Vitamin E refers to a group of fat-soluble compounds with distinctive antioxidant activities – they include both tocopherols and tocotrienols. Vitamin E is the powerful antioxidant that protects cells from the damaging effects of free radicals which damage cells and might contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Vitamin E stops the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) formed when fat undergoes oxidation. Vitamin E deficiency could trigger health problems.
Vitamin E is required for many vital bodily functions. Vitamin E occurs naturally in many foods and it is also available as a dietary supplement. Human body stores and uses vitamin E as needed. Body needs vitamin E to help keep the immune system strong against viruses and bacteria. Vitamin E is used by the cells to interact with each other and carry out many important functions.
Vitamin E is able to slow down the aging processes; it acts as a natural diuretic and participates in skin metabolism. Being pretty strong antioxidant, Vitamin E can prevent cancer, cardiovascular disease, cataracts and reduces scarring from wounds.
Blood concentrations of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) depend on the liver, which takes up the nutrient after the various forms are absorbed from the small intestine.
When the required amounts of vitamin E are not met, it can lead vitamin E deficiency and to severe health problems. Vitamin E deficiency mainly arises from fat “wrong absorption” (malabsorption).
Vitamin E deficiency causes
- Poor diet habits deficient of fruits and vegetables,
- Liver diseases, gall bladder dysfunctions and pancreas illnesses,
- Consumption of low fat and processed foods,
- Newborn babies (especially born prematurely).
Vitamin E deficiency symptoms
Dry skin – Vitamin E deficiency
- Digestive system disturbances (poor absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract and dysfunctions in liver, pancreas and gall bladder;
- Nervous system disorders (loss of sensation or pain or cramps in hands, legs, arms and feet);
- Hair metabolism problems (dry hair, hair loss);
- Muscular weakness;
- Delayed wound healing;
- Enlarged prostate, impotency and miscarriage.
Vitamin E deficiency diseases
Vitamin E deficiency
- Anaemia,
- Weaken immune system,
- Disturbed balance,
- Cancer,
- Atherosclerosis,
- Blindness,
- Fertility problems.
Vitamin E deficiency prevention
Vitamin E deficiency can be prevented by consuming products rich in vitamin E – nuts (almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts), seeds, egg yolks, whole grains, wheat germ oil, green leafy vegetables (especially spinach and broccoli), peanuts, soybean, corn oil, sunflower seeds.
Vitamin E supplements also can be the option.
