Vitamin A, also known as Retinol, is an essential nutrient for healthy skin, healthy eyes and vision, bone growth, immune function, and embryonic development. Vitamin A is present in the liver, dairy products, fish liver oils, dark green and yellow-orange vegetables, and in fruits. Too much vitamin A may cause symptoms that include itchy skin, headache, and hair loss.
The signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency include:
- Night blindness
- Dry eyes, skin, and hair
- Ulcers and damage to the cornea, the outermost layer of the front of the eye that covers the iris and pupil
- Skin thickening and lesions
- Grayish spots on eye lining (Bitot spots)
- Repeated infections
- Anemia
The signs and symptoms that suggest vitamin A toxicity include:
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Double or blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Irritability
- Muscle pain
- Bone and joint pain
- Weight loss
- Hair loss
- Mucous membrane dryness
- Itching
- Liver dysfunction
- Cracks (fissures) at the corners of the mouth
- Inflammation of the tongue (glossitis)
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Testing may be done periodically when a person has a disease that is associated with malabsorption of nutrients to monitor vitamin A status and ensure that the person is getting sufficient vitamin A.
Some diseases associated with inadequate vitamin A absorption include:
- Celiac disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease
LC Sample ReportQD Sample Report
Test Code(s):
017509, 921
Also Known As:
A, Vitamin; Retinol, Serum.
Preparation:
Fasting for 12 hours required. Refrain from consuming alcohol 24 hours before the collection.
Test Results:
3-4 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
