vitamin E deficiency
Quick Summary
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble compound found in plant oils and green vegetables, acting as an antioxidant that protects body tissues from oxidation. A deficiency in vitamin E can lead to mild anemia, unsteadiness (ataxia), and pigmentary changes in the retina. In experimental animals, deficiency can cause muscle wasting and reproductive failure.1
The recommended daily intake for vitamin E (as alpha-tocopherol) for adults is 15 mg. While vitamin E supplements are available, it's important to note that vitamins in food come with other beneficial substances, and excessive intake of supplements should be done under medical supervision.2
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vitamin EHumans with a deficiency of vitamin E display, among other symptoms, a mild anemia. Persons with a chronic deficiency exhibit prolonged malabsorption of fats, as well as mild anemia, unsteadiness (ataxia), and pigmentary changes in the retina. These symptoms respond to prolonged vitamin E treatment. In experimental animals,…
Read MoreHumans with a deficiency of vitamin E display, among other symptoms, a mild anemia. Persons with a chronic deficiency exhibit prolonged malabsorption of fats, as well as mild anemia, unsteadiness (ataxia), and pigmentary changes in the retina. These symptoms respond to prolonged vitamin E treatment. In experimental animals,…
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nutritional diseaseVitamin EVitamin Edeficiency is rare in humans, although it may develop in premature infants and in people with impaired fat absorption or metabolism. In the former, fragility of red blood cells (hemolysis) is seen; in the latter, where deficiency is more prolonged, neuromuscular dysfunction involving the spinal…
Read MoreVitamin Edeficiency is rare in humans, although it may develop in premature infants and in people with impaired fat absorption or metabolism. In the former, fragility of red blood cells (hemolysis) is seen; in the latter, where deficiency is more prolonged, neuromuscular dysfunction involving the spinal…
Read More