Vitamin E deficiency: Causes
Vitamin E deficiency is very unlikely in industrialized countries. The daily amount of 11 to 15 milligrams recommended by the German, Austrian and Swiss Societies for Nutrition (DACH reference values) for healthy adults can be easily achieved through a balanced, varied diet.
During pregnancy and lactation, the need for vitamin E and thus the risk of a deficiency supply is slightly increased. However, a vitamin E deficiency is much more likely in the case of disturbed fat absorption in the intestine. Functioning fat absorption is a prerequisite for the intestine to be able to absorb fat-soluble vitamin E as well. A disturbance of fat absorption with the risk of vitamin E deficiency is given, for example, in the following cases:
- chronic functional disorders of the pancreas, e.g. chronic pancreatitis (chronic inflammation of the pancreas)
- deficiency of bile acids (are necessary for fat absorption)
- Gluten intolerance
- inflammatory bowel disease
The most severe form of vitamin E deficiency is caused by genetic defects. In the very rare disease “Familial Isolated Vitamin E deficiency” (FIVE), the metabolism of vitamin E (or of α-tocopherol) in the liver is disturbed. It is virtually not released into the bloodstream and consequently cannot be used by the body.
Vitamin E deficiency: symptoms
A deficiency is diagnosed on the basis of an individual risk profile, a survey of dietary habits (dietary history) and laboratory tests. In vitamin E deficiency, less than 5 milligrams of α-tocopherol per liter of blood are found.
However, years may pass before a vitamin E deficiency actually causes symptoms. These signs of deficiency include:
- Weakness of the immune system
- Circulatory problems (in the arms and legs, and later in the heart and brain).
- involuntary trembling (tremor)
- impaired reflexes
- muscle weakness
- mental slowing (retardation)
- retinal disease (retinopathy)
Vitamin E deficiency is treated with vitamin supplements. The dosage depends on the severity of the symptoms, the cause of the deficiency and the individual risk factors.
Vitamin E deficiency: effects during pregnancy
The German, Austrian and Swiss Societies for Nutrition recommend a daily vitamin E intake of 13 milligrams for pregnant women. This is slightly more than is recommended for non-pregnant women (12 milligrams/day). Those who regularly include vitamin E-rich foods in their diet (e.g., high-quality vegetable oils) usually do not have to fear a deficiency during pregnancy.
Women should also make sure that their vitamin E intake is sufficient when they are breastfeeding. At 17 milligrams per day, the recommended daily amount is even significantly higher than during pregnancy.
