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Vitamin E Deficiency

Almonds for Vitamin E!
Almonds for Vitamin E!

What Is Vitamin E?

[dropcap]V[/dropcap]itamin E is not a single vitamin but naturally occurs as a fat-soluble vitamin family that consists of at least 8 distinct molecules.

These molecules include 4 tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta) and 4 tocotrienols (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta).

Generally, tocotrienols are more active against chronic disease while tocopherols are more protective of the nervous system.

Vitamin E (for short) is a powerful antioxidant that protects cell membranes and other fat-soluble compounds from oxidative damage by free radicals (molecules that damage cells).

Q: How does vitamin E protect cells from oxidative damage by free radicals?

A: As an example, the oxidative damage to low density cholesterol (LDL – bad type) appears to lead to the deposition of cholesterol in the arterial wall (plaque formation) leading to atherosclerotic disease, commonly called hardening of the arteries.

Regarding inflammation, mast cells are activated by oxidized LDL which results in increased expression of inflammatory cytokines. This finding suggests that vitamin E antioxidant activity in reducing oxidation of LDL lipoprotein may also reduce mast cell activation. Mast cells reside near small blood vessels and, when activated, release potent mediators involved in allergy and inflammation.1

In neutralizing free radicals, vitamin E itself is oxidized (changed) to a free radical. Importantly, conversion of vitamin E back to the original form occurs by reaction with vitamin C. These two vital anti-oxidants go hand in hand.

Vitamin E is essential for normal cerebellar brain function (lower brain), peripheral nerve health and healthy skin.

What Is Vitamin E Deficiency In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

Sources:
  1. Shaik-Dasthagirisaheb YB, Varvara G, Murmura G, Saggini A, Caraffa A, Antinolfi P, Tete’ S, Tripodi D, Conti F, Cianchetti E, Toniato E, Rosati M, Speranza L,Pantalone A, Saggini R, Tei M, Speziali A, Conti P, Theoharides TC, Pandolfi F. Role of vitamins D, E and C in immunity and inflammation. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2013 Apr-Jun;27(2):291-5. [↩]

Selenium Deficiency

selenium gluten free celiac disease symptomWhat Is Selenium?

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]elenium is a mineral that is required by the body  in trace amounts for a healthy immune system, normal thyroid function, and antioxidant protection.

Selenium is absolutely required in the production of at least 30 selenoproteins in the body. First, selenium is joined to the amino acids cysteine as selenocysteine and to methionine as selenomethionine before being used as components for selenoproteins. Many selenoproteins are important antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase.

Q: How does glutathione peroxidase work?

A: Glutathione peroxidase activity helps the recycling of vitamins C and E in optimizing the performance of the antioxidant system. The antioxidant properties of selenoproteins help prevent cellular damage from free radicals. Free radicals are natural by-products of oxygen metabolism that may contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

In the immune system, selenium stimulates immune properties of lymphocytes (white blood cells) by contributing to higher natural killer lymphocyte activity. Natural killer lymphocytes have the ability to destroy cancer cells and bacterial and viral agents.

Other selenoproteins help protect the thyroid gland from anti-oxidants and regulate thyroid function. Specifically, selenium plays an integral role in thyroid gland metabolism.1 Functions are more fully described below.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations, approximately 30 percent of tissue selenium is contained in the liver, 15 percent in kidney, 30 percent in muscle, and 10 percent in blood plasma.

What Is Selenium Deficiency In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

Sources:
  1. Stazi AV, Trinti B. Selenium status and over-expression of interleukin-15 in celiac disease and autoimmune thyroid diseases. Ann Ist Super Sanita. 2010;46(4):389-99.DOI: 10.4415/ANN_10_04_06. [↩]