Information about a laboratory test

High Vitamin A (Retinol): What Does It Mean?

A high result can occur with supplementation, high exposure or conditions that alter handling of the nutrient; it does not automatically mean toxicity.

Test summary

Test name
Vitamin A (Retinol)
Abbreviations
Retinol, Vitamin A
Category
Vitamins / Fat-Soluble
Panel
Micronutrient Evaluation
Specimen
Serum / plasma
Common units
mcg/dL, µmol/L

What does the test measure?

The Vitamin A (Retinol) test measures vision, immune function, epithelial tissues and vitamin A status.

Why is the test ordered?

Ordered when inadequate intake or absorption is suspected, in risk groups, or to assess supplement use; it is interpreted with related laboratory tests.

Information about a low result

A low result can occur with inadequate intake, malabsorption, increased requirements or other clinical contexts; it does not identify the cause by itself.

Information about a high result

A high result can occur with supplementation, high exposure or conditions that alter handling of the nutrient; it does not automatically mean toxicity.

Reference and clinical context

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, unit, specimen type and method. Numeric information on this page is stored as sourced example intervals or clinical thresholds.

Reference context 1

<= 20 mcg/dL

Population
General clinical assessment
Specimen
Serum / plasma

Retinol threshold associated with moderate vitamin A deficiency

This is a sourced clinical-context threshold and should not be used alone as a diagnosis or treatment decision. The laboratory report and clinical context take priority.

Reference context 2

<= 10 mcg/dL

Population
General clinical assessment
Specimen
Serum / plasma

Retinol threshold associated with severe vitamin A deficiency

This is a sourced clinical-context threshold and should not be used alone as a diagnosis or treatment decision. The laboratory report and clinical context take priority.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

Interpretation should consider method, supplements, diet, kidney/liver function and related biomarkers.

Related specialties

  • Internal Medicine
  • Family Medicine
  • Endocrinology

Frequently asked questions

Sources

  1. Vitamin A and Carotenoids – Health Professional Fact Sheet — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements

    U.S. government nutrition reference · 2025 · Serum/plasma retinol and deficiency thresholds · Verified: Aug 12, 2026

  2. Zinc – Health Professional Fact Sheet — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements

    U.S. government nutrition reference · 2026 · Serum/plasma zinc status, typical concentrations and sex-specific inadequate-status cutoffs · Verified: Aug 12, 2026