Vitamin E deficiency

Vitamin E deficiency is a rare condition caused by low levels of vitamin E that may result from malabsorption disorders (such as abetalipoproteinemia, cystic fibrosis, or Crohn's disease), or impaired lipid transport. As a potent antioxidant, vitamin E protects cell membranes from oxidative damage, and its deficiency primarily affects tissues with high fatty acid content, especially the nervous system. Clinically, patients may present with spinocerebellar ataxia, polyneuropathy, muscle weakness, and retinopathy. Diagnosis is confirmed through low serum vitamin E levels, and treatment involves dietary supplementation with vitamin E and (if possible) addressing the underlying cause of malabsorption. The term 'vitamin E' commonly refers to α-tocopherol, and so α-tocopherol deficiency refers to the same syndrome.