Four (4) Surprising Symptoms of Vitamin E Deficiency.
Hello. I am Baymax. Your personal healthcare companion. Today we will be discussing the symptoms of vitamin E deficiency you don't know. Vitamin E is an essential nutrient that is required for various bodily functions. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
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| Four (4) Surprising Symptoms of Vitamin E Deficiency. |
Vitamin E is found naturally in foods such as nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables. However, some people may not get enough vitamin E from their diet, leading to a deficiency. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of vitamin E deficiency in detail.
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Causes of vitamin E deficiency
Vitamin E deficiency can occur due to several reasons. One of the most common causes is malabsorption. Malabsorption occurs when the body is unable to absorb nutrients properly. Conditions such as celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, and chronic pancreatitis can cause malabsorption of vitamin E.
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Poor diet is another cause of vitamin E deficiency. If your diet lacks foods that are rich in vitamin E, you may develop a deficiency. Foods that are high in vitamin E include almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, spinach, and broccoli. Genetic abnormalities that affect the body's ability to absorb vitamin E can also cause a deficiency. Lastly, liver and gallbladder diseases can interfere with the body's ability to store and utilize vitamin E.
Symptoms of vitamin E deficiency
Vitamin E deficiency can cause a wide range of symptoms that vary from person to person. The symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly, depending on the cause of the deficiency. Some of the common symptoms of vitamin E deficiency are as follows:
1. Neurological Symptoms.
Vitamin E deficiency can cause neurological symptoms such as ataxia (uncoordinated movements), muscle weakness, tremors, and loss of sensation. Ataxia is a condition in which the body loses control of voluntary movements. It can affect balance, coordination, and speech. Muscle weakness can cause difficulty in performing daily activities such as walking and lifting objects. Tremors are involuntary movements of the limbs, and loss of sensation can affect the ability to feel touch and temperature.
2. Hematologic symptoms.
Vitamin E deficiency can cause hemolytic anemia, which is a type of anemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells. Hemolytic anemia can cause symptoms such as fatigue, pale skin, rapid heart rate, and shortness of breath. It can also cause jaundice, a condition in which the skin and eyes turn yellow due to the buildup of bilirubin.
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3. Ophthalmic symptoms.
Vitamin E deficiency can cause retinopathy, which is damage to the retina that can lead to vision loss. Retinopathy can cause symptoms such as blurred vision, loss of visual acuity, and even blindness. Night blindness is another ophthalmic symptom of vitamin E deficiency. Night blindness is the inability to see in dim light or darkness.
4. Other symptoms.
Vitamin E deficiency can cause impaired immune function, which can make you more susceptible to infections. It can also cause skin problems such as dryness, itching, and rashes.
Prevention, treatments and diagnosis.
Diagnosing vitamin E deficiency can be challenging since it shares symptoms with other conditions. However, doctors can conduct blood tests to check vitamin E levels and diagnose a deficiency. Blood tests can measure the levels of alpha-tocopherol, the most active form of vitamin E in the body. A level of less than 5 mg/L indicates a deficiency. Genetic testing may also be performed in cases where genetic abnormalities are suspected.
Treatment of vitamin E deficiency involves taking vitamin E supplements or making dietary changes to increase vitamin E intake. The recommended daily intake of vitamin E for adults is 15 mg per day. However, the dose may vary depending on the severity of the deficiency and the underlying cause. Vitamin E supplements are available in various forms such as capsules, tablets, and oil. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements to avoid the risk of toxicity.
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In addition to supplements, increasing the intake of vitamin E-rich foods can help prevent and treat a deficiency. Foods that are rich in vitamin E include nuts, seeds, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and vegetable oils. Incorporating these foods into your diet can help ensure that you are getting enough vitamin E.
Preventing vitamin E deficiency involves maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet. Including vitamin E-rich foods in your diet can help prevent a deficiency. It is also important to ensure that your body is able to absorb nutrients properly. Maintaining good digestive health and treating any underlying medical conditions that affect nutrient absorption can help prevent a deficiency.
Conclusion
Vitamin E deficiency can cause a wide range of symptoms that can impact various bodily functions. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of vitamin E deficiency and take steps to prevent and treat it. A balanced diet that includes vitamin E-rich foods and supplements can help ensure that you are getting enough vitamin E. If you suspect that you may have a vitamin E deficiency, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
In conclusion, taking care of your body by maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for overall health and wellbeing. Vitamin E is an important nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining various bodily functions. By being aware of the symptoms of vitamin E deficiency and taking steps to prevent and treat it, you can ensure that your body is functioning at its best.
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