Vitamin E is essential for the nervous, immune, and cardiovascular systems. Deficiency can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and vision problems. Treatment includes a healthy diet and supplements. High levels of vitamin E may reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Vitamin E is an important nutrient that promotes healthy functioning of the nervous, immune, and cardiovascular systems. A person experiencing a vitamin E deficiency may suffer from a number of different symptoms, including weakened muscles, fatigue, and problems controlling motor movements. If left untreated, a vitamin E deficiency can lead to vision problems, dementia, or even death. Most people can recover from deficiencies by eating vitamin-rich foods, taking supplements, and following guidelines established by an expert physician.
There are several possible conditions that can lead to a vitamin E deficiency. When the body does not absorb fat properly, as occurs with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease, vitamin E intake is greatly decreased. People with cystic fibrosis and liver problems may also experience vitamin deficiencies. However, more often than not, a person with a deficiency simply lacks a healthy diet rich in vitamin E. Malnourished people may experience additional symptoms related to deficiencies in other important vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium, and vitamin C.
The symptoms of a vitamin E deficiency are often mild to mild at first, and can include feelings of fatigue and subtle muscle weakness. An individual with progressive vitamin E deficiency may experience significant muscle weakness, decreased immune system function, difficulty with motor movements, and trouble seeing clearly. Severe or long-lasting deficiency can lead to total blindness, dementia, irreparable nerve damage, and death.
A person who thinks they may be experiencing a vitamin E deficiency should see a doctor to determine the appropriate treatment plan. When the deficit is related to a poor diet, a doctor may suggest that a patient eat foods rich in vitamin E such as green vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and eggs. Some patients benefit from taking oral supplements to help restore vitamin E levels in their bodies. When there is an underlying problem, such as cystic fibrosis, proper treatment of the initial disorder usually alleviates the symptoms of vitamin E deficiency.
There is ongoing research suggesting that maintaining high levels of vitamin E may have several health benefits. The antioxidants present in vitamin E have been shown in clinical trials to potentially reduce the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Research also suggests that the vitamin is strongly linked to proper immune function and a healthy pancreas, liver, and kidneys. People who are considering supplementing their diets with additional vitamin E should ask their doctors for help in determining appropriate doses.
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