Vitamin E often goes unnoticed compared to other more popular nutrients, but its impact on health is much greater than many imagine. An adequate level of vitamin E is essential for neurological and muscular functioning and cellular protection. against oxidative damage.
Its deficiency, although rare in healthy adults, can lead to serious consequences, especially in people with fat absorption problems and in premature newborns, according to Mayo Clinic and he National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Vitamin E deficiency has been linked to the development of peripheral neuropathy, muscle weakness, coordination problems and retinopathy of prematurity. According to Mayo Clinic and the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH), people with liver diseases, pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis or gallbladder disorders They show a greater risk of deficiency, since these conditions make it difficult to absorb fats and, therefore, this fat-soluble nutrient.
In premature newborns, vitamin E deficiency is especially worrying. The NIH details that these babies usually have low reserves because placental transfer Vitamin E is limited, which can lead to hemolytic anemia, intracranial hemorrhage and alterations in retinal development.
A study published by the National Institutes of Health emphasizes that deficiency can trigger ataxia, loss of motor control and injuries to peripheral nerves and muscles. The study identifies that neurological symptoms can stop and even improve after adequate supplementation, although it warns that progression without treatment can lead to irreversible complications.
In adults, multiple investigations have evaluated the relationship between vitamin E and cardiovascular diseases. Although some data suggest a possible reduction in mortality from coronary heart disease in people with high dietary intakes, the most relevant clinical trials, such as the HOPE and the SELECT, They have not proven benefits in the prevention of heart attacks, strokes or prostate cancer.
So much Mayo Clinic like him NIH agree that Prolonged supplementation, especially at high doses, may increase the risk of bleeding and cardiovascular complications.s.
The richest food sources of vitamin E include seeds, vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables and fortified cerealsaccording to Mayo Clinic and NIH. These foods, in addition to providing the nutrient, require the presence of fats in the diet to facilitate their proper absorption.
The storage of vitamin E in the body’s fatty tissues explains why deficiency is rare in healthy adults. Even so, people with liver disorders, inadequate diets or digestive diseases remain vulnerable.
Symptoms of vitamin E deficiency can range from muscle weakness to loss of reflexes and coordination disorders. Mayo Clinic warns that the earliest signs include hyporeflexia, decreased night vision and loss of vibratory sensitivitywhile in advanced stages ataxia may appear, severe muscle weakness and even cardiac arrhythmias and blindness. In newborns, the deficiency manifests itself with hemolytic anemia and visual complications, according to a scientific study.
According to the NIH, the diagnosis is confirmed with blood tests that measure serum levels of alpha-tocopherol, the main active form of the vitamin.. Values lower than 8 μmol/L suggest deficit, especially if accompanied by neurological disorders.
Most people get the recommended fifteen milligrams of vitamin E per day through a balanced diet. Mayo Clinic recommends consulting with a medical professional before starting any supplementation, especially in presence of liver disease, vitamin K insufficiency, serious heart conditions or history of stroke, due to possible interactions and associated risks.
Too much vitamin E, usually from supplements and not from diet, can cause nausea, fatigue, weakness and headache, and increase the risk of bleeding or serious cardiovascular problems.
