BETA CAROTENE
Beta-carotene is the precursor to vitamin A. A test (Beta-carotene test) can be done to measures the amount of beta-carotene in blood. Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of a vitamin A deficiency. Beta-carotene breaks down to become vitamin A in the body. It is a fat-soluble nutrient and is stored in the body's fatty tissue. The Beta-Carotene test can also be used as an indirect way to measure how your body absorbs fats.
The normal range is 60 to 200 micrograms per deciliter. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
A higher than normal Beta-carotene level Increased levels may be due to Hypervitaminosis A. A lower-than-normal Beta-carotene level may be due to a problem with intestinal absorption of fat-soluble substances or a diet that is inadequate in beta-carotene, leading to vitamin A deficiency. Signs of Vitamin A deficiency include:
- Bone or teeth development problems
- Dry or inflamed eyes
- Hair loss
- Loss of appetite
- Recurring infections
- Skin rashes
- Unexplained irritability
- Vision problems (inability to see at night)
