Vitamin E deficiency in childhood: a narrative review

Abstract Vitamin E is an important nutrient from the earliest stages of life. It plays key roles as an antioxidant and in the maintenance of the immune system, among others. Vitamin E deficiency (VED), which occurs more frequently in children, is rarely addressed in the literature. This narrative review aims to summarize the chemistry, biology, serum indicators, and clinical trials that have evaluated the impact of fortification and other relevant aspects of vitamin E, in addition to the prevalence of its deficiency, in children worldwide. Vitamin E intake in recommended amounts is essential for this nutrient to perform its functions in the body. Serum α-tocopherol is the most widely used biochemical indicator to assess the prevalence of VED. VED has been associated with symptoms secondary to fat malabsorption and may lead to peripheral neuropathy and increased erythrocyte hemolysis. Reduced concentrations of α-tocopherol may be caused by the combination of diets with low amounts of vitamin E, associated with inadequate consumption of fats, proteins, and calories. The lowest prevalence of vitamin E deficiency was found in Asia and the highest, in North America and Brazil. High proportions of VED provide evidence that this nutritional deficiency is a public health problem in children and still little addressed in the international scientific literature. The planning, evaluation, and implementation of health policies aimed at combating vitamin E deficiency in the pediatric population are extremely important.