What is the Carotenes (Beta Carotene) Test?

The Carotenes (Beta Carotene) test measures the level of beta carotene in the blood. Beta carotene is a plant-derived pigment and antioxidant that the body converts into vitamin A as needed. It plays an important role in vision, immune function, skin health and cellular protection against oxidative stress.

Unlike direct vitamin A testing, beta carotene levels reflect dietary intake and absorption rather than stored vitamin A. This makes the test particularly useful for evaluating nutritional patterns, fat absorption and antioxidant status, especially in individuals following restrictive diets or with digestive disorders.

Why do I need a test for Beta Carotene?

You may need this test if there is concern about nutritional deficiencies, impaired fat absorption or imbalanced antioxidant intake. Low beta carotene levels may indicate poor dietary intake of fruits and vegetables or malabsorption conditions, while high levels may reflect excessive supplementation.

This test is also useful when assessing overall micronutrient status, supporting dietary optimisation and monitoring individuals with conditions that affect digestion or nutrient uptake.

Symptoms and scenarios where testing is recommended:

• Poor intake of fruits and vegetables
• Fat malabsorption or digestive disorders
• Unexplained vitamin A deficiency symptoms
• Dry skin or vision issues in low light
• Nutritional assessment in restrictive diets
• Monitoring antioxidant status
• Chronic gastrointestinal conditions
• Evaluation of supplementation use

Benefits of the Beta Carotene Test

• Assesses antioxidant nutritional status
  Reflects intake of carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables.
• Supports evaluation of vitamin A precursors
  Helps assess availability of vitamin A from diet.
• Identifies potential malabsorption issues
  Low levels may suggest impaired fat absorption.
• Guides dietary optimisation
  Supports personalised nutrition recommendations.
• Useful in restrictive or plant-based diets
  Helps assess micronutrient adequacy.
• Monitors excessive supplementation
  Detects unusually high carotene levels.
• Complements broader nutritional testing
  Adds context alongside vitamin and mineral profiles.
• Simple blood-based nutritional marker
  Requires only a standard blood sample.

Step-by-Step: How Testing Works

Choose your preferred testing method

You can attend one of our UK partner clinics or arrange a home or hotel visit with a mobile phlebotomist.

Option 1 – In-Clinic Blood Draw

1. Select your nearest UK clinic and book an appointment.
2. A clinician or phlebotomist collects a venous blood sample.
3. The sample is analysed for beta carotene levels.
4. Results are delivered securely online.

Option 2 – Home or Hotel Phlebotomy (+£60)

1. Book a UK-wide home or hotel visit at a convenient time.
2. A trained phlebotomist collects your blood sample on-site.
3. The sample is packaged and transported to the laboratory.
4. Results are uploaded digitally without the need to travel.

Access your report

You can download and share your results with your GP, dietitian or nutrition specialist.

Your Results Explained

Low Levels

Low beta carotene levels suggest insufficient dietary intake or impaired absorption.
This may be associated with low fruit and vegetable consumption or fat malabsorption.
Typical UK reference range: approximately 0.3–3.0 µmol/L (ranges vary by laboratory).

Normal Levels

Normal levels indicate adequate intake and absorption of beta carotene.
This suggests balanced antioxidant and vitamin A precursor status.

High Levels

Elevated beta carotene levels usually reflect high dietary intake or supplementation.
Very high levels may cause harmless skin yellowing (carotenodermia) but are not toxic like excess vitamin A.
Results should be interpreted in dietary context.