While many of us diligently monitor our intake of vitamins like C or D, another crucial nutrient often flies under the radar, despite carrying severe health risks if levels drop too low. We're talking about Vitamin E, an antioxidant essential for a robust immune system and, critically, for maintaining good eyesight.
The Hidden Dangers of Low Vitamin E
Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant, shielding your cells from damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. "Your body needs plenty of vitamin E to fight free radicals," experts explain. A shortfall can leave your immune system struggling to protect you from illness and infection.
Beyond immunity, its roles are diverse: it supports healthy skin, helps prevent harmful blood clots, reduces inflammation, and is fundamental for promoting good vision. For most people in the UK, a balanced diet provides sufficient amounts, which is why it's rarely discussed. However, for individuals with certain health conditions, deficiency is a real and dangerous possibility.
Recognising the Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms of a deficiency primarily impact the nervous system. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these can include muscle weakness, vision issues, and difficulty controlling bodily movements. Other warning signs encompass numbness, fatigue, and slow reflexes.
More severe consequences are alarming: a blood disorder called Haemolytic anaemia, bleeding within the brain, abnormal eye blood vessel growth, and in extreme cases, blindness. Trouble walking and a consistently weakened immune system are also key indicators.
The primary cause in developed nations like the UK is not poor diet but malabsorption. "Fat absorption disorders and certain genetic disorders usually cause vitamin E deficiency," states the Clinic. Conditions such as Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease, cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis, and liver disease can prevent the body from properly absorbing fat, and consequently, the fat-soluble Vitamin E. Rare genetic diseases like abetalipoproteinemia are also culprits.
Who is Most at Risk?
Newborns, especially those born prematurely, face a higher risk because very little Vitamin E crosses the placenta. Their reserves are low at birth, though breast milk or formula usually provides adequate amounts later.
Adults following an extremely low-fat diet may also be at risk, as the body requires fat to digest and absorb Vitamin E effectively. In regions with food insecurity, simply not eating enough Vitamin E-rich foods is the common cause.
The Cleveland Clinic advises that if you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider for assessment and guidance.
