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Vitamin E Deficiency
Haematology

Vitamin E Deficiency Risks, Symptoms and How to Address It

admin Jan 09, 2025

Vitamin E is another fat-soluble vitamin and a powerful antioxidant that is important for the body’s health. It plays a role in preventing and undoing the effects of oxidative stress, strengthening the immune system and facilitating physiological processes. However, one can easily lack vitamin E in their system, which, despite being a rarity, comes with many adverse effects if not treated. It is, therefore, important for the public, especially women of reproductive age, to know the causes of vitamin E deficiency, the signs/symptoms to observe and how this nutrient deficiency can be managed.

What is vitamin E deficiency?

When the body does not receive enough of this important nutrient through food or when the body’s ability to absorb and metabolise the vitamin is impaired, the condition is referred to as vitamin E deficiency. Although it is very uncommon in healthy persons, they can be victims of certain diseases or have diets low in fat, which the body needs when digesting vitamin E.

Causes of vitamin E deficiency

The major reasons for vitamin E deficiency are most often associated with diseases affecting fat absorption or utilisation. Some of the leading causes include:

Poor dietary intake

These deficiencies follow a low-fat diet or exclusion of products containing vitamin E, including nuts, seeds, vegetable oils and green leafy vegetables.

There are also modifiable features; the major risk factor is malnutrition, particularly in the developing world.

Fat malabsorption disorders

Some illnesses affect the body’s ability to assimilate dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin E. These include:

  • Cystic fibrosis and vitamin E deficiency: Cystic fibrosis affects the pancreas, which makes it difficult for the body to break down and absorb fats, so individuals have a higher prevalence of nutrient deficiencies.
  • Chronic pancreatitis: This condition alters the role of the pancreas in an organism’s body, particularly in the digestion of fats.
  • Crohn’s disease: Almost all forms of gastrointestinal inflammation interfere with the absorption of nutrients.

Genetic disorders

Some diseases, including abetalipoproteinemia and ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED), specifically affect a person’s ability to metabolise vitamin E and therefore cause very low levels.

Symptoms of vitamin E deficiency

  • Neurological symptoms: Sometimes nerve and muscle damage causes loss of feeling in the area, a burning or electric-like sensation, lack of coordination or muscle weakness.
  • Vision problems: Vitamin E deficiency results in the destruction of the retina. It makes it hard to see or even perceive objects in darkness.
  • Immune system weakness: Primary care needs might include a compromised immune response that often leads to infections and poor wound healing.
  • Skin and hair issues: Lack of vitamin E can also cause dry skin and brittle hair.

Risks associated with vitamin E deficiency

  • Neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy affects sensitivity and coordination and causes pain.
  • Increased oxidative stress: A deficiency of vitamin ‘E’ hinders the body’s capacity to fight free radical ions, making chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases more eminent.
  • Complications in pregnancy: The current study showed that women with low vitamin E levels are more likely to experience preterm birth and have worse outcomes for their new borns.

Addressing vitamin E deficiency

Treatment of vitamin E deficiency requires dietary modification, vitamin supplementation and treatment for medical conditions.

Dietary changes

Introducing foods containing vitamin E is the first approach to addressing such shortages. Some excellent sources include:

  • Hemp, soybeans, corn and peanuts or any other seeds and nuts like almonds, sunflower seeds and hazelnuts
  • Other oils: Oils derived from vegetables like sunflower, safflower and wheat germ oils
  • Raw green vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli
  • Fortified cereals and foods
  • Vitamin E supplements
  • Managing co-morbidities
  • Regular monitoring

Prevention tips: In contrast to preventing a deficiency, treating vitamin E deficiency is often more difficult. Follow these simple tips to maintain healthy levels:

Regular check-ups: If you have a disease that involves the digestion of fats, you should see your doctor to check your nutrient status.

Conclusion

This essential micronutrient is vital in the human body, and a vitamin E shortage poses threats to overall health despite being a very rare occurrence in any active individual. In order to understand the approach to vitamin E deficiency, which ranges from a bad diet to cystic fibrosis, and the nature of symptoms, it is important to understand the causes of vitamin E deficiency and what the symptoms are. One should increase one’s intake of vitamin E food products, eliminate diseases that hinder the uptake of this vitamin and seek help from a doctor when the need arises to avoid the risk factors that hit people who lack vitamin E in their diet. 

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