Vitamin E deficiency - these are the symptoms

The most important points in brief

• A lack of vitamin E can manifest itself physically through several symptoms.
• People with previous illnesses are usually affected by an insufficient supply of vitamin E.
• Breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women are also at risk.
• In rare cases a metabolic disease is responsible for the fact that the organism cannot process the vitamin E supplied.

Like all other vitamins - with the exception of vitamin D - the human body is unable to produce vitamin E itself. The amount that we need to take in daily to prevent vitamin E deficiency is between eleven and fifteen milligrams. The following applies: Those who eat a sufficiently balanced diet actually have no problems meeting this need. In Central Europe there is rarely an undersupply of vitamin E.

Who can be affected by a lack of vitamin E?

Nevertheless, there are various risk groups who must be careful not to consume too little vitamin E. Mention should be made here of people with the metabolic disease FIVE (Familial Isolates Vitamin E Deficiency) - the liver is not able to pass the supplied vitamin E on to the organism because processing is disrupted. Anyone who suffers from a previous illness should have it examined whether this condition has an influence on the vitamin E balance.

Breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women, however, belong to the risk group, simply because the need for vitamin E is higher than usual. And anyone who suffers from a disease of the intestine or from gluten intolerance must also ensure an adequate supply of vitamin E .

What are the symptoms of vitamin E deficiency?

First of all: None of these characteristics alone indicate an undersupply of vitamin E. However, if several symptoms occur at the same time, one should not only consider going to the doctor, but rather do it as quickly as possible. The hallmarks of a lack of vitamin E include:

• Muscle weakness and tremors (tremors)
• Loss of mental and muscular performance
• Waning reflexes and worsened wound healing
• wrinkled and quickly drying skin
• constant tiredness

Common retinal problems can also result from a lack of vitamin E. The good news for all of these points is that the symptoms of vitamin E deficiency mentioned above almost always only appear after many years, in some cases even decades. However, the risk groups pregnant, breastfeeding and sick people should not take an undersupply lightly.

What can be used to remedy the vitamin E deficiency?

Vitamin E is particularly found in oils, such as olive oil or rapeseed oil. This vitamin is also found in sunflower oil, otherwise in nuts. So if you want to fill up your vitamin E tank, it's best to prepare a nice, southern European-style salad, with goat cheese, for example, and a good helping of olive oil. Walnuts go well with this; like most other types of nuts, they also contain vitamin E.

Caution is advised - for example, in contrast to vitamin D - in the event of an overdose. Consuming too much vitamin E over the long term will reverse the positive effects of this nutrient. The metabolism of vitamin K is disrupted, which reduces the ability of the blood to clot. An overdose of vitamin E also increases the risk of suffering a stroke. By regularly taking Kanela vitamin E supplements, you can achieve the perfect dosage.