Vitamin A, Serum/ Edta Plasma

Interpretation of Vitamin A test

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) causes significant increase in childhood and maternal morbidity. Serum retinol is decreased in severe VAD when liver stores are nearly exhausted. In addition infection depresses the retinol concentration in blood. VAD may lead to night blindness, keratomalacia and Xerophthalemia (dryness of cornea). Excess Vitamin A produces toxic effects. Bone and joint pain, hair loss, lip dryness and fissures, anorexia, benign intra-cranial hypertension, weight loss and hepatmomegaly are characteristics of chronic toxicity. Alternate causes of high blood levels of Vitamin A include impaired disposal caused by diabetes mellitus, chronic nephritis or myxedema. Congenital malformations, like spontaneous abortions, craniofacial abnormalities, and valvular heart disease have been described in pregnant women taking vitamin A in excess. Consequently, in pregnancy, the daily dose of vitamin A should not exceed 3 mg.

Your doctor will help interpret the report for you basis why the test is ordered for you.