Vitamin E helps to rid your body of the by-products of metabolism. Low vitamin E levels usually occur when your body is not absorbing vitamin E from the foods you eat. Having low vitamin E can put you at risk for nerve damage such as demyelination. Luckily, the symptoms of vitamin E deficiency usually reverse once a normal vitamin E blood level is restored.
Vitamin E Function
Vitamin E, also known as alpha-tocopherol, is an essential, fat-soluble vitamin. When your body uses energy, reactive byproducts called free radicals are produced. These reactive molecules are thought to damage cells and put you at risk for diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Vitamin E prevents the generation of these radicals when your body breaks down fats and it is classified as an antioxidant. Vitamin E also is important for blood clotting and immune system function.
Vitamin E Deficiency
The average American diet supplies plenty of vitamin E, so vitamin E deficiency usually only occurs in people who have problems absorbing vitamin E from the digestive tract. People who have intestinal malabsorption caused by cystic fibrosis, untreated celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or insufficient bile production are most at risk. Nerve injury, muscle damage, problems with the retina in the eye and a weakened immune system are other common symptoms.
Demylinating Neuropathy
Although the role of vitamin E in nerve cell function if not clearly understood, people who have low vitamin E levels frequently suffer from problems with nerve function, including neuropathy, or nerve damage. American Family Practice reports that vitamin E deficiency most frequently affects the sensory nerves, leading to symptoms like numbness and tingling. Demyelinating neuropathy has also been described with vitamin E deficiency. In this situation, the substance covering the nerve, myelin, is destroyed. This leads to slow nerve conduction and may cause trouble with muscle function in addition to sensory problems.
Treatment
Treatment for vitamin E deficiency usually involves supplementation with oral or intravenous vitamin E. The supplemental dose can be from two to five times more than the usual daily requirement. For vitamin E deficiency due to another medical condition, it is always important to address the underlying problem, as well. It is best to consult with your doctor before beginning a vitamin E supplement, because elevated vitamin E levels can also be hazardous, and your vitamin E level should be monitored. Typically, the symptoms of vitamin E deficiency are reversible if the vitamin E level is corrected.
References
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements; Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin E
- "American Family Physician"; An Algorithm for the Evaluation of Peripheral Neuropathy; Ann Noelle Poncelet, MD; Feb 1998.
- "Muscle and Nerve"; Isolated vitamin E deficiency with demyelinating neuropathy; Puri et. al.; Aug 2005.
- Mayo Clinic; Vitamin E: Dosing
Member Comments