The importance of vitamin E for our skin, eyes and a strong immune system is well known. But new research suggests it is vital for the maintenance of healthy and well-functioning brain.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that a diet lacking in adequate levels of vitamin E could lead to neurological damage – by cutting off the supply of basic building blocks that are essential to the brain.
As part of the study, scientists examined zebrafish – which were fed a vitamin E-deficient diet throughout their life.
They found that the fish had about 30% lower levels of biomarker DHA-PC – and previous studies show that similar problems in humans could lead to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
DHA-PC is an essential part of the cellular membrane in our brain cells. And more importantly, the brain
“Human brains are very enriched in DHA but they can’t make it, they get it from the liver,” said lead author Dr Maret Traber, a professor of micronutrient research at the College of Public Health and Human Sciences at OSU.
According to Dr Traber, DHA molecules (a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is recognized as an important nutrient found in omega-3 fatty acids) are carried from the liver to the brain by compounds known as the lyso PLs – which also aid in membrane repair.
Research also showed that lyso PLs are about 60% lower in the fish with a vitamin E-deficient diet. And lower levels of lyso PLs and DHA could lead to “cellular membrane damage and neuronal death”.
“This research showed that vitamin E is needed to prevent a dramatic loss of a critically important molecule in the brain, and helps explain why vitamin E is needed for brain health,” said Dr Traber.
“You can’t build a house without the necessary materials,” he added. “In a sense, if vitamin E is inadequate, we’re cutting by more than half the amount of materials with which we can build and maintain the brain.”
The NHS recommends a vitamin E intake of 4mg a day for men 3mg a day for women. Vitamin E in human diets is most often provided by dietary oils, such as olive oil or fish oil. But many of the highest levels are in almonds, sunflower seeds, or avocados and flaxseeds.
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