Nearly 25% of S. Korean adults are vitamin E deficient

ROYAL DSM, a global science-based company active in health, nutrition, and materials, underscores the findings of a new study indicating that nearly a quarter of South Korean adults are deficient in vitamin E.

The study, the first on the dietary intake and status of tocopherols for a group of Korean adults, examines the vitamin E status of 20- to 59-year-old adults living in the Seoul metropolitan area of South Korea[1]. Results reveal the vitamin E intake of Korean adults is generally adequate based on the Korean Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). However, 23% of the study respondents were proven vitamin E-deficient based on plasma α-tocopherol concentrations and 12.3% consumed less vitamin E than the Adequate Intakes (AI) for Koreans. In addition, 67% of the subjects had a plasma level in the suboptimal range and 89.6% had α-tocopherol levels lower than 20μmol/L, the concentration below which there is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.[2] [3]

Further, study results reveal that the daily 3.07mg intake of α-tocopherol, the form of vitamin E most preferentially absorbed in humans, among Koreans is much lower than that reported in other countries. In Japan, adults are reportedly taking 6.6mg to 7.1mg[4] α-tocopherol daily. The 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) US[5] reported American adults have an α-tocopherol intake of 5.9mg to 8.8mg daily.

The study hoped to estimate intake and plasma concentration of each tocopherol to achieve greater accuracy in evaluating the vitamin E status of Korean adults. It involved taking blood samples from 106 healthy adults and calculating the intake of a number of compounds, fatty acids, and vitamin E. The dietary intake and plasma concentration of each α-, β-, δ-, and γ-tocopherol were estimated using alternative values as the Korean food composition table reports vitamin E contents in foods only as α-tocopherol equivalent (α-TE) without each tocopherol content. The dietary intakes of vitamin E were then compared with the AIs for Koreans.[6]

A powerful antioxidant, vitamin E plays an important role in preventing the peroxidation of lipids and oxidation of proteins. The European Commission has authorized an Article 13.1 health claim stating that “vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.”

Vitamin E can help overcome the issue of fatty liver in certain patient groups. Alzheimer’s patients treated with the vitamin exhibited a slower functional decline than subjects receiving a placebo[7] as shown on trials investigating the benefits of vitamin E against symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Meanwhile, inadequate vitamin E intake is associated with risk of heart disease,[8] [9] type II diabetes, and certain types of cancer[10] based on previous studies. Deficiency in the vitamin may also increase the risk of several chronic diseases.[11]

James Bauly, Asia Pacific marketing director for DSM Nutritional Products Human Nutrition and Health, noted generally adequate vitamin E intake among Korean adults per the Korean DRIs.

“However, the α-tocopherol intake was lower than those of other countries, and if only α-tocopherol is considered, then the intake of many subjects in the present study may be inadequate. Further research regarding the bioavailability of tocopherols and tocotrienols in South Korea is needed to determine whether the current vitamin E unit in South Korea is appropriate. The study is another example that we cannot take adequate vitamin intake for granted even in apparently healthy or affluent populations, and highlights the importance of good, balanced nutrition, which may be complemented by a supplement if required,” Mr. Bauly said.

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