About Vitamin E Deficiency

Vitamin E deficiency is common in developing countries with less access to foods rich in vitamin E; it is less common in developed countries. But it can cause potentially dangerous health problems if left untreated. With any suspected health problem, it is essential to contact a physician or health practitioner before treating any illness or considering any medical treatments.

Vitamin E

• It is a fat-soluble vitamin (it needs fat to be processed) that is essential for many of the body's vital functions, and it is absorbed in the digestive system. It is found in foods such as seeds (like sunflower seeds), olives (and olive oil), almonds, collard greens, spinach, kale, and other green leafy vegetables.

Deficiency Symptoms

• People with certain diseases (like liver or celiac disease) or with a too-low fat diet may have a vitamin E deficiency, and may develop problems such as peripheral neuropathy, vision problems, malnutrition from poor digestion, or cardiac arrhythmia.

Other Factors

• Certain drugs and other vitamins can interfere with the absorption of vitamin E. When obtained from food sources, there appears to be no risk of overdose; however, there may be an overdose risk when taking vitamin E supplements.

Food

• When possible, eat the food and not the supplement. Food sources contain the whole form of vitamin E, instead of extracts. Each vitamin is made up of components; supplements often contain partial components and not all the pieces that were designed to work together.

Warning

• Vitamins work together, and a suspected deficiency could be a sign of something more serious. Consult a medical doctor or licensed health practitioner if a vitamin E deficiency is suspected.