What is Vitamin E deficiency?

There are thirteen different vitamins that are required by the human body and Vitamin E is one of them. Many health benefits have been associated with this Vitamin, which include slowing down of the aging process, the development of nerves, maintenance of muscles and improving fertility, just to name a few. In fact, several beauty experts recommend the use of Vitamin E for skin and hair care.

According to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), the daily requirement of Vitamin E in adults is 15 mg and in children is around 6 mg to 7 mg, based on their age, bodyweight and other such factors. In case a person does not get the required amounts of this vitamin on a daily basis, it could lead to Vitamin E deficiency in the person.

Fortunately, Vitamin E deficiency is not very common in most humans. This is because many of the food items that we eat on a daily basis are high in Vitamin E. In case a person does suffer from Vitamin E deficiency, in spite of following a regular, healthy diet, it is important to consult a doctor and undergo a check up, to identify the exact cause of the deficiency.

Vitamin E deficiency causes

Vitamin E deficiency is usually the result of malnutrition and therefore it can occur in people who are following a strict diet that is low in fat, for a long period of time. However, in such instances it is quite likely that other vitamin deficiencies will show up as well.

If a person is not on a special diet and is eating regular food, then the presence of Vitamin E deficiency could be the indication of certain diseases or medical conditions that are interfering with the body’s ability to absorb the nutrient from the foods that are consumed. These medical conditions include Crohn’s disease and gallbladder disorders. Since these conditions are quite serious, it is imperative to identify the Vitamin E deficiency causes as soon as possible. Therefore, as soon as the Vitamin E deficiency symptoms become evident, it is important to visit a doctor.

Vitamin E deficiency symptoms

The Vitamin E deficiency symptoms seen in infants, children and adults are different. Given below are some of the common Vitamin E deficiency symptoms:

• Infants: Delayed growth, loss of weight, poor feeding habits and mental and physical problems
• Children: Slow growth, Ptosis, Ophthalmoplegia, limb and truncal ataxia, chronic cholestatic hepatobiliary disease, dysarthria, muscle weakness, loss of position senses and spinocerebellar ataxia
• Adults: Decrease in sex drive, neurological damage, age spots, infertility, reproduction disorders, mild hemolytic anemia, cataract and abnormalities in several organs.

Since this vitamin is very important for the good health of the skin, several adults as well as babies may experience Vitamin E deficiency skin problems.

Vitamin E deficiency treatment

In order to treat Vitamin E deficiency in a person, it is first important to address the underlying cause of the condition. In case the Vitamin E deficiency is caused by poor eating habits, then doctors may just recommend dietary changes as well as a Vitamin E supplement. However, for other causes, different treatment options, such as medication or therapy may be required.

Although Vitamin E deficiency is rare, it is very serious and requires immediate medical attention. Attempts at self treatment should be strictly avoided, as they are very dangerous and could lead to severe health complications.