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Vitamins

Vitamin A

Vitamin A measures retinol levels, a fat-soluble vitamin that may play a role in women's hormonal health, skin vitality, and immune function. Adequate levels could support reproductive health and overall wellbeing throughout all life stages.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Reference Ranges

Female
umol/l
Low 1.05 Normal 2.8 High

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Check your own value

What It Measures

This test measures serum retinol, the primary circulating form of vitamin A in your blood. Vitamin A is a group of fat-soluble compounds including retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid that play important roles in vision, cellular communication, and immune function.

Why It Matters

Vitamin A may support women's reproductive health, skin regeneration, and immune function. During pregnancy, both deficiency and excess should be carefully monitored. Discuss your vitamin A status with your healthcare provider for personalised guidance.

When to Test

Testing may be recommended if you experience night vision difficulties, frequent infections, dry skin, or if you have conditions affecting fat absorption. Those taking vitamin A supplements may also benefit from monitoring. Discuss with your healthcare provider.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Some people with low vitamin A levels may experience night blindness, dry eyes, increased susceptibility to infections, dry or rough skin, and delayed wound healing. These symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

High Levels

Some people with elevated vitamin A levels may experience headaches, nausea, dizziness, skin irritation, joint pain, and in severe cases, liver damage. Vitamin A toxicity is typically associated with excessive supplementation rather than dietary intake.

Recommendations

Female

If Low

Low vitamin A may affect immune function. Consider dietary adjustment.

If High

High vitamin A is dangerous during pregnancy. Avoid supplementation and excessive intake.

Lifestyle Tips

Orange and yellow vegetables, leafy greens, liver, fish, and dairy products are considered good sources of vitamin A. Since it is fat-soluble, consuming it with dietary fat may improve absorption. Avoid excessive supplementation without medical guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get too much vitamin A from food?
Vitamin A toxicity from food alone is rare, though consuming very large amounts of liver regularly could potentially lead to excess levels. Toxicity is more commonly associated with excessive supplementation. Always follow your healthcare provider's guidance on supplements.
What is the difference between preformed vitamin A and beta-carotene?
Preformed vitamin A (retinol) is found in animal products and is readily used by your body. Beta-carotene is a plant-based precursor that your body converts to vitamin A as needed. Beta-carotene is generally considered safer as your body regulates its conversion.
Can vitamin A affect my skin health?
Vitamin A is considered important for skin cell production and repair. Both deficiency and excess may affect skin health. If you have skin concerns related to vitamin A levels, discuss appropriate testing and treatment with your healthcare provider or dermatologist.

Tests with related values

These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.

Fertility & Pregnancy

IVF Blood Test Complete (Women)

Everything in the IVF panel plus full thyroid, preconception nutrients, progesterone and CMV immunity.

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Prolactin AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) Estradiol (E2) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Free T4 (Thyroxine) Folate (Folic Acid) Vitamin B12 Ferritin Progesterone Vitamin D (25-OH) Chlamydia IgG HIV 1/2 Antibody + p24 Antigen Syphilis Screening Blood Type + Rh TPO Antibodies CMV IgG Hepatitis B Core Antibody Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Hepatitis C Antibody Rubella IgG Toxoplasmosis IgG Varicella Zoster D-Dimer Basic Blood Count
€495,-

Vitamin A

€39,-