O papel da vitamina E nas doenças crônicas e na saúde materno-infantil: uma revisão de literatura.

Abstract

Vitamin E is a terminology used to characterize eight compounds of a fat-soluble character called tocopherols (α-, β-, δ- and γ-tocopherol) and tocotrienols (α-, β-, δ- and γ-tocotrienol). Alpha-tocopherol is the biologically active form, is considered the most relevant antioxidant agent because it presents the ability to cease chain reactions, acting against molecular oxygen and its free radicals protecting the cell membranes of oxidizing agents. The present work aimed to systematize information about the importance of vitamin E for health. Studies published between 2011 and 2021 were evaluated. The review was based on the analysis of scientific materials such as books, articles, course completion papers, master's thesis, and doctoral dissertations. The studies evaluated provided recognition of the possible benefits that vitamin E offers for the human health. By verifying its anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, and modulating functions on the immune system response. It is worth mentioning its role in the prevention of non-transmissible chronic diseases such as cancer, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, cardiovascular diseases, among others. Besides this vitamin being extremely important for neonatal growth and development because its deficiency in this group can cause numerous problem. Thus, the establishment of strategies and actions aimed at preventing vitamin E deficiency is essential for the maternal-infant group, as well as for other population groups.