In both children and adults, vitamin E deficiency can contribute to retinopathy and visual impairment because α‑tocopherol serves as a key fat‑soluble antioxidant that protects photoreceptor cells and retinal membranes from cumulative oxidative damage. Clinical reports describe patients with prolonged low vitamin E status developing pigmentary retinopathy, reduced visual acuity, and abnormal electroretinograms, sometimes alongside peripheral neuropathy, which can improve partially when deficiency is identified and corrected. These neurosensory changes appear more frequently in settings of fat malabsorption or genetic disorders affecting vitamin E transport, highlighting the importance of monitoring vitamin E status in at‑risk groups with otherwise unexplained visual decline. This medication is commonly used for High Cholesterol.
Runge P, Muller DP, McAllister J, Calver D, Lloyd JK, Taylor D. Oral vitamin E supplements can prevent the retinopathy of abetalipoproteinaemia. Br J Ophthalmol. 1986 Mar;70(3):166-73. Pang J, Kiyosawa M, Seko Y, Yokota T, Harino S, Suzuki J. Clinicopathological report of retinitis pigmentosa with vitamin E deficiency caused by mutation of the alpha-tocopherol transfer protein gene. Jpn J Ophthalmol. 2001 Nov-Dec;45(6):672-6. Edwards G, Olson CG, Euritt CP, Koulen P. Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Therapeutic Role of Vitamin E in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Front Neurosci. 2022 May 4;16:890021. Ng EY, Chiew Y, Phang SCW, Ng YT, Tan GCJ, et al. (2021) The Effects of Vitamin E on Non-proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Int J Diabetes Clin Res 8:142.
Some side effects may be linked to nutrient depletion caused by this medication.
Research demonstrates that fibrates, particularly fenofibrate, are known to increase homocysteine levels. Elevated levels of homocysteine is associated with increased risk of a range of health problems including atherosclerosis, stroke, and neurological diseases, and vitamin Bs including vitamin B12 helps facilitate the breakdown of homocysteine and may be helpful in reducing homocysteine levels.
Fenofibrate has been shown in studies to increase the toxic effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that may lead to side effects such as hives, itching, and skin rash. Taking vitamin C before UV exposure is found in research to significantly help block UV-fenofibrate effects on the skin. Vitamin C supplementation should be considered when taking this drug therapy.
Research demonstrates that fibrates, particularly fenofibrate, are known to increase homocysteine levels. Elevated levels of homocysteine is associated with increased risk of a range of health problems including atherosclerosis, stroke, and neurological diseases, and vitamin Bs including vitamin B6 helps facilitate the breakdown of homocysteine and may be helpful in reducing homocysteine levels.
Fenofibrate has been shown in studies to increase the toxic effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that may lead to side effects such as hives, itching, and skin rash. Taking vitamin E before UV exposure is found in research to significantly help block UV-fenofibrate effects on the skin. Vitamin E supplementation should be considered when taking this drug therapy.