The condition known as vitamin E deficiency is very rare, however it will lead to neurological problems, specially neuromuscular problems such as myopathies and spinocerebellar ataxia. Damage to red blood cells can also occur, leading to anemia.

We have to say that well, it is pretty rare hat this deficiency happens in us humans, specially as it is not linked to malnutrition issues, instead the causes are others, let’s take a look at them.

First, we have the group of people who have problems with the absorption of dietary fat. In infants, this condition has been observed when they have a very low birth weight, and in adults it has been observed in people with fat metabolism disorders.

In the case an individual is unable to absorb dietary fat, he/she will need proper supplementations, as this type of fat is essential for the vitamin’s absorption.

Other patients who are at a high risk of having this kind of deficiency are those suffering from problems such as Crohn’s disease, pancreatic insufficiency and liver disease given that they may not be able to absorb dietary fat, others include patients who had part of the stomach removed.

Neonatologists are the ones in charge of evaluating a newborn to see if he/she is indeed having problems with a vitamin E deficiency. Evaluation must be done in low birth weight infants, especially premature.

The condition that prevents greatly the absorption of dietary fat and vitamin E, is called abetalipoproteinemia, when this takes place, there will be some symptoms arising that are important to watch out, such as muscle weakness, poor transmission of nerve impulses and retina degeneration (this can lead to blindness).

Supplementation is the best course of action if we are suffering from such a condition, as we will need to prevent complications from occurring. Ataxia is yet another condition that causes problems and must be treated with high amounts of vitamin E.