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. 1979 Apr;29:105–114. doi: 10.1289/ehp.7929105

Nutritional needs in environmental intoxication: vitamin E and air pollution, an example.

D B Menzel
PMCID: PMC1637365  PMID: 510230

Abstract

Dietary vitamin E affects the susceptibility of mice and rats to ozone and nitrogen dioxide, suggesting a free radical mechanism of toxicity. Conventional peroxidation does not completely explain the effects of alterations of lung fatty acid composition on both nitrogen dioxide and ozone toxicity. A new scheme is proposed based on the cyclization of beta, gamma-allylic peroxyl free radicals to monocyclic and bicyclic peroxides to explain the relationship between diet and toxicity. Similar results are likely with other toxicants producing peroxidation as a mechanism of toxicity. Such cyclic peroxides may mimic or interfere with the prostaglandin system. Several chronic diseases may be exacerbated through such a subtle toxic mechanism. The level of vitamin E needed for protection against peroxidation toxicity may be much greater than the present U. S. dietary intake.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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