ABSTRACT
Vitamin E is transported in plasma only in the lipoproteins; consequently, plasma vitamin E concentrations are related to the concentrations of plasma lipids. Vitamin E serves as a term that includes all tocol and tocotrienol derivatives that qualitatively exhibit the biological activity of a-tocopherol. The use of vitamin E supplements has been extensively investigated with regards to the treatment of various chronic diseases. Children who develop vitamin E deficiency commonly exhibit neurological disorders. This may include balance and gait disorders and they may lose the ability to walk. Vitamin E is subject to oxidation which can be enhanced by exposure to light, heat, and alkali. Vitamin E status is commonly evaluated by measurement of plasma or serum concentrations of a-tocopherol with the use of high performance liquid chromatography procedures. Children with malabsorption syndromes have been treated with high levels of vitamin E intake with no adverse effects.
