Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient essential for normal vision, immune function, skin health, and cellular growth and differentiation. This test measures the level of vitamin A (retinol) in your blood to assess whether you have a deficiency or excess. It is particularly useful for individuals with symptoms of night blindness, dry eyes, or recurrent infections, as well as those with malabsorption conditions such as coeliac disease, cystic fibrosis, or chronic pancreatitis. It may also be requested for people following restrictive diets, those with liver disease, or anyone taking high-dose vitamin A supplements. The analysis is performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or similar validated methodology to ensure accurate quantification.

Biomarkers Included

Vitamins
- Vitamin A (retinol)

Why it matters
Vitamin A deficiency remains a leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide and can impair immune responses, making infections more frequent and severe. Conversely, excessive vitamin A can be toxic, leading to liver damage, bone pain, and birth defects. Measuring your vitamin A level helps your doctor identify imbalances, guide dietary or supplementation advice, and monitor conditions that affect nutrient absorption. Early detection allows for timely intervention to protect your vision, immunity, and overall health.

Vitamins
- Vitamin A (retinol)

No special preparation required.

For blood tests, we recommend drinking plenty of water beforehand to ensure smooth sample collection. If you are taking any regular medication, continue to do so unless advised otherwise by your doctor.