Harmful Effects of Vitamin E Deficiency

Vitamin E is an essential fat-soluble vitamin and a powerful antioxidant. Unlike other fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin E is not stored efficiently in the body, so it must be continually supplied through diet or supplementation. Many authorities believe humans need 200 to 1200 IU (international units) of vitamin E daily, although the U.S. RDA is only 12 to 15 IU. A deficiency of vitamin E can have serious detrimental effects on the body, especially the cardiovascular and reproductive systems.

Deficiency Signs

• Common signs of a vitamin E deficiency include fatigue, anemia, lack of willpower and well-being, falling hair, central nervous system damage, bone and tooth problems, proneness to infection, muscular dystrophy, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and stroke. After prolonged deficiency, other signs may become apparent, such as digestive problems, peptic ulcers, colon cancer, cystic fibrosis and bile duct blockages.

Fertility Problems

• Vitamin E is a critical nutrient for the health of the reproductive system. Prolonged deficiency can cause disorders such as abortions, miscarriages and infertility. In men, a deficiency can cause enlarged prostate, impotence and sterility. Babies born with a vitamin E deficiency are often anemic with puffy eyes, firm legs, shiny skin and low birth weight.

Anemia

• Two important functions of vitamin E are to help form new red blood cells and to maintain the health of existing ones. In iron-deficiency anemia, the body cannot produce adequate amounts of hemoglobin. Vitamin E deficiency accelerates the problem because the red blood cells will die off at a quicker rate than normal. Some experts recommend taking up to 200 mg of vitamin E three times daily with meals to prevent or reverse anemia.

Immunity

• Vitamin E is crucial for a healthy immune system. A prolonged vitamin E deficiency has been shown to greatly increase the incidence of cancer, especially breast and oral cancers. Vitamin E helps improve all components of the immune system. It works with selenium to build antibodies. Studies indicate that people with a deficiency in these nutrients are at a much higher risk of contracting infectious diseases, and have a harder time recovering from illness in general.

Synthetic vs. Natural

• The most stable form of vitamin E is the pure form, d-alpha tocopherol. One mg of d-alpha tocopherol is equivalent to 1.49 IU. In the mixed tocopherol form, the conversion rate is 1 mg to 1.1 IU. The synthetic form (dl-alpha tocopherol) has only 30 to 60 percent of the biological activity of the natural form. Vitamin E is best absorbed when taken orally; however, the body is able to absorb a small amount when applied to the body in oil form.