Vitamin E: Sources, Function & Deficiency

Table of Contents

What is Vitamin E?

“Vitamin E” is a fat-soluble vitamin with specific antioxidant properties.
Vitamin E is a nutrient that’s important to vision, reproduction, and the health of your blood, brain and skin.
Vitamin E is an important type of vitamin that is required for proper function of many organs in the body.
Vitamin E is found in several forms but alpha-tocopherol is the only one that is used by the body. Therefore, it is also sometimes referred to as tocopherol.
There are eight chemical variations of vitamin E that are found in nature, each of which has a different amount of biological activity. The only type of tocopherol recognized as meeting human needs is alpha- (or -) tocopherol.
Its primary function is to serve as an antioxidant by scavenging loose electrons, or “free radicals,” which can harm cells.
Vitamin E strengthens the body’s natural defenses against disease and infection and keeps the skin and eyes healthy.

Vitamin E has anti-oxidant properties. This means that the vitamin guards against the harm that so-called free radicals may do to bodily tissue. (Note: Free radicals can cause damage to organs, tissues, and cells. They are believed to contribute to a few aging-related diseases)
It aids in the formation of red blood cells, widens blood arteries to prevent blood clots inside them,
It strengthens the immune system against bacteria and viruses
It supports in the body’s use of vitamin K.
Vitamin E is also used by cells to communicate with one another. It supports them in performing several crucial functions

The amount of vitamin E needed each day depends on age. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is:

Those who are most at risk for vitamin D deficiency can require more

High dosages of vitamin E can lower oxidative stress indicators and strengthen antioxidant defenses
In some individuals it functions as a potent antioxidant in the body.
High blood pressure and blood lipid levels such as LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides may raise chance of getting heart disease.
In some people, taking vitamin E supplements may help lower risk factors for heart disease.
People with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease may see some health benefits from taking vitamin E supplements
Vitamin E helps manage dysmenorrhea, and also lessens severe and persistent menstrual discomfort, including cramps and pelvic pain.
For people suffering from certain skin conditions like eczema, vitamin E is beneficial.
Keeping vitamin E levels at their ideal range may help prevent future cognitive impairment.
As vitamin E plays vital functions in health, such as lowering inflammation and enhancing immune function, supplements may benefit persons who have higher demands or do not obtain enough in their diets, such as certain elderly people.
Studies have revealed that children and adults who use vitamin E supplements may see improvements in their lungs health and some asthmatic symptoms.

Researches on Vitamin E for different conditions show the following results:

Alzheimer’s disease: Researches have revealed that high dose of Vitamin E delays the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Liver disease: Vitamin E might improve symptoms of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Prostate cancer: Use of vitamin E supplements might increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Lack of vitamin E can weaken muscles, impair reflexes and coordination, and make it difficult to walk.
The deficit can cause a serious form of anemia in premature infants.
The deficit can cause a serious form of anemia in premature infants.
The longer a person is vitamin E deficient, the more likely they are to have complications.
Some conditions are severe and can need medical attention. Some such complications include:
Blepharoptosis
Retinal pathology
Muscle weakness
Thrombocytosis
Ataxia
Anemia
Sensory ataxia
Vibration sense loss
Diplopia, binocular

Due to the fact that very little vitamin E crosses the placenta, newborns have a relatively low vitamin E reserve.
Therefore, neonates, especially preterm newborns, are more likely to have vitamin E deficiency.
This risk can be raised by specific diseases and health issues, and in some cases, a serious deficiency can result.
The following medical conditions can increase a person’s risk of vitamin E deficiency:
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Cholestasis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Primary biliary cirrhosis
- Crohn’s disease
- Short bowel syndrome