Vitamin E deficiency Flashcards
List causes of vitamin E deficiency
CF Abetalipoproteinaemia Chronic cholestatic hepatobiliary disease Short bowel syndrome (all affect absorption) Ataxia with Vitamin E deficiency (AVED)
What is the function of vitamin E?
Antioxidant
Roles in the immune system
Important in formation of RBC
Helps body use Vit K
Describe the epidemiology of vitamin E deficiency
Very rare
List 4 symptoms of vitamin E deficiency
Weakness
Loss of vibration sense
Decline in visual field
Numbness + tingling
List 9 signs of vitamin E deficiency
Hyporeflexia Decreaed proprioception Distal muscle weakness Limited upward gaze Loss of vibration sense Ataxia Dysarthria Retinopathy Compromised immune system
What investigation is used for vitamin E deficiency?
Serum alpha-tocopherol level
Describe management of vitamin E deficiency
Supplements (around 1000 IU/day)
Education on food sources of Vitamin E
List 3 complications of vitamin E deficiency
Complete blindness
Cardiac arrhythmia
Dementia
What is vitamin E deficiency also known as?
Alpha-tocopherol
List sources of vitamin E
Veg oils Nuts Seeds Spinach/broccoli Fortified cereals + fruit juices
What does vitamin E deficit cause?
Haemolysis + neurological deficit
