Absorption, Transport and Storage Absorption is dependent on same as the other three fat-soluble vitamins. However, the efficiency of the absorption of a -tocopherol decreases with increased quantities ingested. Plasma and RBC a -tocopherol exchanges very rapidly at the RBC membrane, presumably to protect the RBC membrane from oxidation and RBC lysis. Tissues with lots of adipose tissue store a -tocopherol in high concentrations. Vitamin E Deficiencies Hemolysis and anemia effects the RBC in humans and monkeys.
Neuronal degeneration affects axons in rats, monkeys and probably humans.
Myocardial necrosis effects cardiac muscle in calves and rats and hamsters. Due to the ubiquitous nature of tocopherols in a healthy diet, the RDA has been largely determined by dietary analysis. The minimum daily requirement remains to be determined. Requirements of vitamin E increase when the ingestion of PUFA's is substantially increased.