Vitamin E deficiency in humans is a very rare condition, occurring as a consequence of abnormalities in dietary fat absorption or metabolism rather than from a diet low in vitamin E. Collectively the EARs, RDAs, AIs and ULs for vitamin E and other essential nutrients are referred to as Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Vitamin E deficiency can cause nerve problems due to poor conduction of electrical impulses along nerves due to changes in nerve membrane structure and function. Signs and symptoms
Signs of vitamin E deficiency include the following:

Neuromuscular problems – such as spinocerebellar ataxia and myopathies. Neurological problems – may include dysarthria, absence of deep tendon reflexes, loss of the ability to sense vibration and detect where body parts are in three dimensional space, and positive Babinski sign. Hemolytic anemia – due to oxidative damage to red blood cells
Retinopathy
Impairment of the immune response

Causes
Vitamin E deficiency is rare. There are no records of it from simple lack of vitamin E in a persons diet, but it can arise from physiological abnormalities. It occurs in the people in the following situations:
Premature, very low birth weight infants – birth weights less than 1500 grams (3.3 pounds). Rare disorders of fat metabolism – There is a rare genetic condition termed isolated vitamin E deficiency or ataxia with isolated with vitamin E deficiency, caused by mutations in the gene for the tocopherol transfer protein.
It is also possible that there may only be subtle signs, and the condition is only incidentally detected months to years after the injury during a medical scan. See also
Diaphragmatic hernia
Chest injury

References


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