Question

An older adult tells the nurse, "i read about a vitamin that may be related to aging because of its antioxidant effects on the structure of cell walls. i wonder whether it is wise to take it." which vitamin does the nurse conclude the client is describing?

Answer 1

Hello there!

The vitamin that the client was describing was Vitamin E

Vitamin E is considered "the vitamin of youth". It protects tissues from free radicals, decreasing the cellular oxidative damage, that can affect the integrity of tissues in the body.

Vitamin E can oxidate in the body, acting as a sort of "bodyguard" for other substances because it oxidates instead of polyunsaturated fats and other fat-soluble substances like vitamin A. It also assists in the formation of red cells in the blood and helps in the synthesis of prostanoids (important compounds in reproductive processes).