5 Major Signs Of Vitamin E Deficiency And A Few Foods That May Help Fix It

December 19, 2017

There’s not much talk about vitamin E. But you shouldn’t underestimate its importance, because it plays a role in many functions in your body: supporting your immune system, reducing oxidative stress (vitamin E is an antioxidant), protecting nerve cells, and aiding the production of red blood cells.

Vitamin E deficiency is rare in developed countries, but some people may have higher chances of developing it. These include premature infants, people with very low-fat diets, and people with conditions that affect absorption of fats and other nutrients.

Mild vitamin E deficiency is usually asymptomatic. Moderate to severe deficiency may have the following signs and symptoms:

1. Muscle problems

Depending on the degree of your deficiency, you may experience muscle weakness, muscle pain, and muscle atrophy (loss of muscle mass).

2. Problems with balance and coordination

Not having enough vitamin E may have a damaging effect on your nerves, which usually manifests in impaired reflexes, unsteadiness, and problems with coordination.

3. Impaired vision

People who are lacking vitamin E may experience eye problems, such as retinopathy.

4. Problems with hair and skin

Lack of vitamin E in your body may result in hair thinning and loss and your skin may become dry and rough. In the long term, the lack of vitamin E may cause the skin to wrinkle easily.

5. Frequent infections and weakness

Because vitamin E is vital for immune system function, lack of the vitamin may make you more vulnerable to cold, flu, and other viral infections.

If you’re only mildly deficient, it can be fixed by eating more foods rich in vitamin E. These include: wheat germ, nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, peanuts), sunflower seeds and flaxseed, vegetable oils (e.g. olive oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, canola), sweet potatoes, asparagus, spinach, avocado, mango, kiwi, and many others. People with a more serious deficiency may need vitamin E supplements. Don’t start taking a supplement without consulting your doctor first.

Source: HealthLine, University of Maryland Medical Center, Power of Positivity, NDTV

This article is purely for informational purposes. Do not self-medicate, and in all cases consult a certified healthcare professional before using any information presented in the article. The editorial board does not guarantee any results and does not bear any responsibility for harm that may result from using the information stated in the article.