Symptoms of vitamin E deficiency have also been reported in individuals suffering from protein-calorie malnutrition, though such cases are rare. In the general population, vitamin E deficiency is uncommon due to its wide availability in various foods like nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. However, individuals with fat malabsorption disorders are particularly vulnerable to this deficiency. For these at-risk groups, supplementation is often recommended to prevent the onset of deficiency symptoms.
The absence of sufficient vitamin E in the body has significant consequences. One of the most severe effects is the destruction of red blood cells, a condition known as erythrocyte hemolysis. This occurs because vitamin E protects the polyunsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes from oxidative damage. Without this protection, the cells break open, spilling their contents and leading to anemia. Premature infants are particularly susceptible to erythrocyte hemolysis because they miss the critical transfer of vitamin E from the mother during the last weeks of pregnancy.
Vitamin E deficiency primarily manifests as peripheral neuropathy, a condition characterized by the degeneration of large axons in sensory neurons. This leads to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and loss of coordination. Other neurological symptoms include spinocerebellar ataxia, skeletal myopathy, and pigmented retinopathy. In severe cases, prolonged deficiency can result in neuromuscular dysfunction affecting the spinal cord and retina, leading to irreversible damage.
Given the essential functions of vitamin E in maintaining cellular integrity and neurological health, ensuring adequate intake is vital, particularly for those at risk of deficiency.
The Essential Role of Vitamin E and the Consequences of Its Deficiency
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| Vitamin E Food Sources |
