Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant in the body. It is composed of a group of compounds called tocopherols and tocotrienols, with alpha-tocopherol being the most biologically active form.
Sources of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is found in various foods, including:
- Vegetable oils (such as wheat germ, sunflower, and safflower oil)
- Nuts and seeds (such as almonds, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds)
- Green leafy vegetables (such as spinach and broccoli)
- Fortified cereals and other fortified foods
- Some fruits (such as kiwi and mango)
Functions of Vitamin E
Vitamin E has several important functions in the body:
- Antioxidant activity: It helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to the development of chronic diseases.
- Immune function: It supports the immune system and helps with the formation of red blood cells.
- Cell signaling: It plays a role in regulating various cellular activities.
Deficiency and Toxicity
A deficiency in vitamin E is rare, but it can lead to nerve and muscle damage, anemia, and weakened immune function. Toxicity from vitamin E is also rare, but excessive supplementation can interfere with blood clotting and lead to hemorrhage.
Recommended Intake
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin E varies by age and gender. For example, the RDA for adults is 15 mg (22.4 IU) per day.
Study Guide
- What are the sources of vitamin E?
- What are the functions of vitamin E in the body?
- What are the potential consequences of a vitamin E deficiency?
- What is the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin E?
- How does vitamin E act as an antioxidant?
◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Eighth Grade. Volcanoes
Worksheet/Answer key
Volcanoes 
Worksheet/Answer key
Volcanoes Worksheet/Answer key
Volcanoes Vocabulary/Answer key
Volcanoes Vocabulary/Answer key
Volcanoes Vocabulary/Answer key
Volcanoes
Worksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
Earth/Space Science: Students will use scientific skills and processes to explain the chemical and physical interactions (i.e., natural forces and cycles, transfer of energy) of the environment, Earth, and the universe that occur over time.
Earth History: Explain how sedimentary rock is formed periodically, embedding plant and animal remains and leaving a record of the sequence in which the plants and animals appeared and disappeared.
Explain how sedimentary rock buried deep enough may be reformed by pressure and heat and these reformed rock layers may be forced up again to become land surface and even mountains.