Serum Vitamin E Reference Intervals in a Black Congolese Population of Kinshasa

Abstract

Context: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and plays an important role in human reproduction. However, micronutrient deficiency is a major public health problem, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to establish reference intervals (RIs) for vitamin E in black Congolese people of childbearing age using an ELISA method to provide a reference for clinically assessing vitamin E status. Methods: A total of 127 healthy people between the ages of 20 and 42 who underwent check-ups were randomly selected for the study. ELISA method measured the level of vitamin E. The effect of gender on vitamin E level was assessed, and RI was established using a parametric approach. Results: Women showed significantly higher levels of vitamin E than men (p = 0.01). The RI of vitamin E in people of childbearing age was 3.71 to 13.72, 4.52 to 14.64, and 4.17 to 13.52 mg/L, respectively, for the whole population, women and men. Conclusion: Using an ELISA method, this study established RI for vitamin E in the black Congolese population of childbearing age. We also found that women had significantly higher vitamin E levels than men. The results could provide a scientific basis for interpreting vitamin status in people of childbearing age in our setting.