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Vitamins

Vitamin A

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Health Checkups

InsideTracker

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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 Magnesium (Intracellular) 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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Complete Health

360 Health

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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Whoop

A 44-biomarker comprehensive health panel inspired by WHOOP Advanced Labs — a deep look at metabolism, cardiovascular risk, hormones, liver, kidney and inflammation.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Total Testosterone Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Potassium Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Omega-3 Index Total Cholesterol Albumin HOMA-IR ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Bilirubin (Total) Total Protein Urea (BUN) Creatinine Vitamin D (25-OH) eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Transferrin Saturation Lipoprotein(a) Triglycerides Basic Blood Count
€499,-

Vitamin A

€39,-