A 6-month-old premature infant presents with hemolytic anemia and edema. The infant has been on formula without vitamin E supplementation. Which biochemical property of vitamin E explains its deficiency manifestations?

• A Cofactor for hydroxylation reactions
• B Carrier of one-carbon units in nucleotide synthesis
• C Cofactor for gamma-carboxylation of clotting factors
• D Chain-breaking antioxidant protecting cell membranes ✓

Explanation

Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) is a lipid-soluble chain-breaking antioxidant that protects polyunsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes from peroxidation by reactive oxygen species. Deficiency in premature infants causes hemolytic anemia due to RBC membrane fragility. Hydroxylation requires vitamin C. Gamma-carboxylation requires vitamin K. One-carbon transfer requires folate.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.