Vitamin A (Retinol) · high result
What does a high Vitamin A (Retinol) mean?
Short answer
High vitamin A (retinol) almost always comes from supplements — high-dose vitamin A, cod-liver oil, some 'immune' or skin formulas — or from very high liver consumption; retinoid medications for acne and psoriasis do not raise serum retinol but carry the same toxicity. Chronic excess causes headaches, dry skin, hair loss, bone pain, liver injury and, in pregnancy, birth defects. Kidney disease and oral estrogens raise it modestly.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
When does this result need same-day care?
- High vitamin A with severe headache, vomiting or vision changes — same-day care (possible raised intracranial pressure)
What is the normal range for Vitamin A (Retinol)?
- age 18+: 38.0 – 98.0 mcg/dL
Usually reflects supplement excess. Toxicity can cause headaches, liver damage, and birth defects.
Full reference table, citations and testing options: Vitamin A (Retinol) biomarker page.
What are the common causes of high Vitamin A (Retinol)?
- Vitamin A supplements above ~10,000 IU/day, cod-liver oil, multivitamin stacking
- Frequent liver or liver-based foods
- Chronic kidney disease (reduced clearance)
- Oral contraceptives (raised retinol-binding protein)
- Hyperlipidemia
What symptoms go with high Vitamin A (Retinol)?
- Headache, nausea, blurred vision (acute)
- Dry cracked skin and lips, hair loss, bone and joint pain, fatigue, liver enzyme elevation (chronic)
What do clinicians usually check next?
- Stop supplemental vitamin A and retest in 8–12 weeks
- Liver panel, kidney function, lipids
- Pregnancy: stop immediately and inform the obstetric clinician — vitamin A excess is teratogenic
How do you recheck Vitamin A (Retinol)?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A (Retinol) | Test | $44.99 | Yes | 3–5 business days |
Common questions
Does beta-carotene count?
No — beta-carotene converts to vitamin A only as needed and is not toxic in the same way, though large amounts turn skin orange. Only preformed vitamin A (retinol, retinyl esters) raises this test and carries the toxicity.
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.