The lack of vitamin E is rare, but it can happen due to problems related to intestinal absorption, which can result in changes in coordination, muscle weakness, infertility and difficulty getting pregnant, for example.
Vitamin E is a great antioxidant, preventing aging, cardiovascular disease and cancer, for example, in addition to strengthening the immune system and participate in the formation of various hormones, also having an important role with regard to the reproductive system. Learn what vitamin E is for.
Consequences of lack of vitamin E
The lack of vitamin E is rare and is usually the result of problems related to absorption of the vitamin, and may be due to pancreatic insufficiency or biliary atresia, which corresponds to fibrosis and obstruction of the bile ducts, and its absorption in the intestine is not possible.
Vitamin E deficiency is related to the vascular, reproductive and neuromuscular systems, which can result in decreased reflexes, gait and coordination difficulties, muscle weakness and Headache. In addition, it may increase the risk of atherosclerosis as well as interfere with fertility.
Lack of vitamin E in the baby
Newborn babies have low concentrations of vitamin E because there is little passage through the placenta, however, this is not a major cause for concern because breast milk is sufficient to supply the need for vitamin E that the baby needs.
It is only when the baby is born premature that there is a greater concern about the amount of this vitamin in the body, so the doctor can request a blood test to see if the baby is depleted of vitamin E, although this is not always necessary.
The main symptoms related to vitamin E deficiency in infants are muscle weakness and hemolytic anemia between the sixth and tenth weeks of life, in addition to an ocular problem called retinopathy of prematurity. When even with breast milk the baby does not have access to adequate amounts of vitamin E, the pediatrician may recommend vitamin E supplementation. In cases of retinopathy of prematurity and intracerebral bleeding, about 10 to 50 mg of vitamin E is administered daily under medical supervision.
Where to find vitamin E
It is possible to avoid the lack of vitamin E by consuming foods that are rich in this vitamin, such as butter, egg yolk, sunflower oil, almonds, hazelnuts and Brazil nut, for example. The nutritionist may also recommend the use of supplements of this vitamin if there is a need. Get to know foods rich in vitamin E.
The lack of vitamin E can be treated with the consumption of foods rich in vitamin E like sunflower oil, almonds, hazelnuts or Brazil nuts but you can also use vitamin E based dietary supplements that should be advised by your doctor or nutritionist.
