Vitamin E Metabolic Effects and Genetic Variants: A Challenge for Precision Nutrition in Obesity and Associated Disturbances

Abstract

Vitamin E (VE) has a recognized leading role as a contributor to the protection of cell constituents from oxidative damage. However, evidence suggests that the health benefits of VE go far beyond that of an antioxidant acting in lipophilic environments. In humans, VE is channeled toward pathways dealing with lipoproteins and cholesterol, underlining its relevance in lipid handling and metabolism. In this context, both VE intake and status may be relevant in physiopathological conditions associated with disturbances in lipid metabolism or concomitant with oxidative stress, such as obesity. However, dietary reference values for VE in obese populations have not yet been defined, and VE supplementation trials show contradictory results. Therefore, a better understanding of the role of genetic variants in genes involved in VE metabolism may be crucial to exert dietary recommendations with a higher degree of precision. In particular, genetic variability should be taken into account in targets concerning VE bioavailability per se or concomitant with impaired lipoprotein transport. Genetic variants associated with impaired VE liver balance, and the handling/resolution of oxidative stress might also be relevant, but the core information that exists at present is insufficient to deliver precise recommendations.

Current State of Evidence: Influence of Nutritional and Nutrigenetic Factors on Immunity in the COVID-19 Pandemic Framework

“…In addition, other essential vitamins and minerals beyond the 10 considered by the EFSA could be candidates to be considered for their role in the potential improvement of the immune system due to their antioxidant potential and as modulators of the activity of immune cells, namely Vitamin E [158] and Magnesium [159]. Moreover, other food rich bio-actives or bio-active compounds per se have also been proposed either as potential enhancers of the immune system or as part of COVID-19 drug treatments.…”

Potential interventions for novel coronavirus in China: A systematic review

“…Vitamin E plays an important role in reducing oxidative stress through binding to free radicals as an antioxidant. 28 Vitamin E deficiency had been reported to intensify the myocardial injury of coxsackievirus B3 (a kind of RNA viruses) infection in mice 29 and increased the virulence of coxsackievirus B3 in mice due to vitamin E or selenium deficiency. 30 In addition, the decreased vitamin E and D status in calves also caused the infection of bovine coronavirus.…”

Effective Immune Functions of Micronutrients against SARS-CoV-2

“…Vitamin E is fat-soluble and is one of the most important vitamins to maintain the immune system [ 105 ]. It is a powerful antioxidant and can reduce the levels of oxidative stress in the body by sequestering free radicals [ 106 ]. Vitamin E deficiency was found to increase the myocardial injury caused by an RNA viral (coxsackievirus B3) infection in mice, as the viral strains become more virulent under oxidative stress [ 107 ].…”