Beta-carotene blood test

The beta-carotene test measures the level of beta-carotene in the blood.

The normal range is 50 to 300 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) or 0.93 to 5.59 micromoles per liter (micromol/L).

A higher than normal level may be due to taking too much vitamin A (hypervitaminosis A).

Beta-carotene deficiency may occur if you are malnourished. It can also occur if your body has trouble absorbing fats through the digestive tract such as with:

• Chronic lung disease called cystic fibrosis
• Pancreas problems such as swelling and inflammation (pancreatitis) or the organ not producing enough enzymes (pancreatic insufficiency)
• Small intestine disorder called celiac disease

This test plays a valuable role in diagnosing vitamin A deficiency. But the test results must be evaluated along with other clinical findings.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

• Sample of blood serum
• We perform the test daily