Vitamin E deficiency
Linked to Vitamin E
Rare, but low vitamin E can damage nerves and muscles over time.
Where it shows on the body
Rotate the figure and click a red marker to see the affected area. Internal organs open a 3D organ model.
Causes
- Fat-malabsorption disorders
- Rare genetic conditions
- Very low-fat diets
Symptoms
- Muscle weakness
- Coordination and balance problems
- Numbness
- Vision problems
- Weakened immunity
What happens if untreated
- Progressive nerve and muscle damage
- Retinal damage
Who is most at risk
- People with cystic fibrosis or liver/pancreas disease
- Premature infants
Prevention & sources
- Vegetable oils, nuts and seeds
- Supplements for malabsorption
Correcting it: foods, amounts & timing
Foods that help & safe amounts
- Vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and leafy greens daily
- Supplements for malabsorption only under guidance
Nerve and muscle symptoms stabilise or improve slowly over months.
Sources & references
Symptoms overlap — testing matters
Most deficiency symptoms (fatigue, poor concentration, skin and hair changes) are shared across several nutrients and many unrelated conditions. A symptom on this page is a reason to investigate, not a diagnosis.
A GP can confirm or rule out a deficiency with a blood test and check for underlying causes such as absorption problems. Do not start high-dose supplements on suspicion alone — some nutrients are harmful in excess, and supplementing before testing can mask the underlying result.