What does the Vitamin A - VitA blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:
Vitamin A is essential for vision, immune function, and cellular growth. This test measures retinol, the main form of vitamin A in blood. It's crucial for maintaining healthy skin, bones, and soft tissues. Vitamin A also acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage. Low levels can lead to night blindness and increased susceptibility to infections, while excess can cause toxicity. The test helps assess nutritional status, liver function, and can detect deficiencies or excess intake from supplements.
A low Vitamin A level may indicate:
Symptoms can include night blindness, dry eyes, impaired immune function, and poor wound healing. Chronic deficiency can lead to more severe eye problems, skin issues, and increased susceptibility to infections. Treatment usually involves dietary changes or supplements under medical supervision.
Elevated Vitamin A levels can indicate:
Acute toxicity can cause nausea, headache, blurred vision, and skin irritation. Chronic excess can lead to more serious issues like liver damage, bone abnormalities, and increased intracranial pressure. In pregnant women, high levels can cause birth defects. Treatment involves stopping vitamin A supplements and addressing underlying causes. Severe cases may require medical intervention.