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Vitamins

Vitamin A Test

Vitamin A measures retinol levels, a fat-soluble vitamin that may become increasingly important to monitor with age. Adequate vitamin A could support immune resilience, vision preservation, and skin health in older adults.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Reference Ranges

See the value that applies to you:

Choose male or female — this range differs by sex.

Enter your age — this range changes with age.

This range also depends on context such as cycle phase or sample material; the highlighted rows apply to your group.

Male Your group
umol/l
Low 1.05 Normal 2.8 High
Female Your group
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

Vitamin A: what this test 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.

Vitamin A: why this value matters

Older adults may be at increased risk for vitamin A imbalances due to changes in diet, absorption, and medication use. Adequate levels could support vision preservation, immune function, and skin integrity. Your healthcare provider can help monitor and manage your levels.

Vitamin A: when is testing worthwhile?

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.

Vitamin A: symptoms of a high or low value

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.

Vitamin A: what to do about an abnormal value

Male

If Low

Low vitamin A may affect immune function and night vision. Consider dietary adjustment.

If High

High vitamin A can be toxic. Reduce supplementation and avoid liver products.

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.

Vitamin A: lifestyle and this value

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.

Vitamin A: 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.

Heart & Metabolism

GLP-1 Baseline Panel

Your starting point before the first injection: blood sugar, cholesterol, pancreas, liver, kidneys, thyroid and nutrients in one measurement.

Insulin (Fasting) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) HDL Cholesterol HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Bilirubin (Total) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) Vitamin B12 Ferritin Potassium Sodium Glucose (Fasting) Total Cholesterol Albumin Lipase Creatinine Vitamin D (25-OH) Triglycerides Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect)
€214,-
Heart & Metabolism

GLP-1 Extended Panel

The 6-month measurement: everything from the check-in plus insulin, ApoB and your nutrients — especially relevant if you have been eating much less for a while.

Insulin (Fasting) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) HDL Cholesterol HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) Vitamin B12 Ferritin Potassium Sodium Glucose (Fasting) Total Cholesterol Albumin Lipase Creatinine Vitamin D (25-OH) Triglycerides
€196,-

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Medical standards

Dr. Naimi oversees the medical standards behind our content and assessments.

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Vitamin A

€39,-