Age and seasonal variation and establishment of reference intervals for water-soluble vitamins determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Objectives: We aimed to establish reference intervals for water-soluble vitamins determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to improve the diagnosis of vitamin deficiency and outcomes of associated conditions.

Methods: In this retrospective analysis of 24 810 specimens, we aimed to examine sex-, age-, and season-related variations in vitamin levels in different groups, set reference-value intervals for vitamin levels, and evaluate these reference values against those recommended by manufacturers.

Results: Levels of vitamins B, B, B, B, and B were higher, and those of vitamins B, B, and C were lower, in men than in women. There were seasonal variations in levels of vitamins B, B, B, B, B, B, and C. Levels of vitamins B, B, B, B, B, B, B, and C differed across age groups; vitamin B displayed significant differences between ages 0 to 14 years and adults compared with reference change values. The lower limits of vitamins B (ages 15-100 y), B, B, B, and C were lower, and that of vitamin B was higher, than the recommended reference values. Finally, the upper limits of vitamins B, B, B, B, and B were lower than the recommended values.

Conclusions: For values obtained using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, the lower limits of reference intervals for vitamins B (ages 15-100 y), B, B, B, and C should be lowered, that of vitamin B should be raised, and the upper limits of reference intervals for vitamins B, B, B, B, and B should be lowered.