15 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin E Deficiency

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Vitamin E deficiency causes neurodegeneration and fragility in red blood cells. Hence, it is imperative to have detailed knowledge about the causes and symptoms of vitamin E deficiency diseases.

Here is a detailed explanation of the symptoms and signs of vitamin E deficiency.

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What is Vitamin E Deficiency?

Vitamin E is an essential fat-soluble component in fruits and green vegetables. Unfortunately, the human body is incapable of producing this compound. Therefore, individuals have to consume food items rich in vitamin E to fulfil their diet requirements.

Being a fat-soluble component, vitamin E requires an adequate quantity of fat to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Typically, the human body stores vitamin E in the liver.

Though vitamin E deficiency diseases are rare, overlooking the fact can lead to serious trouble in the future.

Scientifically, vitamin E deficiency is a result of conditions that hinder the absorption or digestion of nutrients by the human body. These conditions may include diseases like cystic fibrosis, genetic disorders, Crohn's disease, liver issues, etc.

Consuming a low or no-fat diet can also lead to a deficiency of vitamin E and poor immunity. Hence, it is essential to identify the early symptoms of this deficiency and take precautions accordingly. Here are some of the common symptoms that indicate a lack of vitamin E in an individual.

How Common is Vitamin E Deficiency?

Vitamin E insufficiency is exceedingly uncommon in people since low vitamin E diets are unlikely to be the cause. Rather, abnormalities in the metabolism or absorption of dietary fat are typically the reason. Vitamin E is a vitamin that dissolves in fat. 

Babies that are born preterm and have lower birth weights and less fat are likewise more likely to be deficient. Babies born before their time are especially vulnerable because a developing digestive system might make it difficult to absorb fat and vitamin E.

15 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin E Deficiency

Some of the common symptoms of vitamin E deficiency in adults and children include

Sr.No. Symptom Description
1 Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) or Retrolental Fibroplasia The lack of vitamin E can cause retinopathy of prematurity or retrolental fibroplasia. This is usually observed in premature infants who suffer from blindness in their preschool age.
2 Central Nervous System Functioning and Muscle Weakness Vitamin E is a vital element for the smooth functioning of the central nervous system. Lack of vitamin E can lead to muscle weakness due to oxidative stress.
3 Damage to Nerve Fibres and Peripheral Neuropathy The chances of damage in nerve fibres increase as there is a deficiency in vitamin E. It can prevent nerves from transmitting signals leading to peripheral neuropathy.
4 Hair Loss and Skin Issues Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. It supports healthy hair follicles by promoting circulation to the scalp and ensuring adequate nutrient supply to the hair roots. Deficiency can also lead to major hair loss and skin issues.
5 Germinal Matrix Hemorrhages in Pregnant Women Vitamin E deficiency in pregnant women can lead to germinal matrix haemorrhages. Commonly known as periventricular-intraventricular haemorrhage in neonates, it can lead to premature birth and prenatal stress.
6 Purkinje Neuron Breakdown and Coordination Issues Vitamin E deficiency can cause Purkinje neurons to break down. This would impair their ability to transmit signals, leading to walking difficulties and coordination issues.
7 Repression of Immune Cells and Poor Immunity Lack of vitamin E can repress the immune cells, leading to poor immunity and an increased risk of diseases.
8 Loss of Vision Deficiency of vitamin E can eventually lead to loss of vision. Vitamin E deficiency can lead to loss of vision primarily due to its role in maintaining the retina's health and protecting against oxidative damage.
9 Gastrointestinal Issues Vitamin E deficiency can affect gastrointestinal health, causing diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and difficulty digesting fats. This is because vitamin E maintains the integrity of cell membranes throughout the body, including those in the digestive tract.
10 Cardiovascular Issues Vitamin E protects the cardiovascular system due to its antioxidant properties. Deficiency may contribute to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, although more research is needed to establish clear causal relationships.
11 Impaired Wound Healing Vitamin E is known for promoting skin health and wound healing. Deficiency can impair these processes, leading to slow wound healing, increased susceptibility to infections, and possibly more noticeable scars.
12 Anemia Vitamin E deficiency can contribute to the development of anaemia. This is because vitamin E maintains the integrity of red blood cells. Without sufficient vitamin E, red blood cells may become fragile and prone to destruction, leading to anaemia characterised by fatigue, weakness, and pallor.
13 Fertility Issues Vitamin E is involved in maintaining reproductive health. Deficiency can lead to fertility issues in both men and women. In men, it may cause decreased sperm count and motility, while in women, it could lead to problems such as miscarriages or difficulty in conceiving.
14 Coordination Problems Deficiency can lead to muscle weakness and coordination problems due to oxidative stress affecting muscle function. This may manifest as difficulty walking, muscle tremors, or unsteady movements.
15 Cognitive Impairment and Neurological Issues Vitamin E is crucial in protecting nerve cells and supporting their function. Deficiency can result in cognitive impairment, memory problems, and neurological issues such as difficulty in concentrating, mood swings, and even more severe conditions like dementia in advanced cases.

These are some of the common symptoms that indicate a vitamin E deficiency in the human body. Therefore, individuals must know how to check vitamin E deficiency to avoid the occurrence of serious diseases in the future.

Ignoring these pointers can increase the risk of major health issues in humans. Moreover, if the immunity becomes weaker, the health conditions will worsen over time. Therefore, it is suggested to get a body checkup to determine the primary causes of the deficiency.

Primary Reasons for Vitamin E Deficiency

Some of the factors that lead to vitamin E deficiency in an individual are discussed below.

Sr. No. Factors Description
1 Poor Diet With digitalisation and the impact of social media, many health enthusiasts start experimenting with their diet. Doctors recommend consuming a healthy meal that combines nutrients, vitamins, carbohydrates, fats, proteins and minerals. Following a diet that lacks fruits and vegetables can result in vitamin E deficiency. Consuming processed foods can also increase the toxin level, leading to obesity, heart diseases, etc.
2 Genetics Scientists indicate that vitamin E deficiency can be genetic. Some families pass down rare diseases genetically. For instance, familial isolated vitamin E deficiency and abetalipoproteinemia are two genetic conditions leading to vitamin E deficiency diseases. Individuals suffering from the said chronic diseases need supplements to keep their bodily systems in check.
3 Medical Conditions A significant cause of vitamin E deficiency can be diseases that restrict fat absorption. As discussed, the human body needs fat to absorb vitamin E efficiently. A deficiency of vitamin E causes the body to lose immunity and increase the risk of cellular damage. Diseases like Celiac, Chronic Pancreatitis, Cystic Fibrosis and Cholestatic liver can confine fat absorption.

Apart from diet selection, factors like genetics and medical conditions are beyond human control. These conditions can give rise to serious health issues. Hence, it is important to know which diseases are caused by the lack of vitamin E for easier diagnosis and treatment.

What are the Health Issues a Vitamin E Deficient Patient Can Suffer in Long Term?

The main side effects of vitamin E deficiency include

  • Mild Hemolytic Anaemia
  • Abetalipoproteinemia
  • Retinopathy
  • Haemorrhage in Neonates
  • Chronic Cholestatic Hepatobiliary
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Spinocerebellar Ataxia

It is imperative to know what causes Vitamin E deficiency to avoid facing long term health issues. Early diagnosis would help in finding the right solution and treatment for vitamin E deficiency.

What are the Diagnosis of Vitamin E Deficiency?

Diagnosing vitamin E deficiency involves clinical assessment, laboratory tests, and sometimes additional evaluations to confirm the deficiency. Here are the methods commonly used:

Clinical Evaluation

Vitamin E deficiency can present with various symptoms, although they are not specific to this deficiency alone. Common symptoms include muscle weakness, unsteady gait, vision problems (especially retinal degeneration), and sensory changes like tingling or numbness in extremities.

Medical History

A detailed history may reveal factors predisposing individuals to vitamin E deficiency, such as malabsorption syndromes (like cystic fibrosis or celiac disease), inadequate dietary intake, or certain genetic conditions affecting vitamin E metabolism.

Laboratory Tests

Measurement of vitamin E levels in the blood (specifically alpha-tocopherol) is a common initial test. However, it's important to note that serum levels may not always accurately reflect total body stores of vitamin E, as the vitamin is primarily stored in tissues rather than circulating in high concentrations.

Red Blood Cell Hemolysis Test

This test measures the stability of red blood cells to oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide. Vitamin E deficiency can lead to increased sensitivity of red blood cells to oxidative damage.

Plasma Lipid Peroxides

Elevated levels of plasma lipid peroxides can indicate increased oxidative stress due to vitamin E deficiency, as vitamin E plays a crucial role in protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage.

Genetic Testing

In rare cases, genetic testing may be necessary to diagnose specific genetic disorders affecting vitamin E metabolism, such as familial isolated vitamin E deficiency (FIVED).

Response to Vitamin E Supplementation

While not a definitive diagnostic method, improving symptoms after vitamin E supplementation can support the diagnosis. However, this method alone is inconclusive and should be interpreted with other diagnostic measures.

Differential Diagnosis

Vitamin E deficiency can present similarly to other conditions, including other nutritional deficiencies (such as vitamin B12), neurodegenerative disorders (like Friedreich's ataxia), and peripheral neuropathies. A comprehensive evaluation is important to differentiate these conditions.

Best Food Sources to Overcome Vitamin E Deficiency

Include adequate vitamin E rich foods in your diet to prevent deficiency. Below are the top foods rich in vitamin E to include in your diet

Fruits to Overcome Vitamin E Deficiency

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These fruits are not only delicious but also have a high quantity of vitamin E. Pick any of these to add to your diet:

Sr.No. Fruits Nutritional Value
1 Mamey sapote (half) 5.9 mg
2 Avocado (half) 2.1 mg
3 Mango (half) 1.5 mg
4 Kiwifruit (one) 1.0 mg
5 Blackberries (half cup) 0.8 mg
6 Black Currants (half cup) 0.6 mg
7 Cranberries (dried) (half cup) 0.6 mg
8 Apricots (one) 0.3 mg
9 Raspberries (10 pieces) 0.2 mg
10 Olives (pickled) (five) 0.5 mg

Vegetables to Overcome Vitamin E Deficiency

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Below are a few vegetables to include in your diet to increase the quantity of vitamin E in your body

Sr.No. Vegetables Nutritional Value (Vitamin E per 100g)
1 Red Sweet Pepper (raw) 1.9 mg
2 Turnip Greens (raw) 1.6 mg
3 Beet Greens (cooked) 1.8 mg
4 Butternut Squash (cooked) 1.3 mg
5 Broccoli (cooked) 1.5 mg
6 Mustard Greens (cooked) 1.8 mg
7 Asparagus (cooked) 1.5 mg
8 Swiss Chard (raw) 1.9 mg
9 Collards (raw) 2.3 mg
10 Spinach (raw) 2.0 mg

Other Eatables to Overcome Vitamin E Deficiency

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Here are other options besides fruits or vegetables to include in your diet. Increase your vitamin E intake through these:

Sr. No. Food Items Nutritional Value (Vitamin E per 100g)
1 Abalone 4.0 mg
2 Goose Meat 1.7 mg
3 Atlantic Salmon 1.1 mg
4 Rainbow Trout 2.8 mg
5 Snails 5.0 mg
6 Crayfish 1.5 mg
7 Fish Roe 7.0 mg
8 Lobster 1.0 mg

How Much Vitamin E Do You Need Daily?

Vitamin E intake is different among different age groups. The amount of vitamin E you need is

  • 4mg a day for men
  • 3mg a day for women

You should be able to get all the vitamin E you need from your diet.

Any vitamin E your body does not need immediately is stored for future use, so you do not need it in your diet every day.

Which Diseases are Caused Due to Vitamin E Deficiency?

Check the list below to know which diseases are caused by vitamin E deficiency and how.

Sr. No. Disease Description
1 Eye Disorders Vitamin E deficiency causes loss of central vision or age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
2 Mental Function Disorder Lack of vitamin E can cause mental issues and impair cognitive function. This can lead to Alzheimer's in aged individuals.
3 Spinocerebellar Ataxia Vitamin E deficiency can lead to a progressive neurological disorder, gradually developing into Ataxia. This progressing deficiency also deteriorates heart muscle leading to death. Cardiomyopathy is also a cause of vitamin E deficiency in patients with AVED. This obstructs the heart from pumping blood to the rest of the body, leading to palpitations, breath shortness and fatigue.
4 Pregnancy Issues The role of vitamin E in pregnancy is critical for neurological functioning. Conversely, inadequate vitamin E can stun the mental growth and vision of an infant.

How to Prevent Vitamin E Deficiency?

The standard methods of vitamin E deficiency treatment are as follows

Preventive Method Description
Dietary Changes If you are wondering how to prevent vitamin E deficiency, correcting your diet can be an efficient solution. In many instances, consuming a vitamin E-rich diet has led to the body's prevention and protection from the effects. A meal of fruits, nuts, seeds and vegetables in a balanced ratio is always beneficial.
Medical Attention If an individual is suffering from severe vitamin E deficiency symptoms, taking medical advice is the best option.

Scientifically, the normal vitamin E level falls between 5.5 and 17 milligrams/L. However, this amount can differ for premature babies and children under 17 years. For an adult, the range must be above 4 mg/L.

Treatment and cure of vitamin E deficiency diseases can differ across human beings. Like most other nutrient deficiencies, vitamin E shortfall takes 3 weeks to 6 months to resolve. However, it is essential to follow a balanced diet to prevent the adverse effects of low vitamin E. For instance, pregnant women must consult a dietician and follow the suggestions accordingly.

Now that you have a detailed understanding of vitamin E deficiency symptoms and causes, you can start drawing your diet chart.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from Vitamin E Deficiency?

The recovery time from vitamin E deficiency can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the deficiency, the individual's overall health, and how quickly treatment is initiated. Here’s a general overview of the recovery timeline:

Level

Description

Mild Deficiency

If the deficiency is mild and caught early, symptoms can often be improved within a few weeks to a few months with adequate supplementation or dietary adjustments. 

Moderate Deficiency

In cases where the deficiency is moderate, it may take several months of consistent supplementation or increased dietary intake of vitamin E rich foods to replenish depleted stores and alleviate symptoms.

Severe Deficiency

Recovery may take longer for severe cases of vitamin E deficiency, especially those leading to significant neurological or muscular symptoms. It could require intensive treatment and monitoring for several months to a year or more. 

Underlying Health Conditions

If the deficiency is due to underlying health conditions such as malabsorption disorders or genetic factors, addressing these conditions is crucial for effective treatment and may affect the recovery timeline.

Regular monitoring of vitamin E levels and clinical symptoms throughout the recovery period is essential to gauge progress and adjust treatment as needed.

Who is at Risk for Vitamin E Deficiency?

The deficiency of vitamin E may cause major harm to newborns and babies born prematurely. This is because they have lower body fat which leads to lesser absorption of lipid-soluble vitamin E. The hindrance in vitamin E absorption is more prominent in premature infants due to an underdeveloped digestive tract. This can lead to haemolytic anaemia, which destroys red blood cells.

Comparatively, adults are at a safer zone as vitamin E gets stored in the liver for immunity. However, low dietary amounts of α-tocopherol can lead to increased damage to tissues. This can lead to anaemia due to high exposure to oxygen and iron contents.

The specific groups that are particularly vulnerable to vitamin E deficiency due to various underlying factors are as follows:

Malabsorption Conditions

Conditions such as Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, and chronic pancreatitis can impair the absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin E. Individuals with these conditions may not absorb sufficient vitamin E from their diet, even if intake is adequate.

Premature Infants

Premature babies are born with lower stores of vitamin E, which normally accumulates in the last trimester of pregnancy. They are at increased risk of deficiency if not supplemented adequately, which can lead to neurological complications.

Very Low-Fat Diets

Vitamin E is primarily found in fats and oils. Diets extremely low in fats, often associated with weight-loss diets or certain medical recommendations, can lead to insufficient vitamin E intake. People adhering strictly to low-fat diets without careful planning may not consume enough vitamin E.

Genetic Disorders

Certain genetic disorders can affect the body's metabolism or transport of vitamin E. Individuals with these genetic conditions may require higher intakes of vitamin E or specialised forms of supplementation.

Older Adults

Older adults may have reduced absorption efficiency and dietary intake. Age-related changes in digestive function can lead to decreased absorption of nutrients, including vitamin E, making supplementation or dietary adjustments necessary.

Alcoholism

Chronic alcohol consumption can impair nutrient absorption and utilisation. Alcoholics may have reduced dietary intake of vitamin E and impaired liver function, which can affect the storage and metabolism of the vitamin.

Certain Medications

Some medications, such as certain cholesterol-lowering drugs (like cholestyramine), can interfere with fat absorption and affect vitamin E absorption. Individuals on these medications may require monitoring of their vitamin E status and potential supplementation.

Low-Income Populations

Socioeconomic factors can affect access to a diverse and nutritious diet. People with limited financial resources may have diets lacking in vitamin E rich foods, increasing their risk of deficiency.

Having access to a balanced diet ensures a healthy lifestyle. Although deficiency of vitamin E is rare, it is still probable. Follow the necessary instructions to ensure adequate intake of vitamin E rich food items. Consult a doctor if you need vitamin E supplementation and administer it carefully.

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