Vitamin A (Retinol), Serum Test

Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin present in various food sources. It is an essential nutrient leading to healthy vision, bone formation, skin, immune system and reproduction. It is not made by the body, hence it is obtained from food and external supplements. Carotene is the form of vitamin A present in the food sorces which is converted to retinol by the liver and stored in the body. Vitamin A test mainly measures the retinol levels in the body.

Among the most important vitamins for your body's general wellness is vitamin A. It is also referred to as retinol, and it is crucial for the development of rhodopsin, a pigment that serves as a photoreceptor in the eye's retina. Additionally, it aids in preserving the epithelial tissues that cover the majority of the body's internal organs, glands, and surfaces. Since the liver stores 80%–90% of the vitamin A consumed by the body, a liver disorder may be the cause of a vitamin A deficit. Therefore, the doctor advises the vitamin A test to check for a deficiency that could possibly result in death, in very severe cases.

To determine the level of vitamin A in the blood, a vitamin A test is used. Vitamin A deficiency can be hazardous to your health. Thus, it is important to maintain the right amounts in your body. If the level of vitamin A is within the usual range (0.30 to 1.20 mg/L of blood), the results of the test will be normal. If the blood level of vitamin A is less than 0.30 mg/L of blood, the test will result in a negative or low result. The doctor will suggest you take vitamin A supplements in such circumstances. And go for a Vitamin A (Retinol), Serum test.

Test Overview

Various food sources include vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin. It is a necessary nutrient for maintaining a healthy immune system, skin, bones, and reproductive system. Because the body cannot produce it, it must be taken through diet and outside supplements. The liver transforms the vitamin A found in food sources, carotene, into retinol, which is then stored within the body. The major outcome of a vitamin A test is an assessment of retinol levels.

Who Should Do the Vitamin A (Retinol), Serum Test?

The clinical justifications for carrying out the Retinol Levels Blood Test are as follows -

• Night blindness.
• Dry, flaky skin.
• The backs of the arms have protruding lumps.
• Wet eyes.
• Stunted development and growth.
• Headache.
• Fatigue.
• Hurting joints and bones.
• Dizziness.
• Drowsiness.

What Other Tests Are Ordered Along with the Vitamin A (Retinol), Serum Test?

The "gold standard" for liver vitamin A stores is better reflected by other techniques. Giving a modest dosage of retinyl or dehydroretinyl ester and measuring the reaction in the serum after about five hours are the steps in the comparative dose rate and modified proportional dose-response tests, respectively.

Written by: Dr. Shibani R, Medical Writer, Medical Affairs