Vitamins are crucial for our health and well-being. They are organic compounds that are essential for various physiological functions in our body. Vitamin E is one such vitamin that plays a vital role in maintaining our health.

It is an antioxidant that helps protect our cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals. Vitamin E is also important for our immune system, skin, and eyes.

However, many people fail to get enough vitamin E in their diet, leading to various health problems. In this article, we will explore what happens when you don’t get enough vitamin E and how to avoid a deficiency.

What is Vitamin E?

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in many foods. The most common form of vitamin E is alpha-tocopherol. Other forms include beta-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, and delta-tocopherol.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals. These are unstable molecules that can damage our cells and contribute to various health problems.

Symptoms of Vitamin E Deficiency

Vitamin E deficiency is rare in healthy people but can occur in certain medical conditions such as pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and liver disease. The symptoms of vitamin E deficiency can include:.

Muscle weakness
Poor balance and coordination
Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
Difficulty walking
Anemia
Impaired vision
Weakened immune system
Increased risk of infections

Causes of Vitamin E Deficiency

The most common cause of vitamin E deficiency is a diet that is low in vitamin E-rich foods. The following factors can also contribute to a deficiency:.

Poor absorption: Vitamin E requires fat for absorption. People with digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and liver disease may have difficulty absorbing fat and may not get enough vitamin E.
Low-fat diet: People who eat a low-fat diet may not get enough vitamin E as the vitamin is found in high-fat foods such as nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils.
Premature babies: Premature babies may have low levels of vitamin E due to their immature digestive systems.
Genetic disorders: Some rare genetic disorders can impair the body’s ability to absorb or metabolize vitamin E.

Health Problems Associated with Vitamin E Deficiency

Vitamin E deficiency can lead to various health problems. Some of the most common ones are:.

Neurological Problems

Vitamin E is essential for the proper functioning of our nervous system. A deficiency can lead to muscle weakness, poor coordination, and impaired vision. In severe cases, it can cause nerve damage and even paralysis.

Anemia

Vitamin E is important for the production of red blood cells. A deficiency can lead to anemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues.

Immune System Weakness

Vitamin E is important for the proper functioning of our immune system. A deficiency can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infections.

Eye Problems

Vitamin E is important for maintaining healthy eyes. A deficiency can lead to various eye problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

Skin Problems

Vitamin E is important for maintaining healthy skin. A deficiency can lead to dry, rough, and itchy skin.

How to Avoid Vitamin E Deficiency

The best way to avoid vitamin E deficiency is to eat a balanced diet that includes vitamin E-rich foods. The following foods are good sources of vitamin E:.

Nuts and seeds: almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, and peanut butter are all good sources of vitamin E.
Vegetable oils: olive oil, sunflower oil, and canola oil are all good sources of vitamin E.
Fruits and vegetables: spinach, broccoli, and mangoes are all good sources of vitamin E.

If you have a medical condition that impairs your ability to absorb vitamin E, your doctor may recommend taking a vitamin E supplement.

However, it is essential to talk to your doctor before taking any vitamin supplements as they can interact with medications and cause side effects.

Conclusion

Vitamin E is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in maintaining our health. A deficiency can lead to various health problems, including neurological problems, anemia, and weakened immune system.

However, vitamin E deficiency is rare in healthy people and can be avoided by eating a balanced diet that includes vitamin E-rich foods.

If you suspect that you may have a vitamin E deficiency, talk to your doctor. They can diagnose a deficiency and recommend appropriate treatment.