DSM proposes adaptations to vitamin E intake
The conclusions of a workshop led by DSM to address the challenges of setting appropriate intake recommendations for vitamin E have been published in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research[1]. The paper, which outlines a concept for the appropriate assessment of vitamin E status and functionality in order to define desirable vitamin E requirements, is part of the global nutritional ingredient supplier’s ongoing commitment to advance research into the essential micronutrient.
Vitamin E is a generic term for eight fat-soluble compounds found in nature, of which ‘alpha-tocopherol’ is the most abundant in the human body. Its major biological function is as a powerful antioxidant, preventing the propagation of free-radical reactions. The European Commission has authorized an Article 13.1 health claim stating that ‘vitamin E contributes to the protection of cell constituents from oxidative damage’. It also has non-antioxidant functions in cell signaling, gene expression and regulation of other cell functions. In addition, it contributes to healthy blood flow by regulating the opening of blood vessels and preventing cholesterol from building up on blood vessel walls.
The RDA for adults is 15mg RRR-a-tocopherol/day (FNB, 2000) in the US. In Europe, adult recommendations range from 4 to 25mg a-tocopherol equivalents (a-TE)/day for men and from 3 to 12mg a-TE/day for women. There is research to suggest that the RDA should be up to 30mg a-TE/day and DSM recommends that the existing guidelines are reviewed in the light of the latest studies.
“The required vitamin E intakes have been challenged over the past decade, following inconsistent study outcomes and subsequent media coverage,” explains Dr. Manfred Eggersdorfer, SVP Nutrition Science & Advocacy, DSM Nutritional Products. “In fact, vitamin E is essential as it is a key element in cell membranes to protect polyunsaturated fatty acids from oxidation.The impact of low vitamin E levels globally is a serious public health concern, yet the micronutrient is not currently high on the agenda of scientists and funding organizations. New studies into the role of vitamin E in the human body have been limited in recent years, but DSM is committed to advancing research.”
[1] S. Péter, U. Moser, S. Pilz, M. Eggersdorfer and P. Weber, ‘The Challenge of Setting Appropriate Intake Recommendations for Vitamin E: Considerations on Status and Functionality to Define Nutrient Requirements,’ Int. J. Vitam. Nutr. Res. 83 (2/13) (2013)
