Vitamin E and neurological function: abetalipoproteinaemia and other disorders of fat absorption

Abstract

Evidence that vitamin E is important for normal neurological function in humans is presented. First, in abetalipoproteinaemia early therapy with vitamin E delays and may prevent the development of the neurological complications, and in patients with established lesions treatment can arrest or reverse the neuropathy. Second, in other chronic disorders of fat absorption with severe vitamin E deficiency, neurological manifestations which are very similar to those described in untreated abetalipoproteinaemia can be improved by vitamin E. Vitamin E supplementation is therefore advisable for all patients with chronic fat malabsorption who have low serum vitamin E concentration. Serum vitamin E concentrations should also be measured in patients with spinocerebellar disorders, whatever the aetiology.