Vitamin A (Retinol)

Vitamin A tests check if individuals have too much or too little vitamin A in their blood. Retinol, Retinyl Esters and Retinals are among the fat-soluble retinoids (chemical compounds) known as Vitamin A. Vitamin A play a vital role in immune function, reproduction, eyesight and cellular communication. Vitamin A is further essential for vision because it is a component of Rhodopsin, a protein that absorbs light in the retinal receptors. It helps in night vision as Vitamin A is used as a part of Rhodopsin that helps to see under low light. Vitamin A is also essential for the creation and maintenance of the lungs, heart, kidneys and other organs, as it promotes cell growth and cell differentiation. Two accessible forms of vitamin A available in the human diet are preformed Vitamin A (Retinol & its esterified form, Retinyl Ester), which is in animal-based foods, including dairy products, fish and meat. And provitamin A Carotenoids, beta-carotene is the most significant provitamin A carotenoid. Alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin are the other provitamins A carotenoids. These plant pigments are converted into vitamin A by the body. The Provitamin A and Preformed Vitamin A must be transformed intracellularly into two active forms for maintaining the vitamin’s critical biological actions. The two dynamic forms are Retinal and Retinoic acid. Vitamin A insufficiency is a risk factor for severe measles; vitamin A therapy can minimise the duration of the illness or disease and the severity of symptoms and the chance of mortality. Vitamin A deficiency can impair night vision, induce eye damage and even result in blindness in severe cases. On the other hand, too much vitamin A can be harmful, resulting in various symptoms like headaches, rashes, coarse hair, dry skin, cracked lips and in rare cases, birth abnormalities. Overuse of vitamin supplements is the leading cause of vitamin A toxicity. It can, however, happen when the diet contains a significant amount of vitamin A-rich foods, such as beef liver, cod liver oil, carrots, etc. If a body has difficulties absorbing fats via the digestive tract, it may be deficient in vitamin A. So, a Vitamin A test is preferred. Vegans, children under the age of five and alcoholics may require more Vitamin A. If an individual has specific disorders like cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease or liver disease, they may need more vitamin A. Consult the doctor to determine whether you need any vitamin A supplements.