Many people monitor their intake of well-known vitamins such as C and D to stay healthy, often adjusting their diet by eating more citrus fruits or leafy greens. However, one crucial vitamin tends to be overlooked despite its vital role in overall health: vitamin E.
Vitamin E is essential for a properly functioning immune system and acts as a powerful antioxidant that protects your cells from damage caused by free radicals—unstable molecules that can harm your cells and contribute to disease development. Without adequate vitamin E, your immune defenses weaken, increasing your susceptibility to illnesses and infections.
Most individuals obtain sufficient vitamin E through a balanced diet, making deficiency rare. However, people with conditions that impair fat absorption may struggle to get enough since vitamin E is fat-soluble and requires dietary fat for proper absorption. Common fat absorption disorders include cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, and certain liver conditions. Additionally, rare genetic disorders like abetalipoproteinemia and ataxia with vitamin E deficiency can also cause serious shortages.
READ MORE: ‘Intruder’ Detained Twice at Prince William and Kate’s Kensington Palace Residence
READ MORE: Newcastle Red Bulls vs Gloucester Rugby: Hooker Injury Crisis Forces Loan Signing for Cherry and Whites
The impact of vitamin E deficiency primarily affects the nervous system. Symptoms can include muscle weakness, vision disturbances, difficulty controlling body movements, numbness, and severe fatigue. In extreme cases, prolonged deficiency can lead to irreversible blindness.
Vitamin E deficiency is also more likely in newborns—especially premature infants—because little vitamin E passes through the placenta during fetal development. These infants depend on breast milk or formula for this essential nutrient. Moreover, individuals on very low-fat diets may be at risk since dietary fat is necessary to absorb vitamin E.
If you notice symptoms like muscle weakness, vision problems, numbness, or unusual fatigue, it is crucial to seek medical advice to diagnose and treat any potential vitamin E deficiency before it leads to lasting complications.