Vitamin E deficiency

Preterm infants are susceptible to vitamin E deficiency because

• decreased absorption of the vitamin
• lower tissue stores at birth.

Historically, some infant formulas were very low in vitamin E, and suffered from a syndrome involving:

• hemolysis
• thrombocytosis
• and generalized edema

Other problems include loss of neural integrity and decreased muscle function.

With improved recognition of dietary requirements, infant formulas now are supplemented appropriately, and vitamin E deficiency essentially has disappeared in preterm infants.

Infants who have fat malabsorption due to cystic fibrosis or abetalipoproteinemia, however, remain at risk for developing vitamin E deficiency and the related hemolytic anemia.

Although the mechanism of hemolysis remains uncertain, it is believed that vitamin E, as a lipid-soluble antioxidant, protects against damage to the erythrocyte cell membrane.

Also see discussion: Fat soluble vitamins, deficiency vs excess

Prep 2004