Oxidative Stress and Vitamin E in Anemia

Oxidative stress is a common denominator in the different anemia types. Anemia can result from nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, and vitamin E deficiency), inherited disorders (hemolytic anemia), and/or from infections or exposure to certain toxins and medications (aplastic anemia). Hemolytic anemia, prevalent in inherited diseases such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-2 deficiency, occurs due to destruction of premature or defective RBCs. We also discuss the relationship between malnutrition and vitamin E status, specifically anemia and neurologic abnormalities arising from frank vitamin E deficiency.