Beta carotene blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Beta carotene is the orange pigment found in carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, leafy greens and many fruits. It is a carotenoid, and the body converts it into vitamin A as needed. Vitamin A supports vision in low light, a healthy immune system and the condition of the skin and the lining of the airways and gut.

Because beta carotene is fat-soluble, it needs fat and a healthy digestive system to be absorbed. Blood levels therefore reflect both how much you eat and how well your gut absorbs fats. Low levels can be an early sign of a poor intake of fruit and vegetables or of malabsorption, such as in coeliac disease, pancreatic problems or after some types of bowel surgery.

The price includes the blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You eat few fruits and vegetables or follow a very restricted diet.
• You have a condition that affects fat absorption, such as coeliac disease or pancreatic insufficiency.
• You have had weight loss surgery or bowel surgery.
• You take high-dose beta carotene supplements, particularly if you smoke or used to.
• Your skin has developed an orange tint and you want to check whether diet is the cause.

Understanding your result

Your report shows the laboratory reference range. A low level usually reflects a low recent intake or reduced fat absorption, and your practitioner may suggest looking for an underlying gut cause if your diet seems adequate. A high level is most often due to eating large amounts of orange vegetables or taking supplements. It can cause harmless yellow-orange skin, known as carotenaemia, which fades when intake falls. Raised levels can also occur with an underactive thyroid and some liver or kidney conditions.

A result outside the range is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis. Smokers and former smokers are advised to avoid high-dose beta carotene supplements, so please mention this if it applies to you.

Preparing for your test

Fasting for 8 to 12 hours, drinking only water, is usually advised because a recent meal can affect levels of fat-soluble nutrients. Please stop beta carotene and multivitamin supplements for 24 hours beforehand, unless your doctor has advised otherwise, and tell us what you take.

For a wider view of diet and absorption, the nutritional and digestive health check looks at several vitamins and minerals, and our coeliac blood tests check a common cause of malabsorption. See every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a beta carotene test in Chiswick?

The Beta Carotene test costs £179 at our Chiswick clinic. The price includes the blood sample, accredited laboratory analysis, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Is beta carotene the same as vitamin A?

No. Beta carotene is a precursor that the body turns into vitamin A when it needs it. Vitamin A itself is mainly found in animal foods such as liver, eggs and dairy.

Can too much beta carotene harm me?

From food it is generally safe and only causes temporary skin colouring. High-dose supplements are not recommended for smokers, as research has linked them with an increased lung cancer risk in this group.

Do I need to fast?

Yes, a fast of 8 to 12 hours is recommended so that a recent meal does not affect the reading.