Vitamin E deficiency has been observed in individuals with severe malnutrition, genetic defects affecting the vitamin E a-tocopherol transfer protein, and fat malabsorption syndromes. For example, children with cystic fibrosis or cholestatic liver disease, who have an impaired capacity to absorb dietary fat and therefore fat-soluble vitamins, may develop symptomatic vitamin E deficiency.
Severe vitamin E deficiency results mainly in neurological symptoms such as impaired balance and coordination, and muscle weakness. The developing nervous system appears to be especially vulnerable to vitamin E deficiency because children with severe vitamin E deficiency from birth, who are not treated with vitamin E, develop neurological symptoms rapidly. In contrast, individuals who develop malabsorption of vitamin E in adulthood may not develop neurological symptoms for 10-20 years. It should be noted that symptomatic vitamin E deficiency in healthy individuals who consume diets low in vitamin E has never been reported.
People With Vitamin E Deficiency
Aside from people with low fat absorbtion ability, the following types of people should also consider getting some extra vitamin E to avoid vitamin E deficiency:
People more than 55 years of age
Very low birth weight infants
Those who have a chronic wasting illness
Those who abuse alcohol or other drugs
People with inadequate caloric or nutritional dietary intake or increased nutritional requirements
Those with liver, gallbladder or pancreatic disease\
People with recent burns or injuries
People under excess stress for long periods
Anyone who has recently undergone surgery
People with cystic fibrosis
People with celiac disease
People with hyperthyroidism
Anyone at risk for myocardial infarction
Although true vitamin E deficiency is rare, suboptimal intake of vitamin E is relatively common in the U.S. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (NHANES III) examined the dietary intake and blood levels of vitamin E a-tocopherol in 16,295 multi-ethnic adults over the age of 18. 27% of white participants, 41% of African Americans, 28% of Mexican Americans and 32% of the other participants were found to have blood levels of vitamin E a-tocopherol less than 20 mmol/liter, a value chosen because the literature suggests there is an increased risk for cardiovascular disease below this level.
Vitamin E Side Effects
Although Vitamin E side efffects are rare and uncommon, taking Vitamin E can lead to some allergic reactions and side effects which include:
Fatigue
Weakness
Nausea and diarrhea
Headaches and blurred vision
Breathing difficulties
Rash
Studies on Vitamin E and Health Benefits
Vitamin E and Heart Disease and Stroke
Preliminary research has led to a widely held belief that vitamin E may help prevent or delay coronary heart disease. Researchers are fairly certain that oxidative modification of LDL-cholesterol (sometimes called "bad" cholesterol) promotes blockages in coronary arteries that may lead to atherosclerosis and heart attacks.
Vitamin E may help prevent or delay coronary heart disease by limiting the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol. Vitamin E also may help prevent the formation of blood clots, which could lead to a heart attack. Observational studies have associated lower rates of heart disease with higher vitamin E intake. A study of approximately 90,000 nurses suggested that the incidence of heart disease was 30% to 40% lower among nurses with the highest intake of vitamin E from diet and supplements. The range of intakes from both diet and supplements in this group was 21.6 to 1,000 IU (32 to 1,500 mg), with the median intake being 208 IU (139 mg).
Vitamin E and Cancer
Antioxidants such as vitamin E help protect against the damaging effects of free radicals, which may contribute to the development of diseases such as cancer. Vitamin E also may block the formation of nitrosamines, which are carcinogens formed in the stomach from nitrites consumed in the diet. It also may protect against the development of cancers by enhancing immune function. Unfortunately, human trials and surveys that tried to associate vitamin E with incidence of cancer have been generally inconclusive.
A study of women in Iowa provided evidence that an increased dietary intake of vitamin E may decrease the risk of colon cancer, especially in women under 65 years of age. On the other hand, vitamin E intake was not statistically associated with risk of colon cancer in almost 2,000 adults with cancer who were compared to controls without cancer. At this time there is limited evidence to recommend vitamin E supplements for the prevention of cancer.
Vitamin E and Cataracts
Cataracts are growths on the lens of the eye that cloud vision. They increase the risk of disability and blindness in aging adults. Antioxidants are being studied to determine whether they can help prevent or delay cataract growth. Observational studies have found that lens clarity, which is used to diagnose cataracts, was better in regular users of vitamin E supplements and in persons with higher blood levels of vitamin E.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is an essential vitamin that function as an antioxidant. Previous research has shown that vitamin E can help prevent cardiovascular disease and increase immune response as well as many other health benefits.
