Vitamin E

Abstract

Abstract Vitamin E or RRR‐α‐tocopherol, as all vitamins, is indispensable for human life. Insufficient vitamin E availability results in a neurological condition, ‘ataxia with vitamin E deficiency’ (AVED), and vitamin E administration prevents the progression of the disease. Vitamin E is available especially in nuts, vegetable oils and greens. The reference daily intake for healthy adults is 15 mg and the maximum dose is 1000 mg daily. Many ailments, from cancer to atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases, had been proposed to be prevented or cured by vitamin E; however, recent studies have shown that only low‐grade chronic inflammation, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and immune response may benefit from vitamin E. The mechanism of action of this vitamin is still an object of debate, scientists being either in favour of an antioxidant mechanism or of an action of vitamin E on signal transduction and gene expression modulation. Key Concepts Low intake of vitamin E results in ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED). Administration of α‐tocopherol protects against the progression of AVED. Vitamin E does not prevent or cure cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Low‐grade inflammation and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH, NAFLD) are diminished by vitamin E. Vitamin E improves the immune response, especially in the elderly. A better knowledge of the mechanism of action of vitamin E would be useful to better use its potentials, established its correct dosage and the possible relation between genetic background of humans taking vitamin E and their response to this vitamin.