Main Symptoms of Vitamin E Deficiency
Aug 31, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Vitamin E deficiency primarily leads to neurological degeneration and hemolytic anemia. When vitamin E is deficient, the body’s free radicals proliferate unchecked due to lack of antioxidant inhibition, damaging cells and resulting in immunosuppression. Concurrent manifestations may include hemolysis and accelerated aging.
Deficiency of vitamin E primarily leads to symptoms such as neurodegenerative changes, hemolytic anemia, and impaired immune function.
1. Neurodegenerative Changes
Chronic vitamin E deficiency may impair lipid metabolism to some extent, resulting in neurodegenerative symptoms including weak cough, dysarthria (slurred speech), drooling, and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). In severe cases, patients may also develop nystagmus, external ophthalmoplegia (paralysis of the extraocular muscles), and even cognitive dysfunction.
2. Hemolytic Anemia
Vitamin E deficiency can reduce red blood cell count and increase erythrocyte fragility, leading to symptoms of hemolytic anemia—including pallor, headache, high fever, myalgia (muscle aches) in the limbs, and anemia.
3. Immune Suppression
In vitamin E deficiency, insufficient antioxidant activity allows excessive accumulation of free radicals, causing oxidative damage to cells and resulting in immunosuppression. This may be accompanied by hemolysis and accelerated systemic aging.
