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Signs And Symptoms Of Vitamin E Deficiency You must Know To Address It!

By Nikita Banerjee +2 more

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is loaded with antioxidant properties and aids in keeping our immunity system up and running! Needless to say, since it is fat-soluble, it needs an adequate quantity of fat so that our bloodstream appropriately absorbs it.

Typically stored in the liver, it is generally rare to face a deficiency of this vitamin. And thankfully, since it occurs naturally in a wide range of food items, its deficiency can easily and quickly be corrected.

Vitamin E Deficiency

So, if you happen to experience one of the below-mentioned symptoms, it’s advisable that you conduct a medical expert and get your vitamin E levels checked.

  • General and unexplainable feeling of unwellness
  • Muscular pain or weakness
  • Difficulty in coordination and loss of body movement control
  • Visual challenges and deterioration
  • Immunity problems
  • Numbness and tingling

Deficiency of Vitamin E: Causes –  

  • Genetics

One of the primary reasons for vitamin E deficiency is in our genes. Many times, this deficiency is passed on from the forefathers. Thus, if there is a history of vitamin E deficiency in the family, then it is of utmost importance to keep a regular eye on the vitamin E levels and not allow them to fall below the prescribed numbers.

  • Underlying ailments

In many situations, a vitamin E deficiency may crop up due to medical conditions such as:

  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Chronic pancreatitis
  • Short bowel syndrome
  • Cholestasis, etc.

Many times, premature babies also experience this deficiency because their immature digestive track cannot manage fat and vitamin E absorption.

Though Vit E deficiency is not common, those with liver diseases or malabsorption syndromes should be mindful of it. Long term Vit E deficiency leads to irreversible neurological damage.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Vitamin E Deficiency: Treatment –  

While many doctors prescribe supplements, they can cause complications in some cases. Thus, it is highly advisable to derive this vital vitamin by incorporating vitamin E enriched food items in our everyday diet.

Vitamin E is found in abundance in a wide variety of foods such as:

  • Green leafy vegetables
  • Mangoes
  • Kiwis
  • Whole grains
  • Nuts such as almonds, peanuts
  • Seeds such as sunflower seeds
  • Olive oil
  • Avocados
  • Red peppers

Role of vitamin E is very critical in the body to relieve leg cramps, helpful in the glowing of the skin, protection of muscles from damage due to exercise, and as an anti-inflammatory agent in the body. Supplementation with vitamin E is commonly prescribed In the form of capsules for regular consumption.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

One can also consult their doctor for vitamin E supplements. Although, vitamin E contents in supplements are not regulated and thus it is better to get your vitamin E content from natural products.

While it is important to consume vitamin E, it is also extremely essential to keep a tab on excess consumption. Excessive vitamin E may cause:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Muscle pain and aches, etc.

How much vitamin E do I need?

The amount of vitamin E that we need to consume depends on our age. The recommended amount suggested is as follows:

  • Children (Age groups 1 to 3 years) : 6 milligrams/day
  • Children (Age groups 4 to 8 years): 7 milligrams/day
  • Children (Age groups 9 to 13 years): 11 milligrams/day
  • Teenagers: 15 milligrams/day
  • Adults: 15 milligrams/day
  • Pregnant teens and women: 15 milligrams/day
  • Breastfeeding mothers: 19 milligrams/day

Complications

While the body needs a sufficient amount of vitamin E, a surplus amount is never good. An individual must not take too many supplements of vitamins A, D, E, and K. Excessive levels of vitamin E in the body may cause abnormal bleeding, diarrhoea, muscle aches, and vomiting. The bleeding could increase the risk of a stroke and early death. Surplus vitamin E can also interact with blood thinners and chemotherapy medications and have adverse effects.

It is always better to consult your doctor regarding the dosage of supplements of vitamin E you are planning on including in your diet. Do not exceed the recommended dosage of the supplements unless instructed so by a medical expert.  

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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