The Link Between Vitamin E Deficiency and Neurological Disorders By Christina Bekhit

Christina Bekhit
3 min readJun 17, 2024

Christina Bekhit asserts that fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin E is essential for shielding cells from oxidative damage. It has a substantial impact on cerebral function, which makes it important for reasons beyond general health. The crucial requirement for sufficient vitamin E intake becomes clear when one considers the link between vitamin E insufficiency and neurological diseases.

Vitamin E’s Function in the Nervous System

For the neurological system to remain healthy, vitamin E is essential. It ensures that neurons are functioning properly by shielding cell membranes from oxidative damage brought on by free radicals. Furthermore, vitamin E plays a role in immunological response and cellular signalling, two functions that are essential for brain health.

Resulting from a Vitamin E Deficit

A deficiency of vitamin E in the body can cause a number of neurological problems. Deficiency symptoms frequently manifest as muscle weakness, blurred eyesight, and shaky gait. The shortage may eventually lead to more serious conditions, such as:

Ataxia: Often associated with a vitamin E deficiency, this disorder is marked by impaired coordination and balance. It is brought on by the loss of neurons in the cerebellum, the area of the brain in charge of controlling movement.

Peripheral Neuropathy: Usually affecting the hands and feet, damage to the peripheral nerves can result in tingling, numbness, and discomfort. Due to its function in protecting nerves, vitamin E deficiency might make these symptoms worse.

Retinopathy: This condition affects the retina and may result in blindness. A vitamin E deficiency may contribute to the development of retinopathy because it shields the eyes from oxidative stress.

Reasons for Low Vitamin E
A lack of vitamin E can result from a number of things, such as:

Malabsorption Disorders: Illnesses like vitamin E toxicity can prevent fat-soluble vitamins like cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, and celiac disease from being absorbed.

Hereditary Disorders: The body’s capacity to use vitamin E is directly hampered by rare hereditary disorders such as ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED).

Poor Dietary Intake: Inadequate intake of this vital component can result from a diet deficient in foods high in vitamin E, such as leafy greens, almonds, and seeds.

Avoidance and Control

Both dietary and pharmacological therapies are necessary to treat vitamin E insufficiency. It’s crucial to include foods strong in vitamin E, such spinach, sunflower seeds, and almonds. Supplements may be required under medical supervision in cases of malabsorption or hereditary abnormalities.

To Sum Up

A shortage in vitamin E can result in significant diseases as it is essential for the maintenance of neurological health. Timely intervention and prevention of neurological impairment are made possible by the recognition of the symptoms and underlying causes of vitamin E insufficiency. Preserving the health of our nervous system begins with making sure we are getting enough of this essential nutrient. Hope this information is helpful for you. To learn more, visit here: Christina Bekhit.

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Christina Bekhit

Dr. Christina Bekhit, PharmD, a compassionate pharmacist, brings a unique career journey and dedication to patient care to her profession.