Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, that plays important functions in vision, reproduction, and overall health of the brain, blood, and skin. Vitamin E is found in various foods including vegetable oils, nuts, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables. Most people get enough vitamin E from their diet. Its deficiency is rare and typically results from an underlying condition.
There are eight different forms of vitamin E, but alpha-tocopherol is the most common. Therefore, it is preferred to get vitamin E from a balanced diet it provides a mix of different forms of vitamin E. One should consult a health practitioner before taking vitamin E supplements, as excess vitamin E consumption can lead to severe side effects
What is the Vitamin E test used for?
The Vitamin E test measures the level of vitamin E in blood. It is done in people suspected to have either deficiency or excess vitamin E. Deficiency of vitamin E results from diseases that severely reduce fat absorption. This is because the body requires fat to absorb vitamin E. Some of these diseases include chronic pancreatitis, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, etc. These people require regular supplementation along with checking vitamin E levels in the blood to avoid overdose
Symptoms of Vitamin E deficiency
Vitamin E deficiency exhibits the following symptoms
Muscular weakness
Poor Coordination
Tingling and numbness
Visual disturbance
Low immunity
Who should get tested?
Genetic diseases
Chronic pancreatitis
Celiac disease
Cholestatic liver disease
Cystic fibrosis
Preparation for Test
The patient needs to fast overnight before the test. The patient should inform the doctor if taking any over-the-counter medications. It is important not to take vitamin supplements at least 24 hours before the test. A blood sample is collected by inserting a needle in the vein in the arm. The sample is further sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Interpretation of Test Results
The normal levels of vitamin E range are 5.5-17 mg/L. The normal range may be different for premature infants and children under 17. Normal ranges also vary slightly among labs. When an adult has less than 4 mg/L of vitamin E in blood, they usually require supplementation
FAQs
What are the best sources of vitamin E?What are the best sources of vitamin E?
Foods that contain vitamin E include
· Vegetable oils like wheat germ oil, peanut oil, olive oil
· Nuts, seeds
· Whole grains
· Milk
· Most vegetables like spinach, Swiss chard, red pepper, avocados
Does vitamin E interact with other medications?
Yes, vitamin E has blood thinning properties. This can lead to bleeding problems when taken with drugs such as warfarin. It may also interact with chemotherapy drugs and drugs affecting cholesterol levels. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting vitamin E supplements
What are the symptoms of vitamin E toxicity?
Vitamin E deficiency exhibits the following symptoms:
· Nausea
· Diarrhea
· Intestinal cramps
· Headache
· Blurry vision
· Gonadal dysfunction
Do I need a vitamin E supplement?
Most people get enough vitamin E from a balanced diet. However, people with fat absorption problems or those on a low-fat diet may benefit from supplementation
What are the health benefits of vitamin E?
Vitamin E has the following health benefits:
· It acts as an antioxidant and protects the cells from free radicals.
· It contributes to a healthy immune system.
· It helps maintain healthy hair and skin.
It helps in maintaining healthy vision
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