Reference ranges for serum Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) concentrations in pregnancy. Values reflect physiologic changes in lipid metabolism and plasma volume expansion.
| Units | Non-pregnant Adult | 1st Trimester | 2nd Trimester | 3rd Trimester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ug/mL | 5-18 | 4-16 | 8-19 | 7-28 |
| umol/L | 12-42 | 10-38 | 19-43 | 17-65 |
Causes of High Vitamin E Levels
- Vitamin E supplementation
- Hyperlipidemia (Vitamin E is lipid-associated)
- Cholestatic liver disease
- Familial hyperlipoproteinemias
- Laboratory artifact from lipemic samples
Causes of Low Vitamin E Levels
- Malabsorption syndromes (celiac disease, Crohn disease, pancreatic insufficiency)
- Short bowel syndrome
- Severe cholestasis preventing fat-soluble vitamin absorption
- Low dietary intake
- Abetalipoproteinemia or hypobetalipoproteinemia
- Conditions with very low serum lipids
References
- Kratz A, Ferraro M, Sluss PM, Lewandrowski KB. Laboratory reference values. N Engl J Med. 2004;351:1548–1563. PMID: 15470219
- Lockitch G. Handbook of Diagnostic Biochemistry and Hematology in Normal Pregnancy. CRC Press; 1993.