$30.00
Priced per marker, with baseline labs included. You’ll see your total before you pay.
Brain & nervous system
Vitamin A (retinol) test
Vitamin A within a comprehensive nutrient panel.
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Check before your draw
This marker has no preparation tag, but it can still need preparation. Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
Checks your vitamin A level. Vitamin A helps you see in dim light, keeps your skin healthy and supports your immune system.
Why it matters for women
Vitamin A matters in pregnancy in both directions. Too much, especially early in pregnancy, can cause birth defects, while too little can affect your vision and immune health. Breastfeeding can also raise how much vitamin A you need.
You might check it if…
- you’re planning a pregnancy and unsure about your vitamin A intake
- you find it hard to see in dim light
- a gut condition like celiac disease affects how you absorb fat
- you’ve had weight-loss surgery
What your result may mean
High Vitamin A (retinol): what it may mean
High retinol (vitamin A) may mean supplement use, such as high-dose vitamin A or cod liver oil, or frequent meals of liver. Too much vitamin A (hypervitaminosis A) can be serious and can damage the liver. Too much early in pregnancy can cause birth defects, so a clinician may review supplements before conception. Some people may notice headaches, nausea, dizziness, dry skin or hair loss. Kidney disease and birth control with estrogen can raise retinol as well, and a recent meal can sway the result.
Low Vitamin A (retinol): what it may mean
Low vitamin A may impair vision, especially in low light, along with skin and the moist linings of the eyes and gut, and immune function. It can happen with a very limited diet or conditions that hamper fat absorption, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease or weight-loss surgery. Infection or inflammation can lower it for a while, and breastfeeding can raise your needs. Some people may notice trouble seeing at night, dry eyes or more infections. A clinician may check retinol again once any illness has passed.
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No insurance required · HSA/FSA eligible · No subscription
These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.