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Replacement Therapy in Vitamin E Deficiency

Description

The dose and formulation of vitamin E replacement depends on the severity of the deficiency and the underlying cause.


Cause for Vitamin E Deficiency

Special Formulation

Daily Dose and Route

isolated deficiency

 

400 - 1,200 IU po

cystic fibrosis

 

5 - 10 IU per kg po

chronic cholestasis, initial

water-soluble ester

15 - 25 IU per kg po

chronic cholestasis, unresponsive to oral therapy

parenteral (for IM injection)

15 - 25 IU per kg IM

short bowel syndrome

 

200 - 3,600 IU po

 

where:

• Water-soluble ester = d-alpha-tocopherol polyethylene succinate

• The potency of different formulations of vitamin E vary, but this is standardized to International Units (IU) based on activity. 1 mg of all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate has 1 IU activity.

• d,l-alpha-tocopherol (Ephynal) can be used for parenteral administration but is not available in the United States.


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