxidant, its primary
function is to absorb loose electrons, or "free radicals," which can harm cells (Harvard T.H.
Chan, n.d.). Some foods, such as seeds, nuts, some vegetables, and some fortified goods,
naturally contain it. Additionally, it is available as a dietary supplement (Ritcher, 2022). If you
take vitamin E for its antioxidant qualities, be aware that the supplement may not provide the
same advantages as antioxidants found naturally in food (Mayo Clinic, n.d.).

Objectives:
At the end of this report, the students should be able to:

1. Know the major function of Vitamin E

2. Identify its biochemical assessment of Vitamin E in Static measurement; and
3. determine the functional assessment of Vitamin E.
 A. Static Measurement

I. Vitamin E (Tocopherol) Test or Vitamin E Serum Test

The level of vitamin E in your blood is determined by a vitamin E test. Every cell in your
body contains vitamin E, also known as tocopherol or alpha-tocopherol, which is a
nutrient. It promotes healthy neuron and muscle function, stops blood clots, and
strengthens your immune system so it can fend off bacterial infections.
Typically, a normal level falls between 5.5 and 17 milligrams per liter (mg/L). Children
under the age of 17 and premature newborns may have a distinct normal range.
Additionally, normal ranges can vary slightly between labs. Adults often need
supplementation when their blood levels of vitamin E are less than 4 mg/L.
II. Vitamin E or Vitamin E Serum test is for:
In preterm newborns, measure the vitamin E levels. Babies that are delivered before 37
weeks of pregnancy frequently do not have enough. If you have symptoms and have
been taking vitamin E supplements, find out if you are consuming too much vitamin E;
and lastly check your vitamin E absorption levels, especially if you suffer from a
condition that interferes with how your body utilizes vitamin E.
III. Preparation for the test
Avoid drinking alcohol within 24 hours and fasting for 12 hours is a must.
IV. Essential of the test
If you have symptoms of either vitamin E excess (high levels of vitamin E) or deficiency
(low levels of vitamin E), you may require a vitamin E test.
V. Procedure for the test
A tiny needle will be used by a medical practitioner to draw blood from a vein in your
arm. A small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial once the needle
has been placed. The needle may sting somewhat when it enters or exits your body.
Usually, this only needs a few minutes.
VI. Results of the test
Normal- Age affects normal vitamin E levels. If your test results are typical for your age,
they should indicate so in the results.
Low- Indicates that you are not absorbing or ingesting enough vitamin E. To determine
the cause, your doctor will consult your medical history and the outcomes of additional
testing. Vitamin E deficiency is often treated with vitamin supplements and the treatment
of any disorders that may be preventing absorption.
High- Indicates that you are consuming too much vitamin E. You must cease taking
vitamin E pills if you have been doing so. whether bleeding issues were brought.

B. Functional Assessment

Assessing functionality gives important information about nutritional status and related
prognoses in a wide range of clinical settings. Since the 1980s, a functional status
assessment has been recommended as part of a full nutrition assessment.

Vitamin E plays a crucial role in numerous physiological processes, including

neurological and immune functions. Vitamin E's most frequent function is its antioxidant
effect, which protects molecules and tissues from the damaging effects of free radicals.
Physiologic process of the body results of nutritional deficiency.

1. Antioxidant- response will be compromised by antioxidant deficiencies that can

develop as a result of decreased antioxidant intake (such as vitamins C and E),
synthesis of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase
or increased antioxidant utilization.
2. Vitamin E Deficiency- can cause nerve and muscle damage that results in loss
of feeling in the arms and legs, loss of body movement control, muscle
weakness, and vision problems. Another sign of deficiency is a weakened
immune system. Vitamin E needs some fat for the digestive system to absorb it.
Vitamin E deficiency can also cause anaemia due to the oxidative damage to the
red blood cells, and the impairment of the immune response. If untreated, vitamin
E deficiency may result in blindness, heart disease, permanent nerve damage
and impaired thinking. Some reports also suggest that vitamin E deficiency can
even result in male infertility.

C. Test of Vitamin E

A vitamin E test measures how much alpha-tocopherol is in the blood. It can be

used to see if you are getting enough vitamin E in your diet or if you're getting too
much. Sometimes some conditions can affect the absorption of vitamin E and the
test can be used to see if the body is absorbing as much as it needs.
Conclusion
Vitamin E is the collective term given to a series of fat-soluble compounds first identified
in 1922 by Evans and Bishop; these compounds have distinct antioxidant properties
needed for health. Vitamin E is the main lipid-soluble component in the cell antioxidant
defense system and is entirely derived from the food. It has various critical roles within
the body due of its antioxidant action. Humans rarely lack vitamin E. People with
hereditary or acquired conditions that restrict vitamin absorption (such as loss of feeling
in the arms and legs, loss of body movement control, muscle weakness, and vision
problems) and those who cannot absorb dietary fat or have unusual fat metabolism
diseases are at risk. A vitamin E blood test analyzes the alpha-tocopherol concentration
in the blood. It can be used to determine if you are getting enough or too much vitamin
E in your diet.
References
Book
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2. Smolin, L., & Grosvenor, M. (2016). Nutrition Science and Application [Wiley
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Smolin, L., & Grosvenor, M. (2016). Nutrition Science and Applications (4th ed.).
WILEY. ISBN-13. 978-1119087106.

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