Vitamin E
Understanding Vitamin E
What is Vitamin E?
A Vitamin E test is used to measure the amount of vitamin E (Tocopherol) in the body. This vitamin plays a key role in maintaining the nerves and muscles function, preventing abnormal blood clots formation and boosting the immune system. Symptoms of vitamin E deficiency include muscle weakness, slow reflexes, difficulty in walking and vision problems, while symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea and fatigue may indicate its toxicity.
Vitamin E deficiency is mostly caused due to certain conditions such as Crohn's disease, liver disease and cystic fibrosis leading to its malabsorption, while the excess may be caused due to over usage of vitamins in dietary supplements. Patient must be without a Vitamin E supplement and abstain from alcohol for 24 hours prior to sample collection.
What is Vitamin E used for?
- If you have signs or symptoms of mal-absorption syndromes like celiac disease, tropical sprue, Crohn’s disease which may cause weight loss, diarrhoea, vomiting
- If you have symptoms of Vitmain E deficiency like tingling or numbness in limbs, poor muscle co-ordination
Interpreting Vitamin E results
Interpretations
- Low levels of vitamin E can be associated with malabsorption syndromes like celiac disease, tropical spurue, cystic fibrosis etc.
- High levels are very uncommon