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Kwashiorkor is a form of protein deficiency, which can result in both osmotic imbalances and irregularities in the lymphatic system. [3] Kwashiorkor is most notable for peripheral edema. The presence of edema in kwashiorkor is correlated with very low albumin concentration (hypoalbuminemia).
Vitamin E is a group of eight compounds related in molecular structure that includes four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. The tocopherols function as fat-soluble antioxidants which may help protect cell membranes from reactive oxygen species. Vitamin E is classified as an essential nutrient for humans.
Common, most foods do not contain vitamin D, indicating that a deficiency will occur unless people get sunlight exposure or eat manufactured foods purposely fortified with vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is a known cause of rickets, and has been linked to numerous other health problems. [46] [47] Vitamin E deficiency
Isolated vitamin E deficiency or 'ataxia with isolated with vitamin E deficiency' is an inheritable deficiency of vitamin E caused by mutations in the gene for the tocopherol (vitamin E) transfer protein. These patients are the only ones who are unlikely to have other nutrient deficiencies.
The discovery of vitamin E by scientists Katherine Bishop and Herbert Evans in 1922 marked the beginning of the understanding of tocotrienols. [17] Vitamin E was named "tocopherol" (from the Greek words tokos , meaning childbirth, and phero , meaning to bring forth) due to its presumed role in aiding conception.
In medicine, a deficiency is a lack or shortage of a functional entity, by less than normal or necessary supply or function. A person can have chromosomal deficiencies, mental deficiencies, nutritional deficiencies, complement deficiencies, or enzyme deficiencies.
Specific medical names of the different conditions are derived from the given vitamin involved: an excess of vitamin A, for example, is called hypervitaminosis A. Hypervitaminoses are primarily caused by fat-soluble vitamins ( D and A ), as these are stored by the body for longer than the water-soluble vitamins.
Micronutrient deficiency is defined as the sustained insufficient supply of vitamins and minerals needed for growth and development, as well as to maintain optimal health. Since some of these compounds are considered essentials (we need to obtain them from the diet), micronutrient deficiencies are often the result of an inadequate intake.