Vitamin A

High levels of vitamin A on the vitamin A test indicate there is a toxicity or overload of the vitamin. The condition is especially important to diagnose before and during pregnancy because severe birth defects may occur. 

Symptoms of high vitamin A levels include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, bone pain, poor appetite, sensitivity to the sun, hair loss, and confusion.

Some specific causes of high vitamin A might include: 

- Overconsumption of liver, especially from hunted animals such as big game (bear, elk, caribou)

- Long-term use of acne treatments that contain the vitamin A compound isotretinoin

- Overzealous supplementation of vitamin A

Low vitamin A levels in the body mean there is a deficiency. A deficiency can cause any of the following health issues:

- Inability of the eyes to create tears, called xerophthalmia

- Inability to see at night, called night blindness. This is obvious when driving or when walking through a dark movie theater.

- Dry, scaly skin

- Impaired mucous membranes to keep out infections

- Growth retardation and infections in children

Some specific causes of low vitamin A might be: 

- Lack of sufficient vitamin A foods in the diet

- Recent or previous GI surgery

- Liver or gall bladder disorders

- Digestive disorders, especially with impaired fat digestion (Vitamin A needs fat for absorption.)

- Low fat diet 

- Cystic fibrosis

Vitamin A is one of the fat-soluble vitamins required for health. It’s especially important for vision, skin and mucous membranes found surrounding all organs. Vitamin A provides free radical-fighting functions for immunity and for anti-aging.