Vitamin D is important for strong and healthy bones, and may help prevent a number of diseases. Vitamin D levels in the body can be checked with a blood test.
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) , levels of vitamin D are measured by the 25-hydroxy level in nanomoles/liter (nmol/L) or nanograms/milliliter (ng/mL). The results can indicate the following: deficiency: less than 30 nmol/L (12 ng/mL)
In the kidneys, 25(OH)D is converted into a hormone called active vitamin D or 1,25(OH)2D. Sometimes, health care providers may check your blood level of 1,25(OH)2D. This substance is generally not used to detect inadequate vitamin D levels, but it may be used to check abnormal calcium levels or kidney problems.
Once a new dose of vitamin D supplementation has been determined and incorporated into the daily routine, in order to get an accurate representation of the resulting 25(OH) vitamin D serum level, it is recommended that you wait at least 2-3 months before testing again.
Everlywell, Drop, and myLAB Box are other brands that offer at-home vitamin D tests. Each relies on a finger prick blood sample. “Any at-home testing should be done by individuals who know or feel they may be at risk for low levels,” Guandalini says.
You can test for only 1 micronutrient or multiple vitamins with one kit. Such a vitamin panel blood test usually tests for the most common vitamin deficiencies, including vitamin D, B vitamins, folic acid, and others.
Tests for Vitamin D Deficiency
The most accurate way to measure how much vitamin D is in your body is the 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood test. A level of 20 nanograms/milliliter to 50 ng/mL is considered adequate for healthy people. A level less than 12 ng/mL indicates vitamin D deficiency.
If you would like to monitor your vitamin levels or identify a potential vitamin deficiency, vitamin levels are typically checked with a blood test. These blood tests can check for the amount of the vitamin in your blood and identify any potential deficiencies.
The 25-hydroxy Vitamin D test is a simple blood test, and the best way to monitor Vitamin D levels. The amount of 25-hydroxyVitamin D in your blood is a good indication of how much Vitamin D your body has. The test can determine if your Vitamin D levels are too high or too low.
The 25-hydroxy vitamin D test is the most accurate way to measure how much vitamin D is in your body. Vitamin D helps control calcium and phosphate levels in the body. Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.
It is true that many conventional doctors don't bother to order these tests. Perhaps they don't believe that nutrition matters in health, or that they will be able to interpret them correctly and counsel you correctly. Or most sadly, they won't offer the testing because they feel insurance won't cover it.
Blood tests are very common. They are ordered by healthcare providers to: Find out how well organs such as your kidneys, liver, heart, or thyroid are working. Help diagnose diseases such as cancer, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and HIV/AIDS.
Vitamin D deficiency symptoms
If the body does not contain sufficient vitamin D, this can give rise to a variety of health complications. Symptoms arising from vitamin D deficiency include fatigue, depressed mood and bone and muscle pain.
If you often become sick, especially with colds or the flu, low vitamin D levels may be a contributing factor. Several large observational studies have shown a link between a deficiency and respiratory tract infections such as colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia ( 7 , 8 ).
But they can't uncover everything. While blood tests can indicate normal or abnormal levels for many conditions, they may not always be able to show health-care professionals the cause of specific symptoms, Tkachuk said.
Left untreated, vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis in adults, rickets in children and adverse outcomes in pregnant women. It may also be linked to heart disease, diabetes and cancer — although more study is needed on the topic.
Oranges are one of the fruits rich in Vitamin D as its juice is fortified with calcium & vitamin D. This is one of the best sources of vitamin D for people who are lactose intolerant and cannot include milk & dairy products in their diet.
In general, the two main causes of vitamin D deficiency are: Not getting enough vitamin D in your diet and/or through sunlight. Your body isn't properly absorbing or using vitamin D.
A blood test is typically composed of three main tests: a complete blood count, a metabolic panel and a lipid panel.
A test usually does not improve treatment.
Many people have low levels of vitamin D, but few have seriously low levels. Most of us don't need a vitamin D test.
Iron, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, calcium, and magnesium are among the most common nutrient deficiencies in the United States and can be easily identified with a blood test for nutritional deficiencies. Modifying your diet or adding supplements is an easy way to correct deficiencies and achieve optimal health.
For most adults, vitamin D deficiency is not a concern. However, some groups — particularly people who are obese, who have dark skin and who are older than age 65 — may have lower levels of vitamin D due to their diets, little sun exposure or other factors.