SNHf is a world leader in the analysis of vitamins in biological samples for medical diagnostics. Over several decades, it has developed an expertise unique in Switzerland, in order to offer its customers and partners high added value services. Order analysis
| Vitamin | Female | Male |
| A | 1061 – 2755 nmol/l | 1061 – 2755 nmol/l |
| E | 16 – 39 μmol/l | 16 – 39 μmol/l |
| Carotenes | 1774 – 5821 nmol/l | 1774 – 5821 nmol/l |
| Folic acid | 7 – 31 nmol/l | 7 – 31 nmol/l |
| B1 | 10 – 53 nmol/l | 10 – 53 nmol/l |
| B2 | 18 – 180 nmol/l | 18 – 180 nmol/l |
| B6 | 6.5 – 69 nmol/l | 10 – 111 nmol/l |
| B12 | 162 – 796 pmol/l | 162 – 796 pmol/l |
| Biotin | 3.07 – 5.12 nmol/l | 3.07 – 5.12 nmol/l |
| C | 26 – 97 μmol/l | 26 – 97 μmol/l |
| Pantothenic acid | 160 – 588 nmol/l | 160 – 588 nmol/l |
| Niacin | 198 – 905 nmol/l | 198 – 905 nmol/l |
| K1 | 0.33 – 2.0 nmol/l | 0.33 – 2.0 nmol/l |
| D | 75 – 175 nmol/l | 75 – 175 nmol/l |
The SVI clinical trial [1] allowed the calculation of the Swiss reference intrevals of vitamins based on the analytical methods of the SVI (HPLC, chemical and microbiological) and according to the international clinical recommendations [2]. Note that for vitamins D, K and B12 the measurements are still in progress.
1. Schupbach, R., et al., Micronutrient status and intake in omnivores, vegetarians and vegans in Switzerland. Eur J Nutr. 2017 Feb;56(1):283-293
2. Geffre, A., et al., Reference Value Advisor: a new freeware set of macroinstructions to calculate reference intervals with Microsoft Excel. Vet Clin Pathol, 2011. 40(1): p. 107-12.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that comes from two sources: retinoids and provitamin carotenoids. Vitamin A is fundamental for the structure and efficiency of skin, eye and mucosa. Deficiency of vitamin A may cause blindness, skin problem and is a serious problem in emerging countries for children healthy development. Hypervitaminosis of vitamin A may cause nausea and vomiting, and neurological disorder.
Vitamin B1 is a soluble molecule that was one of the first to be recognized as vitamin. It ensures the normal fonction of nervous system and muscles. Deficiency in vitamin B1 causes Beriberi and associated symptoms such as tiredness, muscular weakness disorder of memory and concentration, lassitude and anorexia. Alcoholism decreases absorption of vitamin B1. Very little thiamin is stored in the body, depletion can occur within 14 days and hypervitaminosis is rare.
Vitamin B12 is water-soluble vitamin. It is important in DNA synthesis. It is released from the food by acid in the stomach and binds to the so called intrinsic factor before it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Absence of the intrinsic factor due to loss of parietal cells in the stomach (autoimmune disease, Helicobacter pylori infection) leads to failure to absorb vitamin B12 and can cause a type of anemia called pernicious anemia. The body stores several years’ worth of vitamin B12 in the liver, so low levels in the body are rare but more common in the elderly, vegetarians and vegans. Hypervitaminosis of vitamin B12 is an under-estimated phenomenom arising to disease (cancer and other) and excessive B12 supplementation.
Vitamine B2 participates in the recovery of energy from foods. Vitamin B2 contributes to skin, red blood cell and nervous system functions. Deficit in vitamin B2 can be caused by alcohol consumption or poor diet. Toxicty of vitamin B2 is very low and hypervitaminosis of it is not expected.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that comes from two sources: retinoids and provitamin carotenoids. Vitamin A is fundamental for the structure and efficiency of skin, eye and mucosa. Deficiency of vitamin A may cause blindness, skin problem and is a serious problem in emerging countries for children healthy development. Hypervitaminosis of vitamin A may cause nausea and vomiting, and neurological disorder.
Niacin participates in the recovery of energy from food, and proper function of the nervous system, skin and mucosa. Deficiency in vitamin PP can cause fatigue, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, depression and finally pellagra (sun sensitivity and dementia). Alcoholism can cause deficiency. Toxicity of vitamin PP is low but hypervitaminosis may cause headache, itching, liver damage, diarrhea and depression.
Pantothenic acid is important for the metabolisms of fatty acids, amino acids and carbohydrates. It promotes growth and resistance of skin and mucous membranes. Used in cosmetic for acne, against hair loss, and their elasticity. Deficiency in vitamin B5 is very rare. Hypervitaminosis of vitamin B5 is negligible.
Vitamin B6 participates in the metabolisms of glycogen, lipids, amino acids and in the synthesis of hemoglobine. Vitamin B6 is very important for transport of iron. Deficit may cause skin problem and hair loss, insomnia, weakness and nervous disorder. Hypervitaminosis of vitamin B6 can cause sensory nerve damage and skin lesion, symptoms that are similar to vitamin B6 deficiency.
Biotin is essential to fatty acids and amino acids metabolisms. Recommended for strengthening hair and nails and skin function. Biotin deficiency is rare as it is synthesized by the intestinal microflora. Inborn genetic disorders and dysbiosis of the gastrointestinal tract are the main causes of biotin deficiency. Defiency can cause skin inflammation (dermatitis), hair loss (alopecia), conjunctivitis or neurological symptoms. There are no reported hypervitaminosis of vitamin biotin.
Together with vitamin B12 folic acid ensures the proper function of red blood cells, and normal cell division. Folic acid participates in the metabolisms of amino acids and nucleotides. It is required for the normal development of the neural tube. Folic acid supplementation during pregnancy decreases the occurrence of a birth defect called spina bifida, due to the neural tube defect during the development where there is incomplete closing of the spinal cord. Deficiency may cause megaloblastic anaemia and skin lesion. Hypervitaminosis of folic acid is rare and can mask a B12 vitamin deficiency.
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is an antioxidant. Vitamin C contributes to the production of collagen that is necessary to the structure and function of skin, bones, blood vessels and many other tissues. Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron from plant origin. Vitamin C can be regenerated by vitamin E. Deficiency is usually due to a poor diet or a greater need in vitamin C by an individual. Deficit in vitamin C causes scurvy. Symptoms of scurvy are tiredness, bleeding gums and tooth loss, muscle aches, skin lesion and appearance of many bruising. There is no hypervitaminosis of vitamin C, however, too much of vitamin C can cause kidney disease.
Carotenes represent provitamin A and have also a direct antioxidant activities. It is provided in the diet by green and yellow or orange vegetables and some fruits.
The term “vitamin D” includes different forms of this vitamin. Vitamin D2 is made by plants and fungi from ergosterol, and vitamin D3 by human skin from cholesterol upon sunlight exposure. Vitamin D is fat-soluble and critical to calcium absorption as well as to the regulation of phosphorous and calcium metabolisms. It is important for bone mineralisation and the function of the immune system. Sunlight exposure is the principal source of vitamin D in the organism. Deficiency of vitamin D may cause bone softness, osteomalacia and rickets. Deficiency arises from inappropriate diet, low sun exposure, poor body metabolism, and certain drugs. Hypervitaminosis of vitamin D may cause hypercalciuria, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting and dehydration.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble and has antioxidant properties. Vitamin E can be regenerated by vitamin C. Premature children are exposed to a deficit in vitamin E. Deficit in vitamin E is the result of malabsorption due disease and rarely of poor diet. Hypervitaminosis of vitamin E can reduce other fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, K) in the body and lead in particular to bleeding problems due to vitamin K deficiency.
Vitamin K is a group of fat-soluble vitamins produced by plants (K1) and bacteria (K2, vitamers MK4 to MK13). Vitamin K is important for blood coagulation and the metabolism of bones ans tissues. Deficiency in vitamin K is rare in adults and is caused by drugs (anticoagulants, antibiotics) and malabsorption due disease. The result is a coagulation problem, hemorrhages and anemia. Newborn have risk of low level in vitamin K. Only hypervitaminosis of the synthetic vitamin K (K3) was reported to have serious adverse effects.
