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What problems can result from vitamin E deficiency?
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vitamin
Vitamin E in gel-cap form.
A deficiency in vitamin E is rare in humans, though it can occur in premature infants or individuals with impaired fat absorption or metabolism.1
The primary health problems associated with a deficiency include:
- Neuromuscular dysfunction: Prolonged deficiency can lead to peripheral neuropathy, loss of reflexes, muscle weakness, and unsteadiness, also known as ataxia.21
- Hematologic issues: A deficiency can cause the breakdown of red blood cells, known as hemolysis, which may result in a mild form of anemia.21
- Visual disturbances: Chronic deficiency may lead to pigmentary changes in the retina and other visual impairments.21
While vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage, these symptoms often respond to prolonged vitamin E treatment. In experimental animals, deficiency symptoms can vary by species, such as muscle wasting in rabbits and guinea pigs or reproductive failure in mature female rats.21