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What causes a vitamin E deficiency?
Vitamin E deficiency is usually caused by inadequate dietary intake in developing countries or by a disorder causing fat malabsorption in developed countries. The deficiency causes mainly mild hemolytic anemia and nonspecific neurologic deficits.
What violations can occur with vitamin E deficiency?
Vitamin E deficiency may cause impaired reflexes and coordination, difficulty walking, and weak muscles. Premature infants with the deficiency may develop a serious form of anemia. The diagnosis is based on symptoms and results of a physical examination. Taking vitamin E supplements corrects the deficiency.
What happens if there is a deficiency of vitamins?
Vitamin deficiency anemia develops when your body has a shortage of the vitamins needed to produce enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs throughout your body. If your diet is lacking in certain vitamins, vitamin deficiency anemia can develop.
What happens if you don’t have enough vitamin E?
Vitamin E deficiency may cause disorientation and vision problems. Low levels of vitamin E can lead to: Muscle weakness: 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.
How does vitamin E deficiency affect the aging process?
Additionally, individuals with vitamin E deficiency are more at-risk for both infectious diseases and the development of tumors. These risk factors are enhanced during the aging process. It is worth mentioning that vitamin E deficiency is quite rare, and that consuming just the minimal amount counteracts many associated symptoms.
When to see a doctor for a vitamin E deficiency?
See your doctor if you begin experiencing any of the following symptoms of deficiency: You should only attempt to correct a suspected vitamin E deficiency after consulting your doctor. Supplements may cause complications, so it’s best to eat a healthy diet that includes many foods rich in vitamin E. You can find vitamin E in a wide range of foods.
Who is most at risk for vitamin E deficiency?
Individuals most at-risk for vitamin E deficiency include: elderly adults, premature and/or underweight infants, those with abnormal fat absorption, people on very low-fat diets, and those with any type of malnutrition. 1. Impaired immune response. As mentioned above, vitamin E plays a key role in proper function of the immune system.