I’d be very grateful for an opinion on my vitamin A test results from Medichecks. (My GP told me ‘We don’t test vitamin A’, (!!!?), so I got private testing, though it’s not one of the cheaper tests. ) I know conversion of beta-carotene to retinol can be an issue in hypothyroidism, and although I have plenty of veg and meat in my diet, I’ve been getting some troublesome red spots on my shoulders and elbows, which I wondered may be related to low vitamin A. If I supplement, I know you need to be careful not to take too much, but it seems the GP wouldn’t be able to advise on dose or re-testing - I’d be on my own. I’ve had several tests:
May 2022: vitamin A retinol 1.03 (1.05-3.84)
May 2022: beta-carotene 0.73 (0.28-2.33)
September 2022: vitamin A retinol 1.17 (1.05-3.84)
the latest retinol test was at least in range, but not what you’d call optimal.
Many thanks for any advice on this.
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bluejourney
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I can't offer any research papers on what constitutes an optimal level in vitamin A. If nobody else knows either, then I would suggest trying to get your level to a safe place. I always assume that "safe" and "good" is in the upper half of the range for nutrients unless I have specific info otherwise from a source I trust.
So, aim for 2.445 - 3.84 for retinol.
Given that people with hypothyroidism can't convert beta-carotene (a provitamin) to retinol (real vitamin A) very well, I wouldn't worry about the beta-carotene level, I'd just worry about the retinol level.
I've wanted to test my own vitamin A but couldn't afford the high cost. Recently I've started taking a vitamin A (retinol) supplement for the first time in years, despite not testing. I bought this one (currently unavailable) in July:
and have been taking it ever since, but not every day because the dose is quite high.
I think it is helping to reduce my eye dryness.
A few years ago I took a vitamin A supplement (but can't remember any details about it) and I discovered that it helped change the colour of my palms and soles. They were orange (probably from unconverted beta-carotene) but reduced to something rather more normal after taking the Vitamin A. I've just noticed I've had the same effect with my latest supplement. The palms of my hands are now mostly white rather than red or orange, and I have never seen them that colour before.
Thanks very much for the information and recommendations. My palms and soles of the feet are also orange. I suspect that as my beta-carotene result is further through the reference range than the retinol (tests from the same sample) shows my conversion from beta-carotene to retinol isn’t very good. I followed your links. It’s interesting what Thyroid UK say about if you’re low in vitamin A your ability to produce TSH is limited, and it’s required by the body to convert FT4 to FT3. You would think doctors would be more interested in your levels, if it’s that important to thyroxine levels. I will definitely try supplementing and re-test in 6 months.
Thanks for the link. Some interesting information. I note it advises you get advice from your doctor. I did ask my GP, but she just said they don’t test it and was not interested. Not a priority.
I got my vit A tested from my GP, but I’m in Canada. The test was no charge. My naturopath said my number wasn’t great and recommended a retinol supplement or to take fish oils.
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