Vitamin E, which is commonly considered to have positive influence on reproduction, was subjected to analysis by Japanese scientists who stated that it reduces the bone mass. The results of their research were published in “Nature Magazine” in 2012.
Vitamin E, which consists of many substances from the tocopherols and tocotrienols group, can be absorbed by the organism in the form of pharmaceutical drugs and by eating vegetable fat, almonds, eggs, milk and other nourishments. It enables destroying free radicals since it is an antioxidant similarly to vitamins C and A. It takes an active part in sperm production process collectively with vitamin C and other substances. It affects spermatozoa activity and their life length and it also influences the pregnancy and fetus development. That is why it is considered to be fertility vitamin. The etymology of the name also confirms that: tokos – ‘offspring’,phero – ‘bring’.
However, its influence on the bone mass is still analysed by the scientists. Research on mice was conducted in Japan. Mice which were genetically conditioned had their bone mass quantified. They didn’t have α-tocopherol transfer protein which is responsible for vitamin E distribution throughout the organism. The second group of healthy rats and mice ate food with high dose of vitamin E.
In studied animals scientists defined i.a., vitamin E level in blood serum, performed bone densitometry and X-ray microtomography examinations. Moreover, the size of cells responsible for bone resorption (osteoclasts) was measured in vitro.
Obtained results show that the inability of vitamin E transportation leads to bone mass increase. It is caused by decrease in bone resorption. What is more, in rats and mice which were given food with vitamin E supplementation for 8 weeks, it was observed that bone mass decreased by 20%. It was claimed that alpha-tocopherol, as opposed to other forms of the vitamin and other antioxidants, had influence on osteoclasts. According to Japanese scientists the mechanism of bone mass loss is connected with i.a. osteoclasts fusion which is stimulated by this form of the vitamin.
However, observed bone mass decrease isn’t tantamount to the loss of their durability which is also dependent on protein fibres causing the increase in bone flexibility. That is why, except for bone mass measurement, additional durability measurements and defining vitamin E influence on collagen synthesis would be useful.
The results do not change the fact that proper supplementation of vitamin E is necessary for regular organism functioning. However, the doses in which the vitamin should be taken in order to maintain proper balance in the organism needs further analysis.
Written by: Jerzy Bednarski, Maciej Jakuszko, Adam Lebiediew, Michał Hys
Source:
1.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22388090
2.http://www.nhs.uk/news/2012/03march/Pages/vitamin-e-levels-lower-bone-density.aspx
3.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17237569
4.http://health.ninemsn.com.au/healthnews/8430469/vitamin-e-supplements-may-be-bad-for-bones
Would You like to know more? Watch one MEDtube.net: Cancellous Bone Growth
