Symptoms of vitamin E deficiency or low levels of vitamin E include muscle weakness, coordination difficulties, numbness, vision problems, and more.
Deficiency is uncommon and typically the result of an underlying condition. Some premature infants also have low levels.
The body needs vitamin E to function, making it an essential vitamin. It is fat-soluble, meaning that it requires fat from the diet to be properly absorbed. Vitamin E is mainly stored in the liver before being released into the blood stream for use.
Vitamin E occurs in eight chemical forms. With a blood test, a doctor can learn how much of one form,
A normal level is usually with the range of 5.5–17 milligrams per liter (mg/L). The normal range may be different for premature infants and children under 17. Normal ranges can also vary slightly among labs.
When an adult has less than 4 mg/L of vitamin E in their blood, they usually require supplementation.
Low levels of vitamin E can lead to:
Muscle weaknessTrusted Source : Vitamin E is essential to the central nervous system. It is among the body’s main antioxidants, and a deficiency results in oxidative stress, which can lead to muscle weakness.Coordination and walking difficultiesTrusted Source : A deficiency can cause certain neurons, called the Purkinje neurons, to break down, harming their ability to transmit signals.- Numbness and tingling: Damage to nerve fibers can prevent the nerves from transmitting signals correctly, resulting in these sensations, which are also called peripheral neuropathy.
Vision deteriorationTrusted Source : A vitamin E deficiency can weaken light receptors in the retina and other cells in the eye. This can lead to loss of vision over time.- Immune system problems: Some research suggests that a lack of vitamin E can inhibit the immune cells.
Older adultsTrusted Source may be particularly at risk.
Muscle weakness and difficulties with coordination are neurological symptoms that indicate damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems.
The peripheral system is the network of nerves located beyond the brain and spinal cord. These neurons pass messages throughout the body.
The central nervous system communicates between the brain and the spinal cord.
The sheaths of neurons are mostly composed of fats. When the body has too little vitamin E, it contains fewer antioxidants that protect these fats, and the function of the nervous system breaks down.
Genetics
Vitamin E deficiency often runs in families.
Learning about family history can make diagnosing certain rare, inherited diseases easier. Two of these diseases, congenital abetalipoproteinemia and familial isolated vitamin E deficiency, are chronic and result in extremely low vitamin E levels.
Medical conditions
Vitamin E deficiency can also result from diseases that severely reduce the absorption of fat. This is because the body requires fat to absorb vitamin E correctly.
Some of these diseases include:
- chronic pancreatiti
- celiac disease
cholestatic liver diseaseTrusted Source - cystic fibrosis.
Deficiency is also
Premature infants are at particular risk because an immature digestive tract can interfere with fat and vitamin E absorption.
Vitamin E deficiencies in these infants can also lead to hemolytic anemia, which destroys red blood cells.
Further resources
For more in-depth resources about vitamins, minerals, and supplements, visit our dedicated hub.
When a person has no history of genetic disease but experiences any symptoms of a vitamin E deficiency, they should contact a doctor.
An extremely low level of vitamin E in the blood can indicate an underlying health issue. Further testing will help to determine the cause and treatment options.
Vitamin E supplementation is often effective.
Newborns and premature babies
Current practice involves providing vitamin E supplementation through a tube in the stomach. When necessary, it can also be administered intravenously.
While one dose can sufficiently raise blood levels of vitamin E, multiple doses may be required.
Children and adults
Children and adults with deficiencies caused by inherited conditions
Supplementation can stop the progression of the disease. When the deficiency is detected early, it may prevent neurological symptoms.
It is highly unlikely that a person has low levels of vitamin E unless they have an underlying chronic disease, a genetic condition, or a diet extremely low in fat. For others, supplementation is usually not necessary.
Vitamin E is plentiful in a wide variety of foods. The body cannot produce it, so it must be obtained from the diet or a supplement.
Foods that contain vitamin E include:
- vegetable oils, such as wheat-germ oil, peanut oil, and olive oil
- nuts, seeds
- whole grains
- milk
- most vegetables, including spinach, Swiss chard, red peppers, and avocados
A person should not take too many supplements of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Excessive levels of vitamin E may cause abnormal bleeding, muscle aches, diarrhea, and vomiting. The bleeding can increase the risk of a stroke and early death.
Too much vitamin E can also interact with blood thinners, such as warfarin, and chemotherapy medications.
A person should inform the doctor of all supplements and vitamins they take regularly. Do not exceed the recommended dosage of supplements unless instructed to by a physician.
When an adult has a vitamin E deficiency, a chronic illness or genetic condition is likely responsible.
A person should seek treatment from a specialist and a qualified dietitian who has experience with the illness.
When a diet extremely low in fat is responsible for the deficiency, it can be remedied by adding fats to the diet.
Ongoing vitamin E supplementation will be necessary to halt the progression of illness and prevent complications. When a person is diagnosed early and receives continuous treatment, their outlook is usually good.
Research continues on vitamin E supplementation, toxicity, and safe limits.
