
Vitamin A

VIT A
Description
"Vitamin A" test evaluates levels of vitamin A in your blood to check for deficiency or toxicity. This fat-soluble vitamin supports vision, skin health, and immune function. Doctors may order this test if you’re experiencing vision problems, immune issues, or signs of malabsorption. Low levels may result from poor diet or digestive disorders, while high levels often relate to excessive supplementation. Results guide dietary changes or medical treatment to restore balance and protect eye and immune health.
Category
Vitamins
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Serum
Units
Micrograms per Deciliter | Micromoles per Liter
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Vitamin Group, Complete Thyroid Group, Basic Nutrient Deficiency Group, Complete Nutrient Deficiency Group
Test Group Description
Basic Nutrient Deficiency Group: This group comprises essential tests aimed at assessing key nutrient levels vital for overall health and well-being. Complete Nutrient Deficiency Group: This comprehensive group includes an expanded panel of tests covering a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Complete Thyroid Group: A comprehensive array of tests for a thorough evaluation of thyroid function, providing detailed insights into thyroid health and associated conditions. Vitamin Group: This collection of tests encompasses a range of key vitamins crucial for physiological functions, aiding in nutritional status evaluation and deficiency detection.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 68–98 µg/dL
SI Unit: 2.38–3.43 µmol/L
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 32.5–78.0 µg/dL
SI Unit: 1.14–2.73 µmol/L
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Acute hepatitis (Liver inflammation)
Alcoholic liver disease (Liver damage due to excessive alcohol consumption)
Excessive cod liver oil consumption
Excessive vitamin A supplementation
Hereditary hypervitaminosis A (Genetic condition causing excessive vitamin A levels)
Hyperlipidemia (High...
Key Reasons For Testing
Assessment of Nutritional Status: Evaluates whether sufficient vitamin A is obtained from the diet.
Diagnosis of Deficiency: Identifies vitamin A deficiency to prevent related health issues.
Monitoring Deficiency Treatment: Tracks the success of interventions to correct vitamin A deficiency.
Evaluation of Malabsorption: Diagnoses absorption issues linked to gastrointestinal or liver conditions.
Management of Vision Disorders: Supports the management of vision conditions caused by vitamin A deficiency.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Olson JA. Serum Levels of Vitamin A and Carotenoids as Reflectors of Nutritional Status. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1984;73(6):1439-1444.
[2] Wolf G. A History of Vitamin A and Retinoids. FASEB J. 1996;10(9):1102-1107.
[3] Tanumihardjo SA. Vitamin A: Biomarkers of Nutrition for Development. Am J Clin Nutr. 2011;94(2):658S-665S.
[4] Haskell MJ, Handelman GJ, Peerson JM, et al. Assessment of Vitamin A Status by the Modified Relative Dose Response (MRDR) Test in Preschool-Aged Children. Am J Clin Nutr. 1997;65(5):1545-1550.
[5] Sommer A, West KP Jr. Vitamin A Deficiency: Health, Survival, and Vision. New York, NY: Oxford University Press; 1996:12-35.
[6] Semba RD. The Role of Vitamin A and Related Retinoids in Immune Function. Nutr Rev. 1998;56(1 Pt 2).
[7] Penniston KL, Tanumihardjo SA. The Acute and Chronic Toxicity of Vitamin A. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006;83(2):191-201.
[8] Ross AC. Vitamin A and Retinoic Acid in T-Cell-Related Immunity. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012;96(5):1166S-1172S.
[9] Blaner WS, Li Y, Brun PJ, et al. Vitamin A Absorption, Storage, and Mobilization. Subcell Biochem. 2016;81:95-125.
[10] Craft NE, Haitema T, Brindle LK, et al. Retinol Analysis by HPLC: Biological Applications and Considerations. Clin Chem. 2000;46(4):453-461.
[11] Rice AL, West KP Jr, Black RE. Vitamin A Deficiency. In: Ezzati M, Lopez AD, Rodgers A, Murray CJL, eds. Comparative Quantification of Health Risks. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO; 2004:211-256.
[12] Underwood BA. Vitamin A Deficiency Disorders: International Efforts to Control a Preventable "Pox." J Nutr. 2004;134(1):231S-236S.
[13] Lietz G, Oxley A, Leung W, Hesketh J. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Upstream from the β-Carotene 15,15′-Monooxygenase Gene Influence Provitamin A Conversion Efficiency in Female Volunteers. J Nutr. 2012;142(1):161S-165S.
[14] Green MH, Green JB, Ford JL. Vitamin A Dynamics in Health and Disease. Annu Rev Nutr. 2001;21:453-481.
[15] WHO. Global Prevalence of Vitamin A Deficiency in Populations at Risk, 1995–2005. Geneva: WHO; 2009.