TITLE:
Serum Vitamin E Reference Intervals in a Black Congolese Population of Kinshasa
AUTHORS:
Monzango Sibo, Mboloko Esimo, Mputu Lobota, Mbemba Fundu, Nganga Mireille, Itewa Monka, Mayoka Mamoi, Ntanga Kabuya, Amba Naomie, Lezaka Ensemeya, Bola Jonita, Maxime Fastrez, Lebwaze Bienvenu, Balthazar Phoba, Destin Mbongi, Tshilolo Léon, Kahindo P. Muyalalo, Mbanzulu Pita, Emile Darai
KEYWORDS:
ELISA, Reference Interval, People of Childbearing Age, Vitamin E
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.13 No.4,
April
27,
2023
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.