title: Vitamin E and the nervous system.
abstract: There is increasing evidence that vitamin E is essential for normal neurological function. In abetalipoproteinemia, which is the most severe deficiency state known in man, development of the associated spinocerebellar syndrome can be prevented by early vitamin E therapy. A neurological disorder similar to that seen in abetalipoproteinemia, comprising progressive ataxia, hyporeflexia, and proprioceptive loss, has been described in children and adults with chronic fat malabsorption and vitamin E deficiency. The neuropathological changes in such patients resemble those seen in vitamin E-deficient monkeys. Recent reports suggest that spinocerebellar degeneration may be caused by a selective defect of vitamin E absorption without other evidence of gastrointestinal disease.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009420:Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014811:Vitamin E Deficiency / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D014810:Vitamin E