• Potent lipid-soluble antioxidant.
  • Protects cell membranes (especially RBCs and neurons) from free radical damage/oxidation.
  • Highest concentration found in membranes with high polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content.

Vitamin E deficiency

  • Etiology/Causes of Deficiency
  • Clinical Features
    • Neurologic dysfunction (highly dependent on Vitamin E for membrane protection) is the most prominent feature.
    • Presents similarly to Friedreich Ataxia.
    • Spinocerebellar ataxia: Difficulty with balance and coordination.
    • Myopathy: Skeletal muscle weakness.
    • Polyneuropathy:
      • Loss of deep tendon reflexes (areflexia).
      • Loss of proprioception and vibratory sense (due to dorsal column degeneration).
    • Hemolytic anemia: RBC membrane fragility leads to premature destruction.
    • Retinitis pigmentosa.
  • Diagnostics
    • Labs: ↓ serum tocopherol levels.
    • Peripheral smear: May show acanthocytes (“spur cells,” especially in abetalipoproteinemia) and signs of hemolysis.