What is the Vitamin E (Tocopherol) test?

• Muscle weakness
• Restricted reflexes
• Difficulty or unsteady walking
• Vision difficulty

Vitamin E deficiency also results due to certain definite metabolic conditions like Crohn’s disease, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, rare genetic diseases, etc.

A low vitamin E content indicates that the body is not getting or absorbing adequate vitamin E. In contrast, higher vitamin E levels indicate the body's excess absorption of vitamin E content. The normal level of vitamin E ranges from 5.5-17 milligrams per litre (mg/L). The normal range differs according to age, i.e., for premature infants and children below 17 years. In the case of adults, a level below 4 mg/L indicates supplementation.

A vitamin E test may be required in case of the following situations:

• Evaluate the quantity of vitamin E in the diet
• To ascertain adequate absorption in the body. It has been observed that certain diseases often interfere with the digestion of vitamin E.
• Assessment of vitamin E status in premature babies. Premature babies are often at higher risks of vitamin deficiency, resulting in serious complications.

During the Vitamin E testing, a healthcare professional will collect the blood sample from the arm's vein with a needle. The needle is inserted, and a small quantity of blood is collected in vials. Around 12 to 14 hours fast is required before the test, which usually takes less than 5 minutes.

Vitamin E deficiency is rare in healthy people. It is related to inadequate and poor diet. It is associated with impaired reflexes and coordination, difficulty in muscle movement, etc. a low-fat diet often results in Vitamin E deficiency. It is not a serious condition but requires constant monitoring and treatment by healthcare professionals. Vitamin E deficiency is treated by recommending suitable dietary supplements or medications.

According to studies, the normal vitamin E level ranges from 5.5-17 mg/L. However, the reference scale may differ depending upon the laboratory infrastructure and age. Infants and children below 17 years are usually vulnerable to vitamin E deficiency during childhood. In case an adult has vitamin E content less than 4 mg/L, caregivers typically recommend supplementation.

The common symptoms of vitamin E deficiency are:

• General and unexplainable signs of weakness.
• Difficulty in movement, walking, and coordination.
• Visual impairments and deterioration.
• Immunity problems
• Numbness and tingling sensation.

Vitamin E deficiency is a rare disease predominantly caused due to inadequate absorption of fats and essential nutrients in the body. Vitamin E deficiency is a genetic predisposition or the preponderance of different metabolic diseases. The diseases resulting from vitamin E deficiency are cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, Cholestasis, chronic pancreatic, etc.

The prominent signs and symptoms indicating vitamin E deficiency result in nerve and muscle damage, loss of strength in the arms and legs. It may also lead to body movement control, muscle weakness, and vision impairment. The immune system of the individuals is also reportedly compromised.

The cost of the Vitamin E (or tocopherol) test in India varies according to the prevalent lab infrastructures of the city. The average cost of the test ranges up to Rs. 3,594 per person. However, the starting price accounts for Rs. 800 per person. But the accurate price holistically depends upon the laboratory set-ups in the city and the availability of instruments and experienced personnel.

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