Insight into your vitamin Alevel.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin with a role in vision, the skin, and the immune system. Because the body stores vitamin A, the level can also become too high with excessive supplementation.
Also known as: retinol
Interpreted by BIG-registered doctors
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Background
What is vitamin A?
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is measured in the blood mainly as retinol. The vitamin plays a role in vision, particularly in seeing in low light, in the build-up and maintenance of the skin and mucous membranes, and in the functioning of the immune system. You obtain vitamin A from animal products such as liver, oily fish, eggs, and dairy, and from beta-carotene in plant products, which the body converts into vitamin A itself.
Because vitamin A is fat-soluble, the body stores any excess, mainly in the liver. With excessive supplementation the vitamin can therefore accumulate, and too much vitamin A is harmful. Pregnant women are advised against taking high doses of retinol, as this poses risks for the unborn child. Liver and liver products are also generally advised against during pregnancy. A test gives insight into your level. The laboratory supplies the reference ranges and our doctor interprets the result in your context.
In brief
Retinol
The form measured in the blood
Vision
A role in seeing in low light
Skin and immune system
Involved in skin, mucous membranes, and defence
Fat-soluble
Accumulates with excessive supplementation
Common reasons to test
When can insight into your Vitamin A be valuable?
Below are some situations in which measuring Vitamin A can provide insight.
Insight into your status
A test gives a snapshot of your vitamin A level in the blood.
When using supplements containing retinol
Vitamin A accumulates with excessive supplementation. A test shows whether your level has risen.
With questions about seeing in low light
Vitamin A plays a role in vision at dusk and in the dark. A test gives insight into your level.
With skin and mucous membrane complaints
Vitamin A is involved in maintaining the skin and mucous membranes. With persistent complaints, the level can form part of a broader picture.
With reduced fat absorption
Fat-soluble vitamins are less well absorbed with bowel conditions or after bariatric surgery.
When trying to conceive or during pregnancy
High doses of retinol are advised against during pregnancy. Always consult your doctor or midwife before changing anything.
What your result means
How do we read your Vitamin A level?
Vitamin A is measured in micromoles per litre (µmol/L). The laboratory supplies the reference ranges. With this fat-soluble vitamin, our doctor looks at both ends of the scale: both a low and an elevated value are relevant.
A low value
A low vitamin A level may indicate insufficient intake or reduced absorption of fats, for example with certain bowel conditions or after bariatric surgery. Complaints associated with a deficiency include poorer vision in low light, dry skin, and drier mucous membranes. Replenishment through diet or targeted supplementation is a common approach, in consultation with a doctor.
A normal value
A vitamin A level within the laboratory's reference ranges gives a reassuring picture for this marker. It remains a snapshot. The body also keeps the blood level fairly stable as long as the liver store is adequate, so the blood level does not tell you everything about your reserves. A single measurement is not a diagnosis.
An elevated value
An elevated vitamin A level almost always arises from supplementation, not from a normal diet. Because vitamin A is fat-soluble, an excess accumulates in the body, and that is harmful. Complaints described in this context include headache, nausea, skin complaints, and, in the longer term, effects on the liver and the bones. Our doctor explains your value and what would be sensible regarding your supplements. Do not stop prescribed medication on your own.
How we interpret your result
Our doctors interpret your vitamin A level against the laboratory's reference ranges and your personal context, your supplement use, diet, medical history, and any complaints.
Related tests
Often combined with Vitamin A.
A single marker gives one perspective. For a broader picture you can combine Vitamin A with a theme package or related markers.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you want to know
Do I need to fast for a vitamin A test?
No, you do not need to fast for a vitamin A measurement. If you combine the test with glucose or cholesterol, for example, the fasting instructions do apply to those tests.
Can my vitamin A level be too high?
Yes. Vitamin A is fat-soluble, so an excess is stored in the body rather than excreted. With excessive supplementation the vitamin can accumulate, and too much vitamin A is harmful. An elevated level almost always comes from supplements.
Why are high doses of retinol advised against during pregnancy?
High doses of retinol can pose risks for the unborn child. Pregnant women are therefore advised against taking high-dose vitamin A supplements. Liver and liver products are also generally advised against during pregnancy. Always consult your doctor or midwife.
What is the difference between retinol and beta-carotene?
Retinol is the direct, animal-derived form of vitamin A, for example from liver, eggs, and dairy. Beta-carotene is a plant-based precursor, found in carrots and leafy greens among others, which the body converts into vitamin A as needed. That conversion is regulated, so beta-carotene from food is unlikely to lead to an excessive level.
Which foods contain vitamin A?
Retinol is found in liver, oily fish, eggs, dairy, and in spreads to which it has been added. Beta-carotene is found in carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin, spinach, and other dark green leafy vegetables.
Does my blood level tell me everything about my vitamin A reserves?
Not entirely. The body keeps the blood level fairly stable as long as the store in the liver is adequate. The blood level therefore gives an indication, but it is a snapshot. Our doctor takes your diet, supplements, and complaints into account in the interpretation.
How often should I measure vitamin A?
A single measurement is sufficient for initial insight. If you take supplements containing retinol over a long period, or your value was abnormal previously, re-testing after a few months is common.
What do I do with my result?
You will receive a PDF report with your value and an explanation from our doctor. What you do with it, such as discussing it with your GP or reconsidering your supplement use, remains entirely your choice.
Ready for insight into your vitamin A level?
For €99 you receive your vitamin A level including personal explanation from a doctor, typically within a few working days. No referral required.
Order Vitamin A for €89 →Want to test multiple markers at once?
Combine Vitamin A with other markers via Bloodworks Select. Blood draw costs are waived from €225.
89,-
All-in, blood draw included