Vitamin E Deficiency – Symptoms and Health Effects
Vitamin E plays an important role in protecting cells from oxidative stress and supporting immune functions. But what happens when vitamin E levels drop below normal limits?
- 💪🏻 Muscle weakness and coordination problems can occur. These manifest as difficulties in movement.
- 👓 Vision problems and retinal damage may occur. Increased oxidative stress can lead to vision loss.
- 🦠 A weakened immune system makes you more vulnerable. The body has a reduced defense capacity.
🔍 Symptoms of Vitamin E Deficiency
💪 Progressive Muscle Weakness
Vitamin E is essential for maintaining the health of muscle cells. In its absence, muscle fibers begin to deteriorate, and strength gradually decreases. You may notice it becoming increasingly difficult to lift objects or climb stairs effortlessly.
🌙 Night Vision Problems
The retina is highly sensitive to oxidative stress, and vitamin E protects it. Deficiency leads to difficulties adapting to darkness and blurred vision in low light.
⚖️ Coordination and Balance Difficulties
The peripheral nervous system needs vitamin E to function correctly. When it’s lacking, walking disorders, loss of balance, or clumsiness in simple activities can occur.
An easy way to include more sources of vitamin E in your daily diet is by consuming Aronia and Sea Buckthorn Juice – a 100% natural and organic drink, obtained by cold-pressing fresh aronia and sea buckthorn berries. This juice contains no additives, preservatives, added sugar, artificial flavors, or colors, making it suitable for vegans and individuals with gluten or lactose intolerance.
Photo source: Aronia-charlottenburg.ro
Main benefits:
- Strong Immunity: The abundance of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in aronia and sea buckthorn contributes to strengthening the immune system
- Blood Sugar Regulation: Regular consumption can help maintain optimal blood sugar levels
- Cardiovascular Health: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties support the normal functioning of the heart and blood vessels
- Natural Energy: The nutrients in the juice provide a boost of vitality and combat fatigue
- Detoxification: Helps eliminate toxins from the body, supporting liver function
🤧 Frequent Infections
Vitamin E supports the body’s natural defenses. A deficiency can weaken your immunity, making you more vulnerable to viruses, colds, or recurring infections.
🦶 Numbness and Tingling
Without the antioxidant protection of vitamin E, peripheral nerves are affected. This leads to unpleasant sensations in the hands and feet – such as tingling, burning, or unexplained numbness.
🧴 Dry and Damaged Skin
Lack of vitamin E leads to lipid oxidation in the skin, causing dryness, flaking, and irritation. The skin loses its elasticity and becomes prone to cracking and redness.
🩹 Slow Wound Healing
Vitamin E supports cell regeneration. When it’s lacking, the healing process for cuts, scratches, or other injuries becomes slow, increasing the risk of infection.
💤 Chronic Fatigue
Without sufficient vitamin E intake, cells work less efficiently and degrade faster. This condition leads to a general decrease in energy levels, persistent fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
🚼 Fertility Problems
Vitamin E is known for its role in protecting reproductive cells. Deficiencies can affect ova and sperm, negatively impacting fertility in both women and men.
🧠 Impaired Cognitive Function
The brain is vulnerable to oxidative stress. Over time, a lack of vitamin E leads to memory problems, decreased concentration, and even an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
⚠️ Causes of Vitamin E Deficiency
🧬 Digestive Conditions (e.g., Crohn’s Disease)
Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, affect the intestine’s ability to absorb essential nutrients, including vitamin E. Since this vitamin is fat-soluble, any dysfunction of the digestive tract can lead to a serious deficiency.
🥗 Low-Fat Diet
Vitamin E requires fats for efficient absorption. If you follow an extremely low-fat diet – whether for weight loss or other reasons – your body may not be able to absorb this vitamin in sufficient quantities.
🧪 Genetic Factors
Certain rare genetic mutations can affect how the body metabolizes vitamin E. This means that even if a person consumes enough dietary sources, their body cannot utilize the vitamin effectively, leading to a chronic deficiency.
👶 Premature Birth
Premature newborns are born with insufficient vitamin E reserves. Additionally, their digestive systems are not fully developed, making absorption more difficult. For this reason, vitamin E supplementation is often necessary in the first weeks of life to prevent complications.
📊 Recommended Daily Allowance of Vitamin E
👨🦱 For Adults (14+ years) – 15 mg/day
This is the recommended daily intake to ensure basic antioxidant protection.
🤰 For Pregnant Women – 15 mg/day
During pregnancy, vitamin E plays a crucial role in the healthy development of the fetus, protecting cells and supporting the mother’s immune system. Although the needs do not increase compared to average adults, it is important to avoid deficiencies.
🤱 For Breastfeeding Women – 19 mg/day
The demand for vitamin E increases during breastfeeding to support the health of both mother and baby. Nutrients pass into breast milk, hence the requirement is higher than during pregnancy.
⚠️ Maximum Safe Dose – 1000 mg/day
It is important not to exceed this amount, as very high doses can lead to adverse effects, such as blood clotting problems or interactions with anticoagulant medications.
💊 Vitamin E Supplements – When and How to Use Them
🧴 When Do You Need Vitamin E Supplements?
Supplements can be beneficial, but only in specific situations. Here’s when taking them is justified:
- 🩺 Diagnosed Deficiency – Confirmed through laboratory tests.
- 🍳 Conditions Affecting Fat Absorption – Such as Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, or other digestive issues.
- 🥗 Low-Fat Diet – With restrictive diets, the necessary vehicle for vitamin E absorption may be lacking.
- 👨⚕️ On Doctor’s Recommendation – Supplementation should always be done under medical supervision, especially if you are taking other treatments.
🕒 How to Take Them Correctly?
For maximum effectiveness and safety, follow these recommendations:
- 🍽️ Take the supplement with a meal containing fat – Vitamin E is fat-soluble, meaning it needs fats for proper absorption.
- 📏 Follow the prescribed dosage – Do not take more “preventively,” as excess can be harmful.
- 🧠 Monitor Reactions – Pay attention to any potential side effects, such as nausea, headaches, or blood clotting disorders.
- ⛔ Do not exceed the maximum daily dose of 1000 mg – High doses can interact with other medications and affect health.
🍇 Natural Recommendation: Fruit Antioxidants
For a natural alternative, you can try Aronia and Sea Buckthorn Juice – rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and natural compounds that support immunity and protect cells from oxidative stress.
Consult a doctor before taking vitamin E supplements. A specialist will assess your needs.
Understanding the role of vitamin E and the impact of its deficiency is important for maintaining health. Monitoring symptoms, knowing potential causes, and adhering to recommended dosages are crucial steps.
If you suspect a deficiency, consult a doctor for evaluation and personalized recommendations.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519051/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/vitamin-e-deficiency
- Maret G. Traber, Human Vitamin E deficiency, and what is and is not Vitamin E?,Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Volume 213, 2024, Pages 285-292, ISSN 0891-5849, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.01.024.