Warning Signs Linked To A Vitamin E Deficiency

Reduced or Absent Reflexes

Patients with a vitamin E deficiency could display reduced or absent reflexes. The deep tendon reflexes include the patellar, Achilles, bicep, tricep, and brachioradialis reflexes, and doctors check these as part of routine checkups. To assess reflexes, the physician will gently tap on certain areas of the patient's arms and legs to assess the degree of response. They will assess the strength of the patient's reflex response on a standard scale of zero to five, and will also check the patient's ability to feel vibrations and to distinguish between dull and sharp sensations. Patients with vitamin E deficiencies could have a positive Babinski sign on this exam, and they will usually have trouble sensing vibrations. If abnormalities are found, blood tests and imaging studies might be performed to check for the underlying cause. Patients with reflex issues will be referred to a neurologist for further assessment, and they may need to take precautions to avoid falls when walking. The reflex examination will be repeated regularly to monitor the patient's progress, and reflexes typically return to normal as vitamin E levels stabilize.

Learn about additional indicators of a deficiency in vitamin E now.