Understanding Lab Tests for Vitamin A Deficiency
Written by Private MD Labs Medical Writing Team • Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Vitamin A deficiency is a nutritional disorder that can lead to serious health complications including night blindness, compromised immune function, and impaired growth. Accurate diagnosis requires specific blood tests that measure vitamin A levels and its precursors in the body.
Top Recommended Test
Vitamin A (Retinol)
This test directly measures retinol, the active form of vitamin A in the blood. Low retinol levels indicate vitamin A deficiency and can help explain symptoms such as night blindness, dry skin, poor growth, and increased susceptibility to infections.
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Diagnosing Vitamin A Deficiency
While symptoms like night blindness, dry skin, and frequent infections may suggest vitamin A deficiency, laboratory testing is essential for a definitive diagnosis. Blood tests can accurately measure both active vitamin A (retinol) and its precursor (carotene) to assess your vitamin A status and guide appropriate treatment.
Other Relevant Tests
Carotene
This test measures carotene levels, which are precursors that the body converts to vitamin A. Low carotene levels may indicate inadequate dietary intake of vitamin A precursors and can contribute to overall vitamin A deficiency, affecting vision and immune system function.
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Understanding Your Results
Both tests provide valuable information about your vitamin A status. The retinol test shows your current active vitamin A levels, while the carotene test reveals your intake of vitamin A precursors from foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens. Together, these tests help healthcare providers determine the severity of deficiency and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Important Considerations
The information here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of vitamin A deficiency.
