1: What does Vitamin E primarily act as in the body?
A: Protein
B: Antioxidant
C: Carbohydrate
D: Enzyme
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Vitamin E primarily acts as an antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from damage.
2: How many compounds make up the group called Vitamin E?
A: 2
B: 4
C: 6
D: 8
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Vitamin E comprises eight fat-soluble compounds, including four tocopherols and four tocotrienols.
3: What is a rare cause of Vitamin E deficiency?
A: Low protein diet
B: Low carbohydrate diet
C: Difficulty digesting dietary fat
D: High sugar diet
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Vitamin E deficiency is rare and typically caused by difficulty digesting dietary fats, not by a diet low in Vitamin E.
4: Which form of tocopherol is recommended for adults to consume?
A: Alpha-tocopherol
B: Beta-tocopherol
C: Gamma-tocopherol
D: Delta-tocopherol
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Governments recommend adults consume alpha-tocopherol, the most biologically active form of Vitamin E.
5: Which food is rich in Vitamin E?
A: Apples
B: Almonds
C: Potatoes
D: Chicken
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Almonds are a rich source of Vitamin E.
6: Population studies suggested that higher Vitamin E consumption might reduce the incidence of which disease?
A: Diabetes
B: Cardiovascular diseases
C: Asthma
D: Osteoporosis
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Population studies suggested that higher Vitamin E consumption could lower the incidence of cardiovascular diseases.
7: What chemical structure feature do all eight Vitamin E vitamers have?
A: A central zinc atom
B: A chromane double ring
C: A benzene ring
D: A peptide bond
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: All eight Vitamin E vitamers feature a chromane double ring.
8: What is the primary reason plants synthesize tocochromanols?
A: For fragrance
B: For antioxidant activity
C: For color
D: For flavor
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Plants synthesize tocochromanols primarily for their antioxidant properties.
9: What year was Vitamin E first synthesized?
A: 1922
B: 1935
C: 1938
D: 1945
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Vitamin E was first synthesized in 1938.
10: For which reproductive health reason was Vitamin E first identified as essential?
A: Sperm production
B: Fertilized eggs resulting in live births
C: Ovulation
D: Menstrual cycle regulation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Vitamin E’s activity was first identified as essential for fertilized eggs to result in live births (in rats).
11: What is another name for the plant-derived form of alpha-tocopherol?
A: l-tocopherol
B: d-tocopherol
C: q-tocopherol
D: z-tocopherol
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The plant-derived form of alpha-tocopherol is also called d-tocopherol.
12: Which Vitamin E form has the highest biological equivalence?
A: d-tocopherol
B: dl-tocopherol
C: dl-tocotrienol
D: d-tocotrienol
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: d-tocopherol (natural form) has higher biological equivalence compared to synthetic forms like dl-tocopherol.
13: What is the main difference between tocopherols and tocotrienols?
A: Number of oxygen atoms
B: Type of side chain saturation
C: Molecular weight
D: Solubility in water
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Tocopherols have saturated side chains, whereas tocotrienols have hydrophobic side chains with three carbon-carbon double bonds.
14: In which part of the plant does alpha-tocopherol usually dominate?
A: Stems
B: Roots
C: Leaves
D: Flowers
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Alpha-tocopherol usually dominates in the leaves of plants.
15: What happens to the vitamin E in almonds under drought stress?
A: Decreases
B: Stays the same
C: Increases
D: Converts to another vitamin
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol content in almonds increase under drought stress.
16: How is the synthetic form of alpha-tocopherol typically referred to?
A: Beta-tocopherol
B: all-rac-alpha-tocopherol
C: pure-alpha-tocopherol
D: delta-tocopherol
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The synthetic form of alpha-tocopherol is referred to as all-rac-alpha-tocopherol.
17: What vitamin C ingredient helps recycle oxidized alpha-tocopheroxyl radicals back to the active reduced form?
A: Citric acid
B: Ascorbate
C: Retinol
D: Ubiquinol
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Ascorbate, a form of vitamin C, helps recycle oxidized alpha-tocopheroxyl radicals back to the active reduced form.
18: Which synthetic vitamin E is less bioeffective compared to its natural form?
A: SSR-alpha-tocopherol
B: RRS-alpha-tocopherol
C: RRR-alpha-tocopherol
D: all-rac-alpha-tocopherol
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: all-rac-alpha-tocopherol (synthetic form) is less bioeffective compared to the natural form, RRR-alpha-tocopherol.
19: Name the primary food source that has more gamma-tocopherol than alpha-tocopherol.
A: Olive oil
B: Peanut oil
C: Canola oil
D: Palm oil
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Canola oil contains more gamma-tocopherol than alpha-tocopherol.
20: The antioxidant role played by Vitamin E includes donating which atom to free radicals?
A: Carbon
B: Hydrogen
C: Oxygen
D: Nitrogen
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Vitamin E donates a hydrogen atom to neutralize free radicals.
21: Which path does Vitamin E primarily rely on for absorption?
A: Small intestine
B: Large intestine
C: Stomach
D: Esophagus
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Vitamin E relies primarily on absorption from the small intestine.
22: What is the half-life of Vitamin E in the human body?
A: 2 hours
B: 48 hours
C: 3 weeks
D: 10 days
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The absorption half-life for Vitamin E vitamers is around 48 hours.
23: Which enzyme activity is Vitamin E known to regulate?
A: Amylase
B: Lactase
C: Protein kinase C
D: Lipase
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Vitamin E is known to regulate the activity of protein kinase C.
24: What key feature distinguishes tocotrienols from tocopherols?
A: Side chain saturation
B: Core ring structure
C: Presence of nitrogen
D: Water solubility
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Tocotrienols have unsaturated side chains, whereas tocopherols have saturated ones.
25: What daily intake of alpha-tocopherol has shown no clear benefits in clinical trials?
A: 100 mg/day
B: 500 mg/day
C: 1,000 mg/day
D: 2,000 mg/day
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Clinical trials using high doses, such as up to 2,000 mg/day, have shown no clear benefits for alpha-tocopherol supplements.
26: How does Vitamin E affect gene expression?
A: Stimulates DNA synthesis
B: Acts as a gene silencer
C: Influences transcription factors
D: Enhances RNA degradation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Vitamin E affects gene expression by influencing transcription factors.
27: What is the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of Vitamin E for adults according to the U.S.?
A: 5 mg/day
B: 10 mg/day
C: 15 mg/day
D: 20 mg/day
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The RDA for Vitamin E for adults in the U.S. is 15 mg/day.
28: How is Vitamin E classified on European Union food labels?
A: Essential mineral
B: Daily value nutrient
C: Reference intake nutrient
D: Fat component
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: On European Union food labels, Vitamin E is classified as a reference intake nutrient.
29: Which vitamin helps recycle Vitamin E after it has neutralized a free radical?
A: Vitamin D
B: Vitamin C
C: Vitamin A
D: Vitamin K
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Vitamin C helps recycle Vitamin E back to its active form after it has neutralized free radicals.
30: What disease can a genetic defect in the alpha-tocopherol transfer protein lead to?
A: Sickle cell anemia
B: Huntington’s Disease
C: Ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED)
D: Muscular dystrophy
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A genetic defect in the alpha-tocopherol transfer protein can lead to ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED).
31: Which vitamin E derivative is used in skincare products but may cause allergic dermatitis?
A: Tocopheryl linoleate
B: Tocopherol acetate
C: Tocophyric acid
D: Tocopheryl glucoside
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Tocopherol acetate, used in skincare products, can cause allergic dermatitis in some individuals.
32: What vitamin E concentration is considered deficient in human serum?
A: Below 5 μmol/L
B: Below 12 μmol/L
C: Below 20 μmol/L
D: Below 30 μmol/L
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A concentration of below 12 μmol/L in human serum is considered deficient.
33: What was the primary reason cited for the decline in vitamin E supplement use in the U.S. around 2006?
A: Cost increase
B: Negative study publications
C: Legal restrictions
D: Poor marketing
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Declining use of vitamin E supplements was theorized to be due to publications of studies showing no benefits or negative consequences from high-dose vitamin E.
34: What potential interaction of high doses of alpha-tocopherol is noted with anti-clotting drugs like aspirin?
A: Enhances clotting
B: Increases risk of bleeding
C: Neutralizes drug effect
D: No interaction
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: High doses of alpha-tocopherol may potentiate the anti-blood clotting action of drugs like aspirin, increasing the risk of bleeding.
35: Which form of tocotrienol is commonly sourced from palm oil?
A: Beta-tocotrienol
B: Gamma-tocotrienol
C: Alpha-tocotrienol
D: Delta-tocotrienol
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Palm oil is a good source of alpha- and gamma-tocotrienols.
36: Which country recommends an upper limit of 1,000 mg/day for Vitamin E intake?
A: Japan
B: India
C: United States
D: United Kingdom
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The United States set the upper intake limit for Vitamin E at 1,000 mg/day.
37: How do tocotrienol supplements differ from tocopherol supplements in their source?
A: Fish oil
B: Palm oil
C: Wheat germ oil
D: Soya oil
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Tocotrienol supplements are often extracted from palm oil, unlike tocopherol supplements.
38: What is the recommended daily vitamin E intake for pregnant women in the U.S.?
A: 10 mg/day
B: 15 mg/day
C: 19 mg/day
D: 25 mg/day
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The recommended daily intake for pregnant women in the U.S. is 15 mg/day.
39: What is the main metabolic role of tocopherols in animal tissue?
A: Protein synthesis
B: Carbohydrate metabolism
C: Antioxidant protection
D: DNA repair
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Tocopherols provide antioxidant protection in animal tissue.
40: What has been postulated as a potential benefit of tocotrienols?
A: Improved digestion
B: Decreased risk of cognitive impairment
C: Enhanced skin elasticity
D: Increased muscle strength
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Tocotrienols have been proposed to decrease the risk of age-associated cognitive impairment.
41: Is synthetic vitamin E more, less, or equally potent compared to its natural form?
A: More potent
B: Equally potent
C: Less potent
D: No difference
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Synthetic vitamin E (all-rac-alpha-tocopherol) is less potent compared to the natural form (RRR-alpha-tocopherol).
42: Gamma-tocopherol is common in which type of dietary fat?
A: Animal fats
B: Marine oils
C: Plant oils
D: Dairy fats
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Gamma-tocopherol is commonly found in plant oils.
43: Which food source can have alpha-tocopherol content increased due to heat stress?
A: Almonds
B: Apples
C: Carrots
D: Tomatoes
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Heat stress increases the alpha-tocopherol content of almonds.
44: What year recorded the peak use of Vitamin E supplements in the United States?
A: 1998
B: 2000
C: 2002
D: 2006
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The peak use of Vitamin E supplements in the U.S. was in 2002.
45: What part of a plant is rich in lignans which act as antioxidants?
A: Roots
B: Stems
C: Leaves
D: Seeds
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Seeds are rich in lignans, which act as antioxidants like Vitamin E.
46: What effect does a Vitamin E supplement have on blood clotting medications at high doses?
A: No effect
B: Reduces clotting
C: Enhances clotting
D: Increases absorption
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: At high doses, Vitamin E can reduce the clotting efficacy of blood-clotting medications.
47: How is Vitamin E typically administered to ensure effective absorption?
A: With water
B: On an empty stomach
C: In a non-fat meal
D: With a fat-containing meal
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Vitamin E absorption is promoted when taken with a fat-containing meal.
48: Which protein preferentially binds to RRR-alpha-tocopherol?
A: Hemoglobin
B: Albumin
C: alpha-Tocopherol transfer protein (α-TTP)
D: Ferritin
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The alpha-Tocopherol transfer protein (α-TTP) preferentially binds to RRR-alpha-tocopherol.
49: What happened to the sales volume of Vitamin E in the U.S. between 2000 and 2006?
A: Decreased by 10%
B: Decreased by 25%
C: Decreased by 50%
D: Stayed the same
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The sales volume of Vitamin E in the U.S. decreased by 50% between 2000 and 2006.
50: Which organization maintains a food composition database that includes Vitamin E content?
A: European Food Safety Authority
B: World Health Organization
C: U.S. Department of Agriculture
D: Food Fortification Initiative
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) maintains a food composition database.
51: How much did alpha-tocopherol serum levels need to be in humans to optimize health benefits according to a summary study?
A: At least 10 μmol/L
B: At least 20 μmol/L
C: At least 30 μmol/L
D: At least 40 μmol/L
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The summary study suggested that alpha-tocopherol serum levels should be at least 30 μmol/L to optimize health benefits.
52: What year did the Institute of Medicine drop forms of Vitamin E other than alpha-tocopherol from dietary calculations?
A: 1990
B: 1995
C: 2000
D: 2005
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Institute of Medicine dropped forms of Vitamin E other than alpha-tocopherol from dietary calculations in 2000.
53: What is the role of alpha-tocopherol transfer protein in the liver?
A: Transports proteins
B: Transports glucose
C: Incorporates alpha-tocopherol into VLDL molecules
D: Creates bile acids
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Alpha-tocopherol transfer protein (α-TTP) helps incorporate alpha-tocopherol into very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) molecules.
54: Which food oil is unique because tocotrienol content is higher than tocopherol content?
A: Coconut oil
B: Olive oil
C: Sunflower oil
D: Palm oil
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Palm oil is unique because it contains more tocotrienols than tocopherols.
55: How are unabsorbed Vitamin E compounds excreted from the body?
A: Through urine
B: Through the skin
C: Through feces
D: Through sweat
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Unabsorbed Vitamin E compounds are excreted through feces.
56: What was a key reason for the initial scientific interest in Vitamin E?
A: Its effect on eye health
B: Its role in fertility
C: Its influence on heart rate
D: Its impact on digestion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Vitamin E was initially identified for its role in fertility.
57: What year was the editorial “Vitamin in Search of a Disease” published that questioned the therapeutic use of Vitamin E?
A: 1922
B: 1945
C: 1968
D: 1986
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The editorial “Vitamin in Search of a Disease” was published in 1968.
58: What percentage of naturally occurring Vitamin E has the highest tocopherol content?
A: 10%
B: 25%
C: 50%
D: 73.5%
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Natural d-alpha-tocopherol has 73.5% of the potency of the synthetic dl-alpha-tocopherol.
59: What form of vitamin E is used in vaping products that led to lung injuries?
A: Tocopheryl acetate
B: Alpha-tocopherol
C: Gamma-tocopherol
D: Vitamin E acetate
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Vitamin E acetate used in vaping products was identified as a cause of lung injuries.
60: Why did the US FDA reject proposed health claims for Vitamin E and cardiovascular health in 2001?
A: Lack of scientific evidence
B: Consumer complaints
C: High cost of research
D: Legal restrictions
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The US FDA rejected proposed health claims for Vitamin E and cardiovascular health due to a lack of scientific evidence.
Disclaimer: Please consult a physician before making any changes to your health regimen.