Vitamin e avitaminosis and hypovitaminosis. Vitamin E: deficiency and hypervitaminosis. Erroneous symptoms of hypovitaminosis E

When the human body lacks vitamin substances, it begins to signal this. It is important to recognize certain symptomatic phenomena in time in order to tell a specialist about them, to get the necessary examination. Vitamin E deficiency most often occurs as a result of an unbalanced diet, lack of healthy habits, living in adverse conditions. In addition, this compound cannot be synthesized by the human body. It is important to determine in time how large the deficiency of tocopherol in the body is in order to prevent the development of serious diseases.

What happens to the human body when there is a lack of tocopherol?

The lack of tocopherol provokes the onset of certain negative processes in the work of internal organs, their systems, structures. First of all, tissue cells suffer, as they stop receiving enough oxygen. Due to this, they quite easily begin to undergo the process of peroxidation, which in turn can lead to their death. When the process of their death begins, the organs cease to function at full strength, which causes malfunctions in the work of the whole organism.

The person's condition is gradually deteriorating. Misreading the signals sent by the body can lead to serious consequences. A lack of tocopherol can lead to muscle dystrophy, the development of anemia, cardiovascular diseases, impaired functioning of the visual system, infertility, softening of the cranial bones, and necrosis of the hepatic system. These pathologies do not appear immediately, however, there are a number of diseases that can indicate vitamin E hypovitaminosis.

Diseases signaling a lack of vitamin E

It is a proven fact that there are no pathologies, the appearance of which is directly related to vitamin E deficiency. However, there are a number of diseases in which a lack of tocopherol in the body is possible. These include:

muscular dystrophy;
spinocerebellar type ataxia;
neuropathy in certain forms;
symptomatic retinopathy;
severe weakening of the immune system.

These pathologies have their own symptomatic picture. Often, signs of their development signal an insufficient amount of tocopherol in the human body. However, to obtain a complete history, it is necessary to consult a specialist and undergo an examination.

Symptoms of hypovitaminosis E

The first signs of a lack of tocopherol are:

the occurrence of a state of muscle hypotension;
the presence of muscle weakness;
constant feeling of tiredness;
impaired coordination of movements, gait;
“Drying out” of a person before our eyes due to a significant loss of muscle mass (usually manifested in adults who have an obese complexion).

Other symptoms of a fat-soluble compound deficiency include:

deposition of calcium salts in the chest area (visible during an x-ray examination);
fine motor disorders;
the occurrence of a mismatch of movements;
violation of the functioning of the organs of vision, its rapid decrease, increased eye fatigue;
jaundice;
herpes, other diseases that develop in the absence of the normal functioning of the immune system.

Such symptoms can occur in both men and women, however, it is not typical for childhood. In children, diseases caused by insufficient vitamin content in the body develop much faster, and therefore it is extremely important to identify this in time in order to provide assistance.

Erroneous symptoms of hypovitaminosis E

It is known that tocopherol is widely used in the field of cosmetology. For this reason, if women start having problems with hair, flaky skin areas appear, the number of wrinkles increases, they get the idea that there is not enough substance in the body. In fact, this opinion is erroneous, since the appearance of a person is also influenced by living conditions, adherence to the daily regimen, nutrition. The erroneous symptoms of hypovitaminosis E include:

the appearance of age spots on the skin in large quantities;
a large number of new wrinkles;
deterioration of the skin condition due to their increased fat content, dryness;
hair loss and brittleness;
split ends of hair;
the appearance of dandruff;
deterioration of the nail plate.

With a lack of tocopherol, these symptoms most often appear at a time when a person is no longer able to move. That is why they cannot be taken as the basis for the diagnosis. If appearance suffers first of all, they usually speak of a lack of B vitamins.

Diagnosis of vitamin E deficiency

Initially, the specialist assesses the appearance of the patient, studies the anamnesis. To clarify hypovitaminosis E, such studies are carried out as:

samples from the hepatic system;
MRI, examination of the diaphragm through X-ray.

Additional procedures are prescribed in the case when the indicated ones still do not give a complete picture of the person's condition.

Diseases accompanied by a lack of tocopherol

A person may suspect a lack of vitamin E in the presence of such pathologies as:

violation of the functioning of the digestive tract;
infectious, viral diseases, giving complications to the work of the intestine;
helminthiases, giardiasis in advanced form;
severe poisoning;
use of a number of antibiotics;
radiation damage.

It is not a fact that these diseases can cause the development of a state of hypovitaminosis E. However, they force a person to periodically feed his body with valuable substances, preventing this.

How to prevent hypovitaminosis E?

In order not to face a deficiency of tocopherol in the body, it is enough to adjust your diet and include foods such as:

vegetable oils of natural origin;
green peas (fresh, not canned);
cow liver;
legumes;
Salo.

Also, several times a year, for prophylactic purposes, you can drink drugs such as:

"Alpha Tocopherol Acetate";
"Sanvit E 98%", oil form;
"Vitamin E-acetate" and others.

Do not forget that any drug must be studied before taking it. It is also important to consult a doctor.

For the proper functioning of the body, it is necessary to constantly replenish it with useful microelements and minerals. Most of them are ingested with food. Unfortunately, not all products can provide us with the necessary amount of vital substances. Then vitamin complexes, produced in ampoules or tablets, come to the rescue. In order not to harm the body and achieve the desired result, seek the help of a doctor. He will select the drug and dosage, based on the individual characteristics of the person.

The value of vitamin E for the body

Vitamin E was isolated in 1922 by Herbert Evans and Katherine Scott Bishop, which was synthesized artificially in 1938.

What is such an important component for the body?

This is a group of natural compounds of tocol derivatives. The most significant are tocopherols and tocotrienols.

The role of vitamin E:

First of all, it is the strongest antioxidant.
Protects cells from damage.
Improves reproductive and regenerating functions.
Restores the human immune system.
Normalizes blood clotting.
Helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
Slowing down the aging process and thrombosis. Scientists have proven that tocopherol reduces inflammation on the skin.
Synthesis of hormones.
Maintaining blood cholesterol levels.
Vision improvement. Vitamin E reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration, which is a common cause of blindness.
Reduces the development of certain forms of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Reduces the likelihood of neoplasms of the prostate and breast.

In the human body, vitamin E accumulates in fatty tissues, muscles, heart, uterus, pituitary gland, liver, and adrenal glands.

Daily requirement for vitamin E

How much tocopherol the body needs depends on many factors. Among the main ones are age, gender, the presence of certain diseases.

On average, the need for vitamin E for an adult ranges from 15 to 30 mg.

For children under 1 year old, the norm is 5 mg per day, from 1 to 7 years old - 7 mg. From 8 the need for tocopherol increases dramatically. For teenagers, this figure is 10-14 mg per day.

According to the results of studies, scientists concluded that it is highly undesirable to take vitamin E preparations during pregnancy. This is due to the ability of tocopherol to cause disturbances in the development of the fetus and the formation of pathologies.

The daily requirement of a vitamin also depends on the environmental conditions. In the presence of many negative factors, it is recommended to increase the average dose of the component to 25 mg. Men need tocofinol slightly more than women (up to 30 mg).

Lack of vitamin E affects the condition of blood vessels, skin, nails, hair.

In what situations is it necessary to increase the amount of a vital element?

age over 50;
chronic infections;
susceptibility to stress;
postoperative stage;
activities that are associated with the effect of toxic substances on the body;
physical overload (in professional athletes during intensive training).

In order not to cause irreparable harm to health, it is necessary to consult a specialist before use. Remember that an overdose of tocopherol can lead to negative results.

Vitamin E deficiency symptoms

Among women

It has been proven that hypovitaminosis is much more dangerous than an excess of tocopherol.

The lack of vitamin E in women affects the hormonal background, the work of the reproductive system.

Also, the component blocks free radicals and prevents premature aging of the skin.

Participating in the process of ovulation and egg maturation, tocopherol prepares the female reproductive system for fertilization and fixation of the fetus in the uterine cavity. A lack of vitamin E in women can lead to malfunctions of the reproductive system and cause involuntary abortions in early pregnancy. Later, a lack of vitamin E can provoke all sorts of pathologies of the placenta, which also adversely affects the child.

In addition, tocopherol is prescribed for women in the treatment of infertility and the normalization of the menstrual cycle.

With a deficiency of the element, there is a decline in strength, mood swings, absent-mindedness, muscular dystrophy, the appearance worsens: wrinkles appear, hair becomes brittle and lifeless, brittle nails.

In children

Symptoms in adults are similar to signs of childhood hypovitaminosis. How do they appear:

Dry skin, brittle nails;
weakening of the immune system (a tendency to frequent infectious diseases with a long recovery);
lag in physical and mental development (there is a low weight, loss of appetite);
decreased sensitivity and physiological reflexes;
muscle weakness;
incoordination of movements (ataxia);
inarticulate speech;
blurred vision;
hemolytic anemia;
dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract.

There is a primary insufficiency of tocopherol in premature babies. In this case, jaundice, palpitations, enlarged liver, hypotension, and fever appear.

Signs of tocopherol deficiency and disease

What are the symptoms of vitamin E deficiency?

Muscle weakness, numbness and a feeling of "tingling" in the limbs. Over time, if you do not seek help from a specialist, you may experience lameness, pain in the calves.
Dryness of the epidermis, the formation of wrinkles. The skin is devoid of elasticity, shine.
Visual impairment.
Mood swings, irritability, tearfulness, apathy, loss of appetite, insomnia.
Decreased sex drive associated with hormone production.
Violation of the menstrual cycle.
Dysfunction of the digestive system.
Diseases of the heart, liver, gallbladder.
Poor blood clotting.
Intrauterine pathologies of child development.
Miscarriages, infertility.

Tocopherol deficiency compensation

To restore the necessary level of vitamin E, there are two main directions:

Determination and elimination of the root cause of hypovitaminosis.
The introduction of tocopherol into the human body is one of the methods. If the deficiency is associated with malfunctions in the digestive system, then the drug is administered intramuscularly. When the gastrointestinal tract absorbs vitamin E, the doctor prescribes oral administration. The dose is calculated only by a specialist. Capsules with an oily solution are used for this purpose (Alpha-Tocopherol acetate; Vitamin E-acetate; Sanvit E 98%, oil form; Alpha-tocopherol acetate.

After a course of treatment, the doctor prescribes a diet for the patient. The diet should contain products such as beans, lard, green peas, natural vegetable oils (preference is given to soy, corn, wheat germ). Among other things, the doctor also prescribes multivitamin complexes with a low content of tocopherol.

Vitamin rich foods

Our health is directly related to what we eat.

Improper monotonous nutrition, with a predominance of fatty, smoked, fried, canned, will negatively affect health. In the presence of ailments, first of all, it is necessary to review your diet and adjust it.

Everyone knows that food should be enriched with vitamins and minerals. Tocopherol has an important advantage: it is insoluble in water, resistant to high temperature, acid and alkali.

What foods are rich in vitamin E?

Tocopherol is contained in large quantities in green parts of plants, lettuce, parsley, onion, legumes, cabbage leaves, grains of rye, wheat, oats, buckwheat, millet, barley, brown rice, sunflower seeds, corn, sunflower, olive, linseed, sea buckthorn vegetable oils .

Nuts and seeds are the main source of this irreplaceable component. Pistachios, hazelnuts, almonds, peanuts should be present in the diet of every person (with the exception of those prone to allergic reactions to this product).
Berries (rose hips, strawberries, cherries, blueberries, blackberries). For example, a cup of fresh raspberries contains 50% of the daily value of tocopherol.
Vegetables (carrots, tomatoes, radishes, cucumbers, leeks).
Fruits (apricots, peaches, kiwi, mango, nectarine, pomegranate).
Legumes (beans, asparagus, soybeans, peas).

Least of all vitamin E is found in eggs, fish, meat. But this does not mean that they should be excluded from the diet.

A lack of vitamin E can lead to extremely undesirable consequences, so it is important to control your diet.

HypovitaminosisE- This is a disease caused by a lack of vitamin E. Pathology develops with insufficient intake from food, impaired absorption from the intestine, and transport to tissues. It is characterized by muscle weakness and hypotonia, hemolytic anemia, coordination disorders, decreased proprioceptive sensitivity, changes in the menstrual cycle and weakening of potency. The diagnosis is established on the basis of the clinical picture and the results of a blood test for vitamin content. Treatment includes dietary modification and tocopherol preparations.

ICD-10

E56.0 Vitamin E deficiency

General information

Vitamin E is a group of chemical compounds consisting of 4 tocopherols and 4 tocotrienols. Often the term "tocopherol" is used as a synonym for vitamin E. The daily requirement of children is 6-8 IU, men - 10 IU, women - 8-9 IU, pregnant and lactating mothers - 10-12 IU. With a lack of vitamin hypovitaminosis develops. Clinically manifested forms of vitamin E deficiency are rare, but according to laboratory studies, the prevalence of mild hypovitaminosis is 60-80%. The most susceptible to the disease are children, pregnant women and the elderly, as well as residents of the northern regions.

Causes of hypovitaminosis E

Vitamin E is not synthesized by the body. Its source is food. The high content is determined in vegetable oil, sprouted wheat and corn grains, legumes, eggs, seafood and greens. Vitamin absorption occurs in the small intestine. Tocopherol penetrates into the lymphatic vessels, with the help of transport proteins enters the bloodstream and spreads to the organs. The vitamin is fat-soluble, can accumulate in the liver, muscle, nervous and adipose tissue. Hypovitaminosis E develops when the supply of the vitamin to the cells is disrupted. The reason may be:

Nutritional vitamin deficiency. The body's own reserves of tocopherol are enough for 1-3 months, so the temporary nutritional deficiency is compensated. Hypovitaminosis is possible with prolonged fasting.
Decreased absorption. The vitamin is absorbed from the small intestine along with fats. With celiac disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and cystic fibrosis, malabsorption syndrome occurs, the absorption of nutrients is reduced.
Lack of bile. Tocopherol absorption requires the presence of bile acids. Reducing the formation of bile or the inability to secrete it into the intestine is one of the causes of hypovitaminosis.
Violation of vitamin transport. Tocopherol is transported through the lymphatic and blood vessels with the help of transport proteins. With a decrease in their number, the vitamin ceases to enter the tissues, hypovitaminosis manifests itself.

Pathogenesis

Entering the cells, tocopherol is incorporated into the phospholipid layer of membranes, where it performs an antioxidant function - it inhibits the peroxidation of unsaturated fatty acids by attaching unpaired electrons of active radicals containing oxygen. Thanks to this process, cell membranes are protected from the effects of free radicals. Thus, hypovitaminosis E is accompanied by a deficiency of antioxidants, destruction of cell membranes. First of all, myocytes and neurons suffer - cells that have a large membrane area and support intensive oxidation processes. Therefore, the most common signs of tocopherol deficiency are hypotension and muscle weakness, movement and sensation disorders.

Other functions of the vitamin are the prevention of erythrocyte hemolysis, participation in the production of hemoglobin, maintenance of gene expression, reduction in the synthesis of prostacyclins by endothelial cells and thromboxanes by platelets. With hypovitaminosis, the process of hematopoiesis is disrupted, hemolytic anemia develops. Tissues are damaged, the cells of which are rapidly renewed - the liver, kidneys, male gonads, the fetus. The process of attachment of platelets to the inner walls of blood vessels is enhanced, which increases the risk of atherosclerosis and thrombosis.

Symptoms of hypovitaminosis E

Hypovitaminosis E clinically debuts with muscle hypotension and weakness. This symptom extends to all types of muscle fibers - skeletal and smooth. Patients experience lethargy, their motor activity decreases, the previously habitual physical activity becomes unbearable. The tone of the smooth muscles of the internal organs decreases, as a result, the pulse, heart rate and respiration slow down, constipation occurs due to a deterioration in intestinal motility.

Damage to the tissues of the nervous system is manifested by impaired coordination, speech disorders, a decrease in vibrational and proprioceptive (internal muscle) sensitivity. The first to disintegrate are complex motor complexes, skills that have not been fully mastered. It becomes more difficult for patients to write, use small objects, pronounce long words. Children lag behind in speech and motor development, have a lack of body weight, and are physically weak. In newborns, hypovitaminosis E is the cause of seborrhea and rickets, in premature babies - retinopathy.

A symptom of hypovitaminosis E is anemia. Its characteristic features are pallor, yellowness of the skin and mucous membranes, general weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, convulsions and changes in body temperature. In women, the menstrual cycle is disturbed; when pregnancy occurs, the risk of miscarriage increases, especially in the early stages. In men, potency and reproductive function are reduced. Tocopherol is necessary for the absorption of vitamin A, so its deficiency provokes hypovitaminosis A, manifested by hair loss, night blindness, dry skin and frequent infectious diseases.

Complications

With prolonged hypovitaminosis E, disorders of the neuromuscular system increase. Mild coordination disorders develop into ataxia, movements become inaccurate, inconsistent, a sense of balance is lost when standing and walking. Visual acuity decreases, gaze paresis develops as a result of damage to the myelin sheath and posterior cords of the spinal cord. Prolonged hypovitaminosis accelerates the aging process of the body, increases the risk of cancer and atherosclerosis. In experimental conditions on animals, it has been proven that the absence of tocopherol leads to atrophy of the testes, resorption of the fetus, softening of the brain, fatty infiltration and liver necrosis.

Diagnostics

Suspicion of hypovitaminosis E occurs with the development of ataxia, sensory and motor neuropathy, dysarthria, hemolytic anemia, miscarriage, visual disturbances. Also, diagnostics is carried out as part of a comprehensive study of the vitamin profile in low birth weight newborns, pregnant women, lactating women, patients with malabsorption syndrome, diseases of the liver, gallbladder and its ducts. The diagnosis is made by neurologists, neonatologists and gastroenterologists. The main research methods are:

Clinical survey. Patients complain of weakness in the muscles, pain, tingling and other discomfort in the limbs, weakness, convulsions. In a conversation, the doctor clarifies the features of nutrition, the presence of diseases of the digestive tract.
Neurological examination. Reduced muscle tone is determined, in severe cases - muscle dystrophy. Unsteadiness of gait, awkwardness and inaccuracy of movements, imbalance are possible.
Blood test. Blood plasma is tested. In the presence of hypovitaminosis, the vitamin E index in children and adolescents under 18 years of age is less than 3.8 μg / ml, in adults - less than 5.5 μg / ml.

Treatment of hypovitaminosis E

In case of primary hypovitaminosis E, caused by an insufficient content of the vitamin in food, the diet is corrected. Foods rich in tocopherols and tocotrienols are introduced into the diet: corn, sunflower and olive oils, peas, beans, beans, oatmeal, buckwheat, eggs, mackerel, pike perch, nuts, cabbage and leafy vegetables. Additionally, an oral vitamin may be prescribed. Therapy of secondary hypovitaminosis associated with impaired absorption and transport of tocopherol is based on the intramuscular administration of vitamin E. At the same time, concomitant diseases of the digestive system are treated.

Forecast and prevention

With timely treatment and the absence of complications, hypovitaminosis is completely eliminated within 1-2 months. The prognosis is favorable. Since vitamin E is found in many foods, healthy people need only good nutrition to prevent its deficiency. Prophylactic administration of tocopherol in the form of drugs is indicated for premature babies, pregnant women, mothers during lactation, patients with intestinal diseases, malabsorption syndrome, disorders in the formation and excretion of bile.

Vitamin E in the medical environment is known as tocopherol (translated from the Greek tocos - offspring, phero - I carry) or "reproduction vitamin". It was discovered in the first half of the 20th century by Evans, who managed to cure infertility in experimental rats by adding lettuce leaves, rich in a special substance that promotes the development of the embryo, to their diet. However, the role of this vitamin in the body is not limited to ensuring the normal functioning of the reproductive system, it is involved in many physiological processes.

Under the condition of normal nutrition and living in ecologically favorable areas, tocopherol deficiency in the body is a rare occurrence. But modern life with an unbalanced diet, diseases of the digestive system, environmental pollution contributes to the emergence of hypovitaminosis among the population.

Features of the structure and metabolism of vitamin E

Vitamin E, or tocopherol, provides stability to cell membranes and is a natural antioxidant.

Currently, science knows several chemical compounds that have the activity of vitamin E. These are α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherols and tocotrienols. They are isolated from vegetable oils and have a similar structure. The most active among these substances is α-tocopherol. It should be noted that there are differences between natural and synthetic tocopherol. The former is designated as RRR-α-tocopherol and has one stereoisomer. Synthetic forms of the vitamin are represented by a mixture of 8 stereoisomers, most of which are not found in nature.

Once in the digestive system, the vitamin is absorbed into the bloodstream by simple diffusion. This requires mandatory participation:

digestive enzymes (to break down the oils it comes with);
lipids (as a solvent);
bile acids (as an emulsifier).

In their absence, the absorption process is disturbed, which can lead to a lack of vitamin in the body.

From the small intestine, tocopherol in the composition of chylomicrons is transported to the lymphatic tract and bloodstream, binds to lipoproteins (LDL, VLDL) of the blood and spreads to organs and tissues. It accumulates as much as possible in adipose tissue, liver and muscles, being included in the structure of cell membranes. The products of its metabolism are excreted in the urine.

Role in the body

Tocopherol provides the stability of cell membranes and is considered the main natural fat-soluble antioxidant. Its functions in the human body are diverse:

protects cells from oxidative damage;
acts as an antihypoxant (stabilizes mitochondrial membranes and saves oxygen consumption by cells);
participates in the synthesis of nucleic acids;
controls the formation of the heme molecule (part of hemoglobin) and hormones;
inhibits the activity of phospholipase A₂, which destroys phospholipids;
increases the activity of retinol;
ensures normal muscle activity;
strengthens;
oppresses;
slows down aging.

Tocopherol plays an important role in the formation of sexual function, promotes intrauterine development of the fetus and child after birth.

What products contain

The main source of vitamin E for humans is vegetable oils:

sunflower;
olive;
corn;
linen;
wheat.

However, they must be fresh, cold-pressed. If they are obtained from seeds under the action of high temperature, subjected to various purification methods, then most of the tocopherol in them is destroyed. And the excess of such oils in the diet of a person with vitamin deficiency only strengthens it.

The following foods are also rich in vitamin E:

nuts (especially almonds, hazelnuts);
seeds;
wheat sprouts.

Much less of it is found in animal products. But the use of butter, egg yolk, lard, meat contributes to the replenishment of vitamin reserves in the body.

Table 1. The content of tocopherol in food.

Causes and signs of hypovitaminosis

Hypovitaminosis E can lead to chronic intestinal diseases, accompanied by a violation of its absorption processes.

The daily requirement for the vitamin is small. It is 8-10 mg for an adult. A varied diet ensures sufficient intake of tocopherol in the body. Hypovitaminosis rarely occurs due to nutritional deficiency. More often it develops with sufficient intake of the vitamin. It contributes to:

malabsorption ( , );
violation of the process of release of bile into the intestine;
an increase in the need for a vitamin during pregnancy, the therapeutic use of mineral oils, the intake of a large amount of iron into the body (in the treatment of anemia);
living in territories contaminated with radionuclides or chemical toxic substances;
smoking;
long-term use of oral contraceptives;
hormone replacement therapy;
consumption of chlorinated drinking water.

Severe hypovitaminosis occurs in children born prematurely, and is manifested by hemolysis of erythrocytes and anemia.

The depletion of vitamin reserves in the body occurs over a long period of time. In the initial stages, there are no clear symptoms of hypovitaminosis in humans. There is only general weakness, a tendency to frequent colds. Later, disorders appear in women, a decrease in sexual desire and potency in men.

With a pronounced lack of tocopherol, the function of muscle and nervous tissue, the immune system is disrupted, the cells of the sex glands and tissues of the embryo are damaged. Clinically, this may manifest itself:

muscular dystrophy;
partial hemolysis of erythrocytes and;
a decrease in the content of total immunoglobulin in the blood;
an increase in the levels of enzymes in it - CPK, ALT (due to cell damage).

The lack of tocopherol in the body provokes the development.

Congenital pathology of vitamin E metabolism

Sometimes associated with congenital diseases. These include:

acanthocytosis (spiky erythrocytes);
dyserythropoietic anemia type 2;
muscular dystrophies.

With acanthosis, there are no chylomicrons and low-density lipoproteins in the blood plasma. This leads to impaired absorption and transport of vitamin E to organs and tissues. In such patients, the hemolytic resistance of erythrocytes is sharply reduced, retinitis pigmentosa and ataxic neuropathy may develop. Their condition is facilitated by the introduction of water-soluble forms of the vitamin.

In persons suffering from congenital dyserythropoietic anemia, the consumption of tocopherol increases to stabilize defective erythrocyte membranes and protect them from peroxidation.

In congenital muscular dystrophies, hypovitaminosis is caused by impaired absorption of tocopherol or its metabolism.

Principles of diagnosis and treatment

The main method for assessing the availability of tocopherol in the body is to determine its level in blood plasma. But such an assessment is not always objective. For example, with hyper-β-lipoproteinemia, the concentration of a vitamin in the blood does not reflect the saturation of organs and tissues with it. Additionally, functional tests are used to assess the depth of vitamin deficiency:

hemolytic resistance of erythrocytes;
daily excretion of creatine;
the content of products of lipid peroxidation in the blood.

Treatment of hypovitaminosis is aimed at:

to compensate for vitamin deficiency;
elimination of the cause of hypovitaminosis.

First of all, the patient's diet is reviewed and nutrition is corrected. He is prescribed a diet based on the daily intake of foods rich in vitamin E. To replenish the vitamin reserves as soon as possible, a course of treatment with oral α-tocopherol preparations is carried out. If hypovitaminosis is associated with malabsorption and pathology of the digestive system, then the vitamin is administered parenterally. The duration of such therapy is determined by the doctor. Usually, 1-2 months of treatment is enough to eliminate unpleasant symptoms. In the future, such persons may be prescribed preventive courses of therapy.

Which doctor to contact

With hypovitaminosis E, first of all, it is necessary to enrich your diet with foods high in this substance.

If you suspect a deficiency of vitamin E in the body, you need to contact a therapist or endocrinologist. After the initial examination, you may need to consult a gastroenterologist, nutritionist, hematologist, gynecologist, pediatrician.

Description:

The state of vitamin E deficiency is diagnosed when the content of tocopherol in blood plasma is less than 0.8 mg% in adults and less than 0.4 mg% in children.

Symptoms:

Characteristic:
-
- Creatinuria
- Sphingolipid deposits in muscles
- Demyelination of axons of the central nervous system and on the periphery causes cerebellar ataxia, peripheral neuropathies, impaired proprioceptive sensitivity.

Causes of occurrence:

Primary vitamin E deficiency develops in infants with artificial feeding, especially with an excess of polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as in children with a lack of protein in the diet.

secondary insufficiency.
- Digestive disorders. Pancreatic insufficiency (chronic, carcinoma,). Deficiency of conjugated (bound) bile acids (cholestatic or obstructive liver disease). Deconjugation of bile salts due to excessive growth of bacteria in violations of peristalsis (scleroderma, enterocolic, condition after Billroth-11, diverticula of the jejunum).

Diseases of the small intestine. . Whipple's disease. Collagen. Non-granulomatous ulcerative ileounitis. Eosinophilic. . .

Lymphatic obstruction. , primary (congenital) or secondary (with intestinal tuberculosis, Whipple's disease, trauma, neoplasm or retroperitoneal fibrosis). .

Abetalipoproteinemia

Hypogammaglobulinemia