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Vitamins

Vitamin A Test

Vitamin A measures retinol, a fat-soluble vitamin that may support physical performance through its role in immune function, vision, and tissue repair. For active individuals, maintaining optimal levels could help support training adaptation and recovery.

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

Active individuals may benefit from adequate vitamin A for immune resilience during intense training, tissue repair after exercise, and maintaining sharp vision. Both deficiency and excess could affect performance. Consider monitoring alongside other performance markers.

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.

Whoop

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Complete Blood Count (CBC) Leukocyte Differential ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Albumin Total Protein Bilirubin (Total) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) Total Cholesterol LDL Cholesterol HDL Cholesterol Triglycerides Lipoprotein(a) Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Calcium Bicarbonate Chloride Sodium Potassium Magnesium Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Total Testosterone Free Testosterone TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Insulin (Fasting) HOMA-IR CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Ferritin Iron (Serum) Transferrin Transferrin Saturation Vitamin D (25-OH) AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) Progesterone Prolactin TPO Antibodies Free T3 (Triiodothyronine) Free T4 (Thyroxine) Leptin Vitamin B12 Folate (Folic Acid) Phosphorus
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A 35-biomarker performance and longevity panel inspired by InsideTracker Ultimate — covering heart, hormones, metabolism, inflammation, recovery and iron status.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone Total Testosterone Folate (Folic Acid) Vitamin B12 Calcium Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Potassium Progesterone Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Total Cholesterol Albumin AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Vitamin D (25-OH) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Creatine Kinase (CK) Transferrin Saturation Triglycerides Basic Blood Count
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Whoop

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A 50-biomarker performance panel inspired by the WHOOP Performance Health Panel — recovery, blood production, thyroid, hormones, iron and nutrient status for people who train.

Complete Blood Count (CBC) Leukocyte Differential ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Albumin Total Protein Bilirubin (Total) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) Total Cholesterol LDL Cholesterol HDL Cholesterol Triglycerides Lipoprotein(a) Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Calcium Bicarbonate Chloride Sodium Potassium Magnesium Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Total Testosterone Free Testosterone TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Insulin (Fasting) HOMA-IR CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Ferritin Iron (Serum) Transferrin Transferrin Saturation Vitamin D (25-OH) IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor) Creatine Kinase (CK) Reticulocytes Free T3 (Triiodothyronine) Free T4 (Thyroxine) Vitamin B12 Folate (Folic Acid)
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Complete Health

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Broad health panel: hormones, thyroid, vitamins, lipids, liver, kidney, and blood count.

HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Triglycerides Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Free T4 (Thyroxine) LDL Cholesterol Liver Function Test (LFT) SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Vitamin B12 Vitamin D (25-OH) Total Testosterone Free T3 (Triiodothyronine) Ferritin HDL Cholesterol Albumin Total Cholesterol Basic Blood Count
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Medical reviewer

Medical standards

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

Medical policy
CIBG Ministerie van Volksgezondheid,
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Vitamin A

€39,-