Vitamin E Deficiency
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There are many groups that may be at risk of vitamin E deficiency, including:
- People on a very low fat, low calorie diet
People that are on a very low fat diet may not be eating enough foods that are rich in vitamin E, because most foods high in vitamin E tend to be high in fat also. This type of low fat diet could contribute to a deficiency of vitamin E and supplementation may be required. - People taking cholesterol-lowering drugs
People taking cholesterol-lowering medications may become deficient in vitamin E because these medications block not only absorption of vitamin E, but also the other fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin K) - People with cystic fibrosis
People with cystic fibrosis cannot digest fats well, so they may not absorb enough vitamin E through their intestines and could become deficient, so supplementation may be required. People with cystic fibrosis should always consult their doctor about taking vitamin E supplements to be sure it does not adversely interact with any medications they may be taking.
Many groups of people may become deficient in vitamin E - especially those who follow a low fat, low calorie diet
- People with digestive diseases
People with digestive disorders such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, sprue may be at increased risk of vitamin E deficiency because these disorders present with an impaired ability to absorb nutrients in the intestines, so they may also have a reduced ability to absorb vitamin E too. - People with liver disease
People that have liver disease may not be able to store vitamin E in the liver and may have an impaired ability to properly utilise vitamin E too, which may lead to a deficiency and supplementation may be advised.