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Vitamin E Deficiency: Symptoms, causes, prevention and treatments

Team AckoDec 6, 2024

According to experts, it is rare to suffer from a Vitamin E deficiency. However, the chances are not nil. Vitamin E strengthens the body's natural defences against illness and infection and promotes healthy skin and eyes. So, if you lack this nutrient, its deficiency will negatively affect your body's immunity and the health of your eyes and skin. To avoid this, you must be aware of the symptoms of this deficiency and take timely corrective actions. Here is an article that will help you understand the symptoms, along with causes, prevention methods, and treatments for Vitamin E deficiency.

Vitamin

Contents

What is meant by a Deficiency of Vitamin E?
Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin E Deficiency
What Causes Vitamin E Deficiency?
Diseases Caused by Vitamin E Deficiency
How Can I Prevent Vitamin E Deficiency?
Foods Rich in Vitamin E
How Much Vitamin E Do You Need?
Who is at Risk of Suffering from Vitamin E Deficiency?
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vitamin E, and Why is it Important?

Many foods include vitamin E, a fat-soluble substance. It serves as an antioxidant in the body, shielding cells from the harm that free radicals can do. Free radicals are created when our bodies turn food into energy. Additionally, cigarette smoke, air pollution, and UV radiation from the sun expose people to free radicals.

Vitamin E function in the body includes strengthening its defences against viruses and germs. It aids in blood vessel enlargement and prevents blood clotting. Vitamin E also helps cells communicate with one another and perform several vital tasks.

What is meant by a Deficiency of Vitamin E?

A fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties, Vitamin E, is known to support a robust immune system. It can be found naturally in various foods and is added to some food products to help you consume more of this nutrient. Because of such abundance, acquiring a Vitamin E deficiency is uncommon unless you have an underlying medical condition. Vitamin E's primary function as an antioxidant is to absorb loose electrons, or "free radicals," which can harm other cells. Additionally, it stops blood clots from developing in the arteries of the heart.

Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin E Deficiency

Here are the common signs and symptoms of Vitamin E deficiency.

Low immunity: Immune cells may be inhibited by Vitamin E deficiency. According to studies, elders may require more Vitamin E since ageing causes changes in the immune system.

Issues with coordination: Damage to the muscles and nerves can make coordination challenging. This makes even simple tasks like walking difficult. People with Vitamin E Deficiency may have these issues.

Muscle issues: The brain and neurological system depend on Vitamin E. A deficit can harm nerves and muscles, resulting in discomfort or weakness in the muscles.

Reduced eye function: If severe Vitamin E deficiency is not treated, people may eventually lose their vision.

Reduced sensation: The loss of feeling, particularly in the arms and legs, can also be brought on by a lack of Vitamin E.

What Causes Vitamin E Deficiency?

Prevention of vitamin E deficiency is important, as its deficiency causes the following disorders:

Malabsorption of fat

Vitamin E is mainly found in vegetable oils and is best absorbed when consumed with some fat. Hence a very low-fat diet lacks Vitamin E.

Pancreatitis, liver problems, gallbladder abnormalities, and Cystic Fibrosis are some conditions that limit fat absorption and can also reduce Vitamin E absorption and raise the risk of Vitamin E deficiency.

Family history

A deficiency of Vitamin E often occurs within families. The diagnosis of some uncommon, inherited disorders can be made by learning about family history. Congenital Abetalipoproteinemia and Familial Isolated Vitamin E deficiency are two of these chronic conditions that cause incredibly low Vitamin E levels.

Health issues

Medical conditions like Cystic Fibrosis, Celiac Disease, Cholestatic Liver Disease, or Chronic Pancreatitis can lead to lower absorption of Vitamin E in the body.

Digestive issues in babies

The likelihood of this deficiency is also high among newborns and premature babies with lower birth weights. They are at risk as an underdeveloped digestive system can also interfere with the absorption of fat and Vitamin E. The newborns' lack of Vitamin E can also cause hemolytic anaemia, which kills red blood cells.

Diseases Caused by Vitamin E Deficiency

Vitamin E deficiency can cause the following issues.

Ataxia: A lack of specific neurons, i.e., Purkinje neurons, can impair the capacity of your limbs to carry messages from and to the brain. This can be caused by a lack of Vitamin E.

Paresthesia: Vitamin E deficiency can cause Paresthesia or numbness and tingling in the arms and legs. It can lead to nerve damage, preventing the nerves from delivering messages appropriately.

Myasthenia: The central nervous system requires Vitamin E. It is one of the primary antioxidants in the body, and a lack of it causes oxidative stress, which can cause muscle weakness or Myasthenia.

Autoimmune diseases: According to some research, immune cells can be inhibited by Vitamin E deficiency. Those who are older may be especially vulnerable.

Blindness: Lack of Vitamin E can cause vision loss by reducing the number of eye cells and light receptors in the retina. This might impair vision over time.

How Can I Prevent Vitamin E Deficiency?

The following tips can help in preventing Vitamin E Deficiency in your body.

Vitamin E levels are known to be lower in those who consume large amounts of potatoes, bread, meat, and sweets. Thus, it may be wise to reduce your intake of these food items in favour of greens and nuts to increase Vitamin E in the body.
Replace some of the Saturated fats in your diet with Polyunsaturated fats from vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds to increase your levels of Vitamin E. Saturated fats are found in dairy and animal products.
In addition to lowering cholesterol, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) may also increase Vitamin E-to-fat ratio.
Eggs and high-fat meals help improve the absorption of Vitamin E from food and supplements, but you need to use them carefully and keep an eye on your cholesterol levels.

Foods Rich in Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects your cells from damage and supports healthy skin, immunity, and vision. Incorporating vitamin E-rich foods into your diet is essential for overall well-being. Here's a table of foods high in vitamin E:

Food	Vitamin E Content	Serving Size
Almonds	6.8 mg	1 ounce (28 grams)
Sunflower Seeds	7.4 mg	1 ounce (28 grams)
Hazelnuts	4.3 mg	1 ounce (28 grams)
Sunflower Oil	5.6 mg	1 tablespoon
Spinach	0.6 mg	1/2 cup (cooked)
Avocado	2.1 mg	1/2 avocado
Mango	0.7 mg	½ cup sliced

How Much Vitamin E Do You Need?

Vitamin E is an essential nutrient; its daily requirement depends on age, gender, and physiological state. Meeting the recommended intake helps maintain healthy body functions and supports Vitamin E functions in the body. Below is the recommended daily intake of vitamin E:

Life Stage	Recommended Amount
Birth to 6 months	4 mg
Infants 7–12 months	5 mg
Children 1–3 years	6 mg
Children 4–8 years	7 mg
Children 9–13 years	11 mg
Teens 14–18 years	15 mg
Adults	15 mg
Pregnant teens and women	15 mg
Breastfeeding teens and women	19 mg

Vitamin E from natural sources like nuts and oils is best, and overconsumption from supplements should be avoided.

Who is at Risk of Suffering from Vitamin E Deficiency?

Those belonging to the following categories can be at risk of suffering from a Vitamin E Deficiency.

Babies born at extremely low birth weight might have a Vitamin E deficiency.
Vitamin E cannot be absorbed without fat, so people who have issues with dietary fat absorption may develop a Vitamin E deficiency. Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, pancreatic enzyme deficiency, and liver disease are a few conditions that can result in fat malabsorption.
Patients with cystic fibrosis lack the pancreatic enzymes necessary to properly absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K and may develop this deficiency.
Bile flow and micelle formation are reduced due to Chronic Cholestatic Hepatobiliary illness, which is necessary for Vitamin E absorption. Patients with these conditions can develop Vitamin E deficiency.
People who have undergone gastric bypass surgery may be Vitamin E deficient.

Conclusion

Vitamin E deficiency, though rare, can have significant health implications, including nerve damage, muscle weakness, and vision problems. Understanding its symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatments is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. Incorporating vitamin E-rich foods like nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables into your diet can help prevent deficiency. In underlying medical conditions, timely diagnosis and medical intervention are essential. By prioritising a balanced diet and regular checkups, you can safeguard against the effects of vitamin E deficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and answers about Vitamin E Deficiency.

What is the ideal treatment for Vitamin E Deficiency?

Vitamin E deficiency is rare and can be corrected with the help of supplements. Thus, doctors generally prescribe Vitamin E supplements to patients with this deficiency.

Which food items are rich in Vitamin E?

The following food items are rich in Vitamin E.

Almonds
Pumpkin
Spinach
Avocado
Mango
Sunflower oil
Peanuts
Safflower oil
Red bell pepper
Asparagus

Which Vitamin E form is ideal?

There are eight different types of Vitamin E, with Alpha-tocopherol being the most biologically active. Since the liver prefers to transport and utilise this form of Vitamin E, it is regarded as being the most active natural form.

Where does the body store vitamin E?

The body stores Vitamin E in the fatty tissue and the liver.

How quickly can vitamin E deficiency symptoms develop?

Symptoms typically develop over time due to chronic malabsorption or very low dietary intake, often taking months to become noticeable.

Can overconsumption of vitamin E supplements cause harm?

Yes, excessive intake of vitamin E supplements can lead to side effects like nausea, fatigue, and an increased risk of bleeding due to their blood-thinning properties.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet. Please consult a doctor before making any health-related decisions.

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