Normal range: 60-200 mg/dL
Beta carotene (b-carotene) is the primary provitamin A. this test is used to confirm the diagnosis of carotenoderma and detect fat malabsorption
High levels are found in the serum of people who ingest large amounts of vegetables. It is also elevated in some cases of diabetes mellitus, myxedema, chronic nephritis, liver disease, hypothyroidism and hyperlipoproteinemia. Hypocarotenemia maybe seen in cases of decreased dietary intake, malabsorption, biliary obstruction, advanced hepatic cirrhosis, steatorrhea and pancreatic insufficiency
Sample: Serum, protect from light, fasting