Vitamin E. A capsule of vitamin E (tocopherol). This vitamin is principally concerned with protecting fats from oxidation in the body. It is needed for maintenance of normal cell structure, for sustaining the action of certain enzymes, and it protects the lungs and other tissues from damaging pollutants. Vitamin E is also believed to slow the aging of cells. For this reason vitamin E is often present in cosmetic products. The principal dietary sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils, nuts, meat, green leafy vegetables, cereals, wheat-germ and egg yolk. Vitamin E deficiency leads to the destruction of red blood cells which may result in anaemia.