Vitamin E deficiency

Symptoms Of Vitamin E Deficiency 

The deficiency of Vitamin E is rare and can be marked by the following signs and symptoms:

• Muscular pain

• Weakness 

• Difficulty in walking 

• Numbness and tingling 

• Loss of control of body movements

• Vision problems 

• Weakened immune system 

• Loss of feeling in the arms and legs 

Children may experience the following additional symptoms: 

• Hyporeflexia (decreased muscle response to the stimuli)

• Loss of position sense (reduced awareness of posture, weight, movement, and limb position)

• Retinopathy (damage to the blood vessels of the eye)

Causes Of Vitamin E Deficiency 

• Vitamin E is a crucial antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage, supports immune function, and maintains skin and eye health. 

• When vitamin E is deficient, the body lacks this antioxidant protection, leading to increased oxidative stress, especially in nerve and muscle cells.

• This can result in neurological symptoms (such as muscle weakness and coordination issues) and immune dysfunction, as cell membranes become more susceptible to damage.

Factors that can increase the risk of Vitamin E deficiency are discussed below.

Risk Factors Of Vitamin E Deficiency

1. Fat malabsorption

Vitamin E requires fat for absorption, so individuals with fat absorption issues are at higher risk of deficiency due to conditions like:

• Chronic pancreatitis

• Celiac disease

• Cholestatic liver disease

• Cystic fibrosis

• Short bowel syndrome 

• Gall bladder disorders 

• Liver disorders

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2. Family History

One of the primary reasons for Vitamin E deficiency is in our genes. Many times, this deficiency is passed on from the generations. 

Note: If there is a history of vitamin E deficiency in the family, then it is of utmost importance to keep a regular eye on vitamin E levels. 

3. Low birth weight

• The likelihood of this deficiency is also high among newborns and premature babies with lower birth weights. 

• Premature babies often have underdeveloped digestive systems that can also interfere with the absorption of fat and Vitamin E. 

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4. Age and Gender

• Vitamin E deficiency is most common among the elderly and children due to limited dietary diversity and low fruit and vegetable intake.

• Among adults, many studies have demonstrated a higher prevalence of Vitamin E deficiency in men than in women. 

5. Environmental Factors

• Obesity 

• Surgery Foods

• Low dietary intake of Vitamin E

• Smoking 

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Diagnosis Of Vitamin E Deficiency 

The diagnosis of Vitamin E deficiency includes:

1. Medical history and physical examination 

• The medical practitioner analyzes the potential risk factors and the personal health history during screening for Vitamin E deficiency. 

• The presence of various signs and symptoms are evaluated.

2. Vitamin E (tocopherol) test

• This test measures blood levels of Vitamin E, helping to detect deficiencies that may impact immune function, vision, and skin health.

3. Imaging tests 

These tests may be required to identify the underlying cause or the outcomes of Vitamin E deficiency. 

• X-rays: A prolonged Vitamin E deficiency can cause bone damage due to impaired calcium absorption. X-rays are used to assess bone density.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): The severe deficiency of Vitamin E can damage nerves. MRI is used to examine the condition of the brain and spinal cord, particularly in the presence of symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or balance problems. 

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Prevention Of Vitamin E Deficiency 

Here are a few tips suggested to avoid vitamin E deficiency:

1. Add Vitamin E to your diet 

To meet these requirements, include plant-based oil, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables sources of Vitamin E in your diet. 

2. Include good sources of fat 

Vitamin E can not be absorbed without fat. It is important to include good sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the diet. Some examples include:

• Walnuts

• Sunflower seeds

• Flax seeds or flax oil

• Fish, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, albacore tuna, and trout

• Corn oil

• Soybean oil

• Safflower oil

3. Increase the intake of Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps in supporting the antioxidant effects of Vitamin E. To keep your vitamin E level high, make sure to eat vitamin C-rich foods.

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4. Limit starch-containing foods 

• People who eat a lot of starchy foods such as sweets, bread, and potatoes tend to have lower Vitamin E levels. 

• Limit the amount of starch-containing foods and add green vegetables and nuts to the diet. 

Specialist to Visit 

Medical professionals to consult in case of Vitamin E deficiency include:

• General physician

• General medicine specialist

• Gastroenterologist

• Nutritionist

A general physician can help in the diagnosis and treatment of Vitamin E deficiency. 

A gastroenterologist helps in managing cases where deficiency develops due to malabsorption.

A general medicine specialist can diagnose vitamin E deficiency, assess overall health, and provide guidance on supplementation and dietary changes to address the deficiency.

A nutritionist can help with Vitamin E deficiency by assessing your dietary habits and developing a personalized meal plan to ensure adequate intake of this essential nutrient. 

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Treatment Of Vitamin E Deficiency 

The treatment of Vitamin E deficiency focuses on correcting the underlying cause such as fat malabsorption along with supplementation. Here are some common methods used to treat Vitamin E deficiency:

1. Dietary modifications

• A modification in diet helps to a greater extent in the course of treatment. 

• Individuals are advised to increase their intake of leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and fortified cereals. 

2. Vitamin E supplementation

• Oral supplements are typically prescribed in the form of tablets or soft gel capsules for mild to moderate deficiency. 

• Severe Vitamin E deficiency due to genetic defects or chronic diseases requires lifelong supplementation with high doses of vitamin E to prevent nerve damage and other complications.
  
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• Intramuscular injections are recommended for individuals having issues with the small intestine or oral ingestion. 

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Home-care For Vitamin E deficiency

To obtain the recommended intake of Vitamin E, it is advisable to consume a diverse selection of foods, including the following options:

Sunflower Seeds (Soorajmukhi ke Beej): These are rich in vitamin E, making them an excellent snack to help prevent or address vitamin E deficiency.

How To Use It?

Sprinkling sunflower seeds in yogurt, oatmeal, or salad can provide a variety of nutrients.

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Almonds (badam): Almonds are rich in vitamin E, providing a nutritious way to prevent or alleviate vitamin E deficiency.

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Spinach (palak): Spinach is loaded with vitamin E, making it a beneficial leafy green for boosting vitamin E levels.

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Eggs (ande): These are an excellent source of Vitamin E, especially the egg yolks which contain higher levels of the nutrient compared to the whites.

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Fortified cereals: These include food items such as whole wheat and oats. They are also an excellent choice for Vitamin E and regular consumption can help raise Vitamin E levels.

Milk and other dairy products: Milk, along with cheese and paneer, is rich in vitamin E, protein, calcium, and minerals, and is absorbed quickly and easily in the stomach.

Complications Of Vitamin E deficiency

Vitamin E deficiency can lead to various complications and health problems. Here are some of the potential complications associated with Vitamin E deficiency:

• Low immunity: Vitamin E deficiency impairs the immune response, making the body more prone to infectious and chronic diseases.
  
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• Cancer: People with low Vitamin E lack its powerful endogenous anticancer properties. Low Vitamin E is associated with certain types of cancers such as melanoma (skin cancer), oral cancer, etc.
  
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• Anemia: People with Vitamin E deficiency are prone to hemolytic anemia which causes excessive red blood cell destruction.
  
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• Heart disease and stroke: Antioxidants like Vitamin E are crucial for a healthy heart and blood vessels. Vitamin E deficiency can lead to stroke or heart failure. 

• Reduced fertility: Vitamin E plays a vital role in reproductive health in both men and women. Low levels may reduce the chance of conception and successful pregnancy.

• Vision problems: Lack of Vitamin E can cause vision loss by reducing the number of light receptors in the retina. This leads to impaired vision over time.

Living With Vitamin E Deficiency

Living with Vitamin E deficiency requires careful management and attention to your diet and overall health. Here are some suggestions to help you live with a Vitamin E deficiency:

1. Take supplements regularly

To restore the levels, the doctor may prescribe oral or injectable supplements. Follow their dosage recommendations.

2. Monitor your diet

Maintain a food diary to track your Vitamin E intake and discover any inadequacies. This might help in identifying patterns and making appropriate adjustments.

3. Be aware of symptoms

Stay alert for any symptoms of Vitamin E deficiency and report any new symptoms to the doctor as soon as possible.

4. Go for regular check-ups

Schedule regular check-ups to monitor Vitamin E levels and get guidance on treatment adjustments as needed.

5. Be cautious of certain medications 

People on blood thinners should avoid taking Vitamin E supplements as high levels may increase the risk of bleeding.