CSSD Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Study Resource

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that plays a crucial role in protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage. Its primary function involves donating an electron to free radicals, which stabilizes these unstable molecules and prevents them from causing harm to cellular structures such as proteins, lipids, and DNA. By neutralizing free radicals, Vitamin E helps reduce oxidative stress, which is linked to various chronic diseases and aging processes.

Within the context of antioxidants, while Vitamin C is also effective in combating free radicals, it primarily works in aqueous environments and can regenerate Vitamin E, enhancing its antioxidant function. Selenium, while an important nutrient with antioxidant properties, often functions as a cofactor for enzymes like glutathione peroxidase rather than directly donating electrons in the same manner. Vitamin A, though important for vision and immune function, does not function primarily as an electron donor to stabilize free radicals.

Thus, Vitamin E is the most relevant in this context for its role in directly donating electrons to stabilize free radicals and protect against their potential damage.