Effect of a alpha-tocopherol administration on red cell survival in vitamin E-deficient human subjects

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Abstract
The effect of α-tocopherol therapy on red cell survival using 51Cr-tagged cells was studied in eight subjects with evidence of vitamin E deficiency. In five of the eight subjects the survival curve was fitted significantly better by two straight lines than by one. Of the remaining three subjects, the T½ was initially within the normal range in one; the value was only just below normal in the second; and in the third, a normal plasma vitamin E level was not achieved by therapy. Before the start of therapy the T½ for 51Cr in all eight subjects ranged from 10 to 28 days with a mean of 19.2 days. Following therapy, the values ranged from 19 to 30 days with a mean of 24.9 days, which is significantly different from the pretreatment value (P < 0.025).