Vitamin E is an important vitamin which is required by the body to function smoothly. Vitamin C and D deficiency related health disorders are known. But, what are the disorders and diseases caused by deficiency of vitamin E?
Vitamin E is not a single substance, but actually it is a group of fat-soluble vitamins which are used throughout the body. Some substances which belong to the group are alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocotrienol. There isn’t much information on what all diseases can be caused by the deficiency of vitamin E, but lack of this vitamin does affect many body processes and increases the risk or increases the severity of many disorders. Understanding the role of vitamin E in our body will help you to understand the disorders it causes in the body in a better way.
Role of Vitamin E and Disorders Caused by its Deficiency
Vitamin E is an antioxidant. This means it helps prevent free radical damage. What happens is that oxygen in our body, when becomes overly reactive, it starts to damage the living cells in the body. This causes oxidative stress or free radical damage. Antioxidant act as a scavenger against these damaging molecules, and help to move them out of our system.
So, like vitamin E there are many other antioxidants which help protect against this free radical damage. Another important role of vitamin E known widely is that it helps to maintain healthy skin. One of the problems associated with free radical damage is pre-mature aging of the skin which means wrinkles and dark spots. Vitamin E when applied topically or consumed in the right amount helps to combat this damage and keeps the skin healthy.
Vitamin E also benefits to prevent bladder cancer. This is again contributed to its antioxidant properties. A study showed that a group of people who consumed vitamin E in a good amount had lesser risk of bladder cancer, than those who didn’t. One more study shows that vitamin E natural food sources, compared to the supplements protect against Alzheimer’s disease and prostate cancer. So, as you can see vitamin E can protect against many diseases due to its antioxidant property.
There are many other vitamin E deficiency symptoms seen which include dry and falling out of hair. Hair fall and dry hair can be rejuvenated by topical application and adequate intake of vitamin E. It also helps to moisten the skin and hair quickly. By regular topical application of vitamin E based oil, your hair and skin health will be restored. Other diseases caused by the deficiency include cardiovascular diseases, cataract and cancer. Vitamin E also decreases the intensity of scars from various wounds.
There are some more vitamin E deficiency symptoms which show that it affects body parts like lungs, heart, blood vessels, arteries, skin, nerves and pituitary glands. Lack of this vitamin can also lead to anemia, muscle atrophy and infertility. Its deficiency can also lead to fatigue and weakness of muscles. A disease called mulberry heart disease had one of the contributing cause as vitamin E and selenium deficiency. Severe deficiency of vitamin E can lead to a nervous system malfunctioning. It can lead to ataxia and a peripheral neuropathy which mimics Friedreich ataxia.
Research is still going on, but today vitamin E as a single vitamin can’t be blamed as a cause of a particular disease. However, it does increase the risk of many disorders. Also, in combination with other nutrient’s deficiencies, it can lead to some serious illnesses. Hence, to avoid such health problems, regularly consume vitamin E natural food substances rather than relying on supplements. You can get adequate vitamin E by eating vitamin E rich foods like mustard greens, collard greens, brussels sprouts, swiss chard, spinach, turnip, almonds, kale, papaya, olives, kiwi, tomato, bell peppers, blueberries and broccoli. Take care.
