Low Vitamin A?

I just got my 3 month labs back and I think they are mostly okay (I have an appt with my surgeon on Dec 6).  But I am a little worried about my Vitamin A - it looks like it's too low.

 

Here are my lab levels, do you suggest I add Vitatmin A (and if so, is there a specific type we should take) or any other supplements?  I currently take a multivitamin, B-complex, and B12.  

Vitamin A            25.5   (Ref range 32.5 - 78)

B1                      176    (Ref range 70 - 180)

B12                    730    (Ref range >211)

B6                        27   (Ref range 5-50)

B9                        >24.0  (Ref range >2.8)

D                          22    (Ref range >20)

Zinc                      .76   (Ref range .66 - 1.1)

Iron                       70    (Ref range 37 - 145)

Unbound IBC        214   (Ref range 110-370)

TIBC                   284    (Ref range 230-44)

Sat %                   25    (Ref range 20 - 50)

Ferritin                  47    (Ref range 10 - 291)

Sodium               139    (Ref range 134 - 146)

Potassium          4.2      (Ref range 3.5-5.2)

Calcium             9.2     (Ref range 8.4-10.3)

Any others I should be worried about checking?

I guess the good news was that my glucose dropped from 102 before surgery to 81 (A1c dropped from 5.2 to 4.8) my Triglycerides dropped from 85 to 69, HDL went up form 42 to 51 and LDL dropped from 92 to 77.  So overall things seem to be moving in the right direction and I feel better than I have in a long time.  

I'm just still confused by all the Vitamin / Mineral stuff.  

I take extra dry A.... just because I may need that.. I would also suggest you increase your iron.. your ferritin is ok. but ay 47... it is not very good number... some people feel bad when their ferritin drops below 50... just want you to know that.

HALA how much A are you taking?  You can PM me if you prefer I just had to up mine from 25000 a day to 50000 four days a week and 25000 three days a week. I'll adjust if needed once I have labs pulled again. 

I was sure I take dry A 10K once a day plus what I take in my multi (additional 10K) but now I am not so sure.  I will check once I get home. 

BTW: my body has no problem absorbing dry D3. so I had to make sure I take only as needed.  Someone told me to make sure I take dry vit A or d - on empty pouch with no fat.   I think how much we can absorb may depend why taken and with what. 

I used to take dry A 25k a few times a week. On top of the10k in my multi. Now I take 10k dry A (not beta carotene) on top what is in my multi. 

Is the D vitamin D 25 hydroxy?  For me that would be way too low I was symptomatic wen mine got below 40. 

Do you take iron?  I suspect your numbers will drop further without iron they are only OK right now and ferritin will probably drop further based on my experience and being on these boards for years. 

You also didn't mention taking calcium?

As for vitamin A I had to up mine at my latest labs because it continues I drop. 

You need to take a DRY form of vitamins ADEK as needed, based in your labs. Not everyone needs to but many of us have to take additional A, D and K. I rarely see anyone need additional E but you could, again based in labs. 

Yes, I do take 1000 mcg calcium a day. I will talk to my surgeon about taking iron (when I asked right after surgery he asked me ro wait until I git my 3 month labs). I will definitely look at adding Dry A. Also the D is D 25 hydroxy.

According to the ASMBS we need 1500 to 2000 mg calcium a day.  I assume you mean  you are taking 1000 mg a day, not 1000 mcg.  But still, you need more than you're taking.

Yes, it's too low.  We need either retinol palmetate or retinol acetate, in a dry form (not in oil).

Your D is also super low.  Below 80, the Linus Pauling Institute says we are at increased risk for osteoporosis, heart disease and other bad stuff.

Thanks Kelly. I know you understand the vitamins better than anyone.