Vitamin A (retinol) is needed for vision in low light, healthy skin and immunity.
- Normal range (adults)
- 30–80 µg/dL (1.05–2.79 µmol/L)
- Sample
- Blood
- Fasting
- Not usually needed
- Also called
- Retinol, Serum Vitamin A, Serum Retinol
Vitamin A normal range
| Group | µg/dLConventional units: US, South Asia | µmol/LSI units: UK, Europe, Australia, international |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | 30–80 | 1.05–2.79 |
Your report may use either unit system; labs in the Gulf often print both. Ranges also vary slightly between laboratories, so the range printed on your own report is the one to go by.
Why is the Vitamin A test done?
It is checked when deficiency or toxicity is suspected.
What does a high Vitamin A level mean?
Too much vitamin A from supplements can cause headache, liver damage and bone problems, and is harmful in pregnancy.
Common causes
- High-dose supplements
- Large amounts of liver or fish liver oil
- Some acne medicines (isotretinoin)
Diet and lifestyle tips
- Stop vitamin A supplements
- Avoid fish liver oils and frequent liver meals
- Pregnant women should avoid high-dose vitamin A
What does a low Vitamin A level mean?
Low vitamin A can cause night blindness, dry eyes and more infections.
Common causes
- Poor diet
- Fat malabsorption
- Liver disease
Diet and lifestyle tips
- Eat eggs, dairy, liver (in moderation), and orange and green vegetables: carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin, spinach
When should you see a doctor?
Discuss abnormal levels with your doctor before changing supplements.
Last updated
This page is for general education and is not a diagnosis. Normal ranges differ between laboratories, so always compare your result with the reference range printed on your own report, and discuss abnormal results with your doctor.