Vitamin A Retinol

Introduction

As a Nurse Practitioner with an autonomous practice in Florida, I strive to educate my patients on the importance of key biomarkers in maintaining optimal health. One such biomarker is Vitamin A Retinol, an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in numerous physiological functions. In this article, we will delve into the background of Vitamin A, discuss its clinical implications, explore the ranges, and identify factors that can interfere with its levels in the body.

Background: What is Vitamin A Retinol?

Vitamin A is a group of fat-soluble compounds—including retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid. Among these, retinol is the primary form circulating in the bloodstream and the key marker of Vitamin A status. It is bound to retinol-binding protein and albumin, facilitating its transport throughout the body. Vitamin A is crucial for various functions:

• Vision: Retinal is essential for low-light vision.
  
• Cell Differentiation: Retinoic acid regulates cell division and differentiation.
  
• Immune Function: Supports Immune Function and protects epithelial barriers.
  
• Skin & Mucous Membranes: Maintains integrity of skin and linings of respiratory/GI tracts.

Clinical Implications of Vitamin A Retinol Levels

Low Vitamin A Retinol Levels

• Night Blindness & Eye Damage: Early sign of deficiency; can progress to xerophthalmia and Bitot spots.
  
• Immune Insufficiency: Impaired Immune Function leads to increased infections.
  
• Malabsorption: Conditions like Gastrointestinal Function disorders (e.g., celiac, IBD, cystic fibrosis) impede fat absorption, causing deficiency.
  
• Skin Disorders: Dry skin, follicular hyperkeratosis.

High Vitamin A Retinol Levels

• Toxicity (Hypervitaminosis A): Often from over-supplementation. Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, and severe effects such as Liver Dysfunction and bone demineralization.
  
• Renal Impairment: Excess may exacerbate Renal Insufficiency.

Ranges and Assessment of Vitamin A Status

• Standard Range: 38.00 – 98.00 µg/dL
  
• Optimal Range: 57.00 – 66.00 µg/dL
  
• Deficiency Cutoff (WHO): < 20.0 µg/dL; severe if < 10 µg/dL

Circulating retinol reflects liver reserves only when they are critically low. Comprehensive assessment may include beta-carotene measurements or dose-response assays.

Interfering Factors in Vitamin A Retinol Measurement

• Inflammation/Acute Phase Response: Lowers retinol-binding protein and albumin, yielding false negatives.
  
• Protein Deficiency: Low retinol-binding protein or albumin affects transport.

Drug Associations Affecting Vitamin A Levels

• Decreased Levels: Malabsorption agents (orlistat), enzyme inducers (phenobarbital).
  
• Increased Levels: Retinoid therapies (e.g., isotretinoin) increase risk of toxicity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a comprehensive evaluation by a functional medicine practitioner integrates Vitamin A Retinol assessment into a holistic care model that addresses nutritional status, GI health, and detoxification pathways. By combining precise biomarker profiling with targeted nutritional support, IV therapy, and regenerative medicine services, we offer patients a regenerative, preventive framework to restore hormonal balance and optimize wellness. Call 904-799-2531 or schedule online to begin your personalized health journey.

Further Reading

• Kafi et al. (2007). Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). This randomized, double-blind study showed that topical 0.4% retinol lotion significantly improved fine wrinkles and increased collagen production in elderly subjects, indicating retinol’s efficacy in treating signs of natural skin aging.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17515510/

• Farris (2022). Retinol: The ideal retinoid for cosmetic solutions. This review highlights retinol’s ability to improve fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, skin roughness, and photoaged skin, emphasizing its efficacy and tolerability as a cosmetic therapeutic option.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35816071/

• Ezzedine et al. (2021). Evidence for the efficacy of over-the-counter vitamin A cosmetic products. This article reviews clinical trials evaluating retinol for facial skin photoaging, confirming its benefits primarily on fine wrinkles with some limitations on other signs of photoaging.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8675340/

• Naylor et al. (2019). Retinoids: Active molecules influencing skin structure formation in epidermal layers. This review discusses retinol’s mechanism of action in inhibiting collagenase, stimulating collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, and its applications in anti-wrinkle and skin texture improvement treatments.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6791161/