Deficiency of vitamin E can damage the brain

Vitamins E, a group of fat-soluble vitamins that help prevent oxidative stress in the body among other things, and containing foods such as peanuts, broccoli, tomatoes, asparagus, kiwi or squash, have proved crucial for neuronal health, according to the findings of the latest study conducted by Oregon State University (USA) and which includes The Journal of Lipid Research.
The experiment was conducted with specimens of zebrafish that were fed a diet deficient in vitamin E throughout his life. The use of zebrafish in laboratories is already common because it is clear the first days of embryonic development and to visualize the formation of cells in real time. Besides their genetic similarity to humans is 70%.

The results of the study revealed that lack of vitamin E caused damage to the brain, interrupting the supply of nutrients that are crucial for neuronal health. Thus, zebrafish deficient in this vitamin had the DHA-PC levels (component of the cell membrane of neurons) 30% lower than the fish that were fed a balanced diet with foods rich in vitamin E. In humans, deficiency of DHA-PC has been associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

 "You can not build a house without the necessary materials. In a sense, if vitamin E is inadequate, are cutting more than half the amount of materials that can build and maintain the brain, "said Maret Traber, study leader.
In addition, fish also showed abnormally low levels (60% less) lysoPLs (lisofosfolípidounos), compounds necessary for DHA in the brain. Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA is critical in brain development, memory and learning. Not in vain is one of the most important nutrients derived from omega-3 fatty acids.



"There are more and more clear evidence that vitamin E is associated with brain protection, and now we are beginning to better understand some of the underlying mechanisms. This research showed that vitamin E is necessary to prevent a dramatic loss of a molecule critical in the brain and helps explain why vitamin E is necessary for brain health, "Traber add.