6 symptoms of vitamin E deficiency that are not commonly known
Vitamin E, the name sounds familiar, but it slips into the background when compared to more talked-about nutrients like iron, calcium, or vitamin D. Known mostly for its antioxidant powers, vitamin E does a lot more than just help the skin glow or boost immunity.
In fact, when the body doesn't get enough of it, it starts to whisper certain signs, not the usual dry skin or weak immunity, but ones that are rarely associated with this silent protector.
These symptoms are often brushed aside, misread, or even wrongly treated. It's not about fear — it's about awareness. Sometimes, understanding what's missing in the diet can unlock the mystery behind years of unexplained discomfort.
Unsteady movements, especially on smooth floors
When vitamin E levels drop, it starts affecting the cerebellum — the part of the brain that controls motor skills and balance. This isn't instant. Over time, a person may start noticing subtle changes in how they walk or how often they lose their footing, especially in slippery areas or when turning quickly. It's not clumsiness — it's a nervous system signal.
Strange tingling or prickling in the hands and feet
Vitamin E plays a crucial role in protecting nerve endings. Without enough of it, nerves start losing their insulation, much like electric wires with worn-out covers.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya
IC Markets
Mendaftar
Undo
The result? Odd sensations like pins and needles, numbness, or even burning feelings in the limbs — especially during rest or at night.
Subtle changes in vision clarity
A deficiency in vitamin E can damage the light-sensing cells in the retina over time. This doesn't lead to complete blindness but can cause minor vision disruptions — such as struggling to see clearly in dim light or difficulty adjusting when moving between light and dark areas. These signs are slow and subtle but shouldn't be ignored.
Image - iStock
Constant fatigue without a medical explanation
Vitamin E helps maintain healthy red blood cells. When it's in short supply, oxygen transport may be slightly compromised, making muscles and tissues feel tired without doing much. The body keeps asking for rest, not because it's lazy, but because it's running on half its fuel.
Cracked or dry lips despite hydration
While dry lips are mostly linked to dehydration or weather, consistent cracking despite drinking enough water could be a hint of vitamin E shortage.
This vitamin helps maintain cell integrity. When it's missing, even the soft tissues like lips start losing moisture protection. It's a skin message, loud and clear.
7 Most common signs of Vitamin C deficiency
Difficulty recovering from small wounds or muscle injuries
Vitamin E plays a key role in reducing oxidative stress and promoting tissue repair. When wounds, even minor cuts or muscle soreness from basic activities, take longer to heal than usual, it could point to a lack of this essential nutrient. The delay isn't just external — internally, healing is sluggish too.
One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Rims doubles cottage charges, hikes paying ward fee for patients to earn more revenue
1 2 3 Ranchi: Patients seeking admission at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims) will now have to pay more to access cottage and paying ward facilities. The hospital administration has revised its fee structure, doubling the daily charge for cottages from Rs 250 to Rs 500, while the rent for the paying ward increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 per day. The hike, which came into effect a few days ago, has drawn mixed reactions from the public and patient families. The Rims management on Friday justified the revision stating that the previous rates remained unchanged for many years. "The move will help the hospital to earn more money, which can then be pumped into infrastructure and development," an official said. The paying ward is in relatively better condition, with functional infrastructure and cleanliness maintained to some extent. There are 16 cottages in total at Rims. Currently, seven rooms on the first floor are being used as emergency wards, while the ground floor cottages are being allotted as paid accommodation. Seven beds are equipped with oxygen supplies. The paying ward has a capacity of 100 beds. To ease pressure on overcrowded emergency and critical care units, Rims has shifted stable, recovering patients to underutilised cottage and paying wards. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The move aims to free up emergency beds for critically ill patients. Patients transferred to the cottage and paying wards under this system are not being charged for their stay. Only patients who voluntarily opted for treatment in the cottage or paying wards are required to pay the respective charges of Rs 500 and Rs 1,500 per day. Those shifted as part of the hospital's internal allocation are exempt from any fees. Emergency and critical care wards together have around 130 beds. Rims public relations officer Dr Rajeev Ranjan said, "The shift was intended to streamline patient management and reduce wait times in emergency situations. By separating recovery-phase patients, the hospital aimed to enhance the overall quality of care." Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Maha's anti-venom pioneer targeted by predatory journal
Mumbai: The world of medical research is battling its own version of cyber frauds: predatory or 'pseudo' journals, deceptive publications that claim to be scholarly but rarely follow ethical publishing practices and seek hefty payment from authors. On Friday, Dr Himmatrao Bawaskar (75), a Mahad-based physician who won a Padma Shri in 2022 and is known for his rural Maharashtra medical practice and research, wrote in 'The Lancet' about his two-year struggle with a predatory journal that swiftly published his work, then started demanding 1,000 pounds and issued threats when he objected. "I received threatening emails stating they would take serious action and damage my reputation in India," he said. Mahad-based Dr Himmatrao Bawaskar, whose pioneering work in anti-venom for scorpions and snakes has been published in numerous peer-reviewed medical journals, was so "devastated" by his struggle with a predatory journal that he developed "anxiety, insomnia and palpitation". Within six months, the 75-year-old doctor lost 8 kgs and needed psychiatric help. In recent months, various medical associations across the world have voiced concern about the growing number of predatory journals. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tausende schwärmen von diesem Nagelpilz-Gerät – wir haben es überprüft Med-Aktuell Undo The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors in Feb estimated there are over 15,000 such journals. While medical research paves the way for new treatments, these journals are undermining its credibility. Dr Bawaskar's ordeal began when he submitted his self-funded diabetes research to high-impact journals. After many rejections, a case report journal approached him. "In my submission to this journal, I stated I work without funding and would not be able to pay fees," he said. Yet the journal sent him a proof in a couple of days. "I was shocked—how could the peer review and publication process be completed so quickly? I again appealed, stating my inability to pay. The journal ignored my requests and proceeded to publish the article, then sent me an invoice with exorbitant fee," he added. The journal then sent threats and said they were giving him "a 40% discount." "But during a call with my son who is a cardiologist in the US, my wife mentioned my stress to him," said the doctor. His son identified the predatory nature of the journal and blocked their communications. While the doctor hasn't paid the journal, this experience has prompted him to work out a checklist. He said, "Since this episode, I have not attempted to publish again. Instead, I find fulfilment in seeing my patients recover and walk again—living testaments to my diagnosis and management; these are my true publications." Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
NO2 levels in city's air three times higher than safe limits
Gurgaon: Concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) -- a pollutant emitted by burning fuel in vehicles, power plants and industries – exceeded the maximum safe limit by three times in the past two days. Data from the Gwal Pahari air quality monitoring station showed that average NO2 for eight hours was 133µg/m³ on Thursday and 123µg/m³ on Friday. In India, the safe limit for exposure to NO2 is 40µg/m³. The maximum concentration considered safe by the World Health Organization is even lower, at 25 µg/m³. Experts said emissions from vehicles, especially in congested areas, is likely to be the key reason for NO2 pollution. They said NO2 does not get as much regulatory attention as other pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), though it is associated with exacerbating respiratory ailments. Shubhansh Tiwari, a research associate at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said on Friday, "Elevated NO₂ levels in the city are predominantly due to vehicular emissions. Old vehicles and traffic congestion are key sources of NO2 here." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Asked about action taken to reduce NO2 emissions, an official of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) said the agency has allowed a private firm to scrap old vehicles. "This aims to remove polluting vehicles from city roads," the official said. A senior HSPCB official said NO2 levels are likely to have spiked after brief relief due to pre-monsoon showers. "The recent rains had kept nitrogen dioxide levels in check by dispersing pollutants. But with clear skies and calmer weather now, NO2 from vehicular and industrial emissions is building up, especially in traffic-dense areas. Unlike particulate matter, NO2 often flies under the radar, but prolonged exposure can be equally hazardous," the official said. Currently, just one of the four air quality monitoring stations is functioning in the city. Dr Bandana Mishra, who heads the pulmonology and respiratory medicine department at Manipal Hospital in Gurgaon said everyone is at risk from high NO2 exposure, but children and the elderly suffer the most. "Nitrogen dioxide exposure can lead to increased inflammation of the airways, which results in persistent cough wheezing, reduced lung function and a higher frequency of asthma attacks," Dr Mishra said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
