Vitamin E and neurodegeneration.
Alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) is a plant-derived antioxidant that is essential for human health. Studies with humans and with animal models of vitamin E deficiency established the critical roles of the vitamin in protecting the central nervous system, and especially the cerebellum, from oxidative damage and motor coordination deficits. We review here the established roles of vitamin E in protecting cerebellar functions, as well as emerging data demonstrating the critical roles of alpha-tocopherol in preserving learning, memory and emotive responses. We also discuss the importance of vitamin E adequacy in seemingly unrelated neurological disorders.
Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
Lynn M
LM
Ulatowski
Department of Nutrition, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. Electronic address: dxm178@case.edu.
Danny
D
Manor
D000818:Animals; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000523:psychology; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D014811:Vitamin E Deficiency / Q000378:metabolism / Q000523:psychology
D014810:Vitamin E
Anxiety; Cerebellum; Memory; Neurodegeneration; Tocopherol; Vitamin E