Vitamin E

The Vitamin E test is used to gauge the levels of vitamin E, a key micronutrient, in the body. The micronutrient plays a key role in a number of biological processes. The fat-soluble vitamin, which also acts as an antioxidant, can help improve your immune function. Vitamin E also helps prevent blood clots and ensures that your nerves and muscles are working well.

Vitamin E is available in a wide variety of foods. However, there is a chance you might be diagnosed with it if you already have an underlying health condition.

You must get a Vitamin E test done if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

• Muscle weakness or pain
• General unwellness
• Visual disturbances
• Immune system problems
• Difficulty in walking and general coordination
• Slower reflexes 
• Tiredness
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea

Vitamin E deficiency is common among families. So, you might inherit the illness as a part of your genetics. Otherwise, Vitamin E deficiency usually accompanies diseases such as:

• Celiac disease
• Cholestatic liver disease
• Cystic fibrosis
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Short bowel syndrome 
• Crohn’s disease 

The Vitamin E test uses a blood sample. If the lab test results indicate that you have a Vitamin E deficiency, you must immediately start with relevant supplements. While taking supplements, you can also increase your Vitamin E intake through certain food items, such as:

• Eggs
• Leafy vegetables 
• Fortified cereals
• Kiwi
• Mango
• Peanut butter
• Nuts and seeds 
• Whole grains

However, if the Tocopherol test indicates that you have an excess of Vitamin E in your bloodstream, you might suffer from vitamin toxicity. If your results indicate an excess of this vitamin, you have to cut down on your Vitamin E intake.

In the right quantity, this vitamin acts as an antioxidant. But if it exceeds the favourable limit, it becomes a blood thinner. As a result, you might experience fatal bleeding. It can also tamper with your body's ability to clot blood, which might again prove fatal if you suffer from an injury.

Besides, if your Vitamin E test indicates that you have excessive vitamin E levels, then you may be at a high risk of haemorrhagic stroke. You can address this concern by reducing the consumption of Vitamin E supplements and controlling its intake via food.

If you’re going for this test, you should know that your healthcare practitioner might ask you to fast for about 12-14 hours before the test. While the Tocopherol test doesn’t pose any significant side effects, you may experience some irritation or soreness at the site of injection.

Apollo’s Vitamin E test cost is ₹4,000. The test results are generated within 17 days. The test package includes a total of one test, and it is used for the following purposes:

• Gauge vitamin E levels in babies with a family history of vitamin E deficiency.
• Understand if there is enough vitamin E intake in the diet.
• Ensure that the  body absorbs the vitamin from the food it digests.
• Make sure there isn’t too much of the vitamin E in the bloodstream. 
   

Frequently asked questions

Is there something you must prepare before heading to the Tocopherol test?

There is not much you can do to prepare for the Tocopherol test. Just keep in mind that if your physician suggests, you might have to fast for around 12-14 hours before taking the test.

Are there any risks associated with the vitamin E test?

There are no such risks associated with the Vitamin E test. However, you may experience a bruise or mild swelling at the site of the needle prick. The test only requires a blood sample; hence, there aren't any risks associated.

How much vitamin E does the human body need ideally?

Here is the ideal amount of Vitamin E you need based on your age group: ages 1 to 3: 6 mg/day ages 4 to 8: 7 mg/day ages 9 to 13: 11 mg/day Ages 14 and older: 15mg/day

At what age are you most susceptible to giving in to genetic vitamin E deficiency?

If inherited genetically, Vitamin E deficiency comes with a rare genetic condition known as Ataxia. Children between the ages of 5 and 15 have the highest chances of developing a Vitamin E deficiency.

Is vitamin E harmful?

Too much Vitamin E can act as a blood thinner and cause heavy bleeding. Since your body is not able to clot blood anymore, even a tiny wound might prove fatal.

What are the various diseases caused by vitamin E deficiency?

Some of the diseases that can be caused by Vitamin E deficiency are: Crohn’s disease Cystic fibrosis Ataxia  Abetalipoproteinemia