In the hierarchy of important vitamins, Vitamin E makes the top 5. An important anti-inflammatory agent, Vitamin E is responsible for improving the body’s defenses by regulating the cell’s immune response. After knowing its function, one can only imagine what the deficiency of Vitamin E would do to the body. While we realize the importance of immunity in the post-pandemic world, it is also crucial to know how Vitamin E plays a key role in boosting our body’s natural defense system. Vitamin E is also a potent antioxidant.
Research on Vitamin E over the last few years has shown that Vitamin E is useful for a lot of things, from beauty to general health. It performs the following functions in the body:
Functions of Vitamin E
When we talk about the importance of Vitamin E, here are the most vital functions that this antioxidant powerhouse has to offer.
Antioxidant properties of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is popularly known to combat oxidative stress by neutralizing the free radicals produced in the body’s metabolic processes and environmental factors. To simplify this, imagine Vitamin E as the ultimate defense of cells from large chain chemical reactions. This knight in shining armour is primarily located in the cell membranes, where it can exert its maximum protective effect.
Role of Vitamin E in maintenance and repair of skin
As a free-radical scavenger, Vitamin E is also known to protect the skin from the effects of solar radiation. Apart from this, it also helps with skin revitalization. Vitamin E oil on the other hand, is a popular home remedy for dark circles, brown spots, scars, and sunburn. It also acts as a moisturizer, cleansing agent, and softens chapped lips.
Apart from foods, natural supplements are a helping hand that make sure your body is never deficient in important nutrients & vitamins. TrueBasics Advanced Multivitamin is a daily multivitamin enriched with 23 essential nutrients. It helps boost energy levels, enhance immunity, cognition, reduce stress, and support sleep. It is also scientifically formulated with three powerful blends: energy, immunity & anti-oxidant, and stress buster blends to be precise.
How does Vitamin E deficiency impact your health
Adipose tissue is capable of storing substantial amounts of Vitamin E. This means that the body has a reserve it can draw upon in the event of a shortage. You can meet your daily Vitamin E needs with a healthy diet.
Deficiencies in Vitamin E are typically the result of a more fundamental issue, such as digestive or metabolic dysfunction due to conditions such as Crohn’s disease or Pancreatitis. Here are some of them:
Vitamin E deficiency and diseases
The adipose tissues in our body reserve Vitamin E. Therefore, in case of deficiency, the body can tap into the reserves. Also, Vitamin E daily requirement can be easily fulfilled through a balanced diet. The deficiency of Vitamin E usually is a result of underlying problems in the digestion and metabolism of those affected, like Crohn’s disease or pancreatitis. A deficiency in the vitamin can lead to issues like:
1. Haemolytic Anemia
A deficiency in Vitamin E can lead to hemolytic anaemia. In this disorder, oxidative stress causes RBCs to damage prematurely. The effects of this include lethargy, breathing difficulty, and jaundice. and, in the long run, gallstones and pulmonary hypertension. Premature infants deficient in Vitamin E are at a higher risk of developing this disorder.
2. Weakened muscles
Vitamin E helps plasma membranes heal. Natural muscle wear & tear over time can lead to weakening of muscles. Due to muscle defects, myopathy occurs, a Vitamin E deficiency symptom. In elderly people with low adipose tissue reserves, a Vitamin E-deficient diet can make muscles frail and unsteady.
How to combat Vitamin E deficiency
Indian Council of Medical Research recommends 8-10 mg of Vitamin E as recommended dietary allowance for Indians. If you want to reap the benefits of this antioxidant powerhouse, consider including the following in your diet –
- Vegetable oils
- Green leafy veggies and fruits
- Nuts and seeds
- Pulses
Conclusion
From reversing myopathy to invigorating the skin, Vitamin E functions and sources are many, making it a versatile and indispensable nutrient. The availability of Vitamin E is abundant for consumption through the sources of dietary intake.
