Vitamin A in the blood: how to find out what the body lacks
Fatigue, dry skin, poor vision at dusk… Often, these symptoms are associated with general exhaustion or fatigue, although the cause may lie in a banal but dangerous deficiency of vitamin A. This is one of the main fat-soluble vitamins responsible for vision, skin, mucous membranes, immunity, and even the proper functioning of genes.
Timely determination of vitamin A in the blood helps to prevent serious consequences and adjust nutrition or therapy. In this article, we will take a detailed look at why you should get tested. vitamin analysis A, how the preparation takes place, who needs it, what the consequences of a deficit and surplus can be, and how the results are interpreted.
What is vitamin A and why is it important?
Vitamin A (retinol) is a group of biologically active compounds, the most famous of which are retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid. It enters the body either in the form of ready-made retinol from animal products or as a provitamin - beta-carotene from plant foods.
Functions of vitamin A:
Provides clear vision in the dark
Participates in the formation of epithelial tissues
Stimulates the regeneration of skin and mucous membranes
Regulates gene expression
Supports immune response
Who is recommended to check vitamin A levels?
The analysis is most often prescribed in the following cases:
Frequent infectious diseases (ARVI, otitis, conjunctivitis)
Impaired vision at dusk (so-called "night blindness")
Peeling and dry skin
Chronic gastrointestinal diseases (celiac disease, Crohn's disease)
Growth retardation in children
Suspected hypervitaminosis A (especially when taking supplements)
Presence of hepatobiliary diseases
How to prepare for the analysis
Preparing for a vitamin A test requires following a few simple conditions:
Fasting: blood is taken in the morning, 8–12 hours after the last meal
Eliminate fatty foods for 24 hours
Do not take vitamin complexes for at least 2–3 days before the test.
Avoid alcohol the day before
Research methodology
Most laboratories use high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to measure vitamin A levels in serum. This is a highly accurate method that allows for accurate measurement of retinol concentrations.
Normal levels of vitamin A in the blood
| Parameter | Norm (mcg/dL) | Norm (μmol/L) |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A (retinol) | 20–50 | 0.7–1.75 |
| Critical shortage | <10 | <0.35 |
| Potential toxicity | >100 | >3.5 |
It is worth considering that the norms may vary slightly in children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases.
Signs of vitamin A deficiency
Decreased vision at dusk
Peeling and dry skin
Frequent respiratory infections
Dry eyes, xerophthalmia
In children, growth and development delay
In women, fertility disorders
What is the danger of excess vitamin A?
Excessive consumption of retinol, especially through supplements, can cause:
Headache, nausea, dizziness
Skin peeling, hair loss
Bone and joint pain
Liver enlargement
In pregnant women - teratogenic effect (risk to the fetus)
What diseases can affect vitamin A levels?
Decreased vitamin A concentrations can cause:
Chronic diarrhea
Fat malabsorption
Hepatitis and cirrhosis
Pancreatitis
Kidney failure
What to do if deviations are detected
After the analysis, the doctor may recommend:
Dietary correction (cod liver, butter, carrots, spinach)
Taking vitamin supplements (only on the recommendation of a doctor!)
Repeat analysis after 1–3 months
Where can I take the test?
At Medilab Plus, we offer high-quality laboratory testing of vitamin A levels using modern equipment. The test is performed quickly, with results the next day. We provide consultations on the preparation and interpretation of results.
Recommended tests block
| Analysis name | Goal | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A analysis | Definition retinol level | from 550 UAH |
| Vitamin D analysis | For a comprehensive assessment of bone condition and immunity | from 600 UAH |
| Biochemical blood test | Assessment of liver function, proteins, enzymes | from 370 UAH |
| Complex "Fat-soluble vitamins"« | A, D, E, K — general assessment of vitamin status | from 1200 UAH |
Monitoring your vitamin A levels is an investment in your health. If you experience frequent colds, decreased vision at night, or notice dry skin, don't delay. A simple test will help you identify the problem in time and avoid complex consequences that, at first glance, are completely unrelated to the vitamin.
Director of Medi Lab Plus LLC, a doctor of the highest category. Has over 45 years of practical experience in medicine and laboratory diagnostics. Founder and head of the laboratory since 2007. More details…