What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your vitamin A level means for your vision, skin health, and overall wellness. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary changes, supplement suggestions if you're deficient, or guidance on reducing intake if levels are too high. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your vitamin A levels over time using our trends feature to see how dietary changes or supplementation are working.

When will I get my results?

You can expect to receive your test results within approximately 5 business days after your blood sample is collected at the lab. You'll be notified as soon as your results are ready to view in your secure online account.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is ideal for people experiencing unexplained vision problems, especially night vision issues, or persistent skin dryness and irritation. It's also important for anyone with digestive conditions that affect fat absorption like Crohn's disease or celiac disease, people on restrictive diets, and those taking high-dose vitamin A supplements who want to monitor for toxicity. If you're experiencing fatigue along with these symptoms, checking vitamin A levels can help identify if deficiency is contributing.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms of vitamin A deficiency include difficulty seeing in dim light or at night, dry or rough skin, frequent infections, slow wound healing, and persistent fatigue. You might also notice dry eyes, thickened skin patches, or thinning hair. On the other hand, symptoms of excess vitamin A can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and joint pain, though toxicity is less common.

How can I naturally support healthy vitamin A levels?

You can boost vitamin A through foods rich in retinol like liver, fish, eggs, and dairy products, or through beta-carotene found in orange and dark green vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, and kale. Since vitamin A is fat-soluble, eating these foods with healthy fats like olive oil or avocado helps absorption. Maintaining good digestive health is also important, as conditions affecting fat absorption can lead to deficiency even with adequate dietary intake.

What does low vitamin A mean?

Low vitamin A levels typically indicate inadequate dietary intake or problems with fat absorption in your digestive system. This can lead to vision problems, weakened immunity, skin issues, and delayed growth in children. Low levels are rarely due to diet alone in developed countries and more often suggest conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or liver problems that affect vitamin absorption or storage.

What does high vitamin A mean?

High vitamin A levels usually result from taking too many supplements or consuming excessive amounts of vitamin A-rich foods like liver. While the body can handle some excess, very high levels may cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and nausea, and are associated with increased risk of bone fractures. High levels can also occur with kidney failure, though this typically doesn't cause toxicity symptoms.