The symptoms of Vitamin E

The Systems of low Vitamin E

Celine Haarhoff

Vitamin E is an essential nutrient found in many foods and is important for maintaining good health. However, some people may be genetically predisposed to having low levels of vitamin E in their bodies, which can lead to a variety of symptoms. 


Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in various foods, including nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables. It is an antioxidant that helps protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage the body's cells, leading to conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Vitamin E also plays a role in maintaining healthy skin and eyes and supports a healthy immune system.


Symptoms of vitamin E deficiency can vary depending on the severity of the deficiency and the length of time that the body has been without sufficient levels of this nutrient. Some common symptoms of vitamin E deficiency include:

  • Dry, rough, scaly skin
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Muscle weakness
  • Impaired vision
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

In severe cases, vitamin E deficiency can lead to problems with the nervous system, such as problems with coordination and difficulty walking. It can also lead to an increased risk of infections.


Several factors can increase the risk of developing a vitamin E deficiency. These include:

  • A diet that is low in vitamin E-rich foods
  • Certain medical conditions that affect the absorption of nutrients from food, such as Crohn's disease or cystic fibrosis
  • The use of certain medications, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs or drugs that affect the absorption of fat
  • Advanced age, as the body's ability to absorb vitamin E from food, decreases with age

If you are concerned about your risk for vitamin E deficiency, you will benefit from undergoing a genetic test to determine if you have a genetic predisposition to having low levels of this nutrient. This test can help identify any genetic variations associated with a higher risk of vitamin E deficiency.


Several different types of genetic tests can be used to assess your risk for vitamin E deficiency. These tests may be performed using a blood sample or a saliva sample. The specific test that is used will depend on the specific genetic variations that are being tested for.


One type of genetic test commonly used to assess the risk for vitamin E deficiency is called a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) test. This test looks for specific variations in a person's DNA that are associated with a higher risk of vitamin E deficiency.


In conclusion, vitamin E is an essential nutrient for maintaining good health. However, some people may be genetically predisposed to having low levels of this nutrient, which can lead to various symptoms. These individuals need to take more care in ensuring they consume enough vitamin E-rich foods. 

Back to blog

Recommend DNA Kits