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Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Vitamins

Vitamin A

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

Reference Ranges

Male
umol/l
Low 1.05 Normal 2.8 High
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.

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

Athletes 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.

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.

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.