Vitamin E updated.

An improved understanding of its physiology has led to better therapeutic use of vitamin E in recent years. It is a physiological membrane bound antioxidant, protecting cell membrane lipids from oxidant damage by free redicals. Cholestatic liver disease, abetalipoproteinemia and ataxia with vitamin E deficiency are the common deficiency states where vitamin E is of definite therapeutic value, while reports of unproven benefits abound in literature. Vitamin E status of the body can be assessed by serum levels and various functional studies. The new water soluble form, tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS), is therapeutically superior to the standard oral forms available. Details of physiology and therapeutic application of the vitamin are discussed.