Cigarette smoke alters human vitamin E requirements

Abstract

Vitamin E is a lipophilic chain-breaking anti-oxidant that prevents lipid peroxidation. Although cigarette smoke is a potent source of oxidative stress that depletes vitamin E in vitro, it is unclear whether it has a similar effect in vivo, particularly in humans. Therefore, this review will discuss the role of cigarette smoke on γ-tocopherol (γ-T) nitration, its effect on α-tocopherol (α-T) biokinetics in smokers, and the changes in the synthesis, plasma concentrations, and urinary excretion of the vitamin E metabolite (CEHC; carboxy-ethyl-hydroxy-chroman). Last, the possibility of CEHC as a biomarker of vitamin E status will be assessed as will the question whether smokers have increased dietary requirements of vitamin E. © 2005 American Society for Nutritional Sciences.