What is Retinol?
Vitamin A consumed from animal sources is known as retinol. Retinol is associated with vision, epithelial cells and synthesis of glycoproteins. Retinol deficiency is rare, especially in developed countries. Toxicity, intake or production of too much retinol, is also rare. Patients with night blindness, skin dryness, ulcers or corneal damage may be suffering from malnutrition, which can be associated with vitamin malabsorption. Patients suffering from IBS, Crohn’s disease or celiac disease may suffer retinol deficiency.
Retinol toxicity is typically associated with the intake of vitamin A supplements. Patients may experience headaches, weight loss, hair loss, seizures or liver problems if toxic levels of vitamin A have built up in the body.
Normal Value Range
- Negative Pregnancy Adult: 20 to 100 µg/dL or 0.7 to 3.5 µmol/L
- Pregnancy Trimester One: 25 to 55 µg/dL or 0.87 to 1.91 µmol/L
- Pregnancy Trimester Two: 31 to 49 µg/dL or 1.07 to 1.71 µmol/L
- Pregnancy Trimester Three: 23 to 49 µg/dL or 0.79 to 1.71µmol/L