Question

A woman has been instructed by her physician to take vitamin e to assist in decreasing symptoms of fibrocystic breast disease. what substance is required for digestion and absorption of vitamin e?

Answer 1

The substance that is required for digestion and absorption of vitamin E would be bile. It is a dark green  or yellowish brown fluid that is produced by the liver which is primarily used in the digestion of lipids in small intestines. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that is fat-soluble and is important in the protection of the heart , eyes and the prevention of oxidative damage of cells. Most likely, it would be dissolved in lipids for transportation to the parts of the body. As bile affects the digestion of lipids, it would also affect the absorption of fat soluble vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, A, D and K.