Vitamin E deficiency

Hypovitaminosis E is well-recognized but rare. It is usually due to the malabsorption of vitamin E, e.g. cystic fibrosis or pancreatic failure. It manifests as dysfunction of the CNS, characteristically presenting with a tremor and ataxia. Tendon reflexes are often absent.

Clinically and radiologically it may be indistinguishable from the neurological sequelae of hypovitaminosis B12, i.e. subacute combined degeneration of the cord (SACD) .