What Is Vitamin D Test

Whats The Optimal/functional Range Of Vitamin D For You

When we look at optimal vitamin D levels through the functional medicine lens , we want to see levels between 40-60with anything less than 30 warranting either more sun exposure and/or supplementation.

Why arent normal ranges enough?

Normal vitamin D ranges were established to prevent rickets, not to optimize your health and prevent other chronic diseases. So, if you want to do more than prevent rickets, aim for those optimal/functional ranges.

Since everyones levels will vary and it is possible to overdo vitamin D supplementation , we highly recommend working with your kNew Health Coach or practitioner to determine the best amount of vitamin D for you.

Theres no sense in guessing or automatically resorting to high-dose vitamin D supplementation when the lab work can guide you safely.

What Is Being Tested

Vitamin D is a family of compounds that is essential for the proper growth and formation of teeth and bones. This test measures the level of vitamin D in the blood.

Two forms of vitamin D can be measured in the blood, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D is the major form found in the blood and is the relatively inactive precursor to the active hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Because of its long half-life and higher concentration, 25-hydroxyvitamin D is commonly measured to assess and monitor vitamin D status in individuals.

Vitamin D comes from two sources: endogenous, which is produced in the skin on exposure to sunlight, and exogenous, which is ingested in foods and supplements. The chemical structures of the types of vitamin D are slightly different, and they are named vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 . The D2 form is found in fortified foods and in most vitamin preparations and supplements. Vitamin D3 is the form produced in the body and is also used in some supplements. Vitamin D2 and D3 are equally effective when they are converted by the liver and the kidney into the active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

Some tests do not distinguish D2 and D3 forms of the vitamin and report only the total result. Newer methods, however, may report levels of both D2 and D3 and then add them together for a total level.

Can You Ever Have Too Much Vitamin D

Yes. You can get too much vitamin D if you overdo the supplements. Interestingly, you cannot get too much vitamin D from the sun. Vitamin D toxicity is, thankfully, quite rare but can lead to hypercalcemia and together the symptoms can include:

• Confusion.
• Ataxia .

Do not take higher-than-recommended doses of vitamin D without first discussing it with your doctor. However, your doctor might recommend higher doses of vitamin D if he or she is checking your blood levels and adjusting your dose accordingly. Also, be cautious about getting large doses of vitamin A along with the D in some fish oils. Vitamin A can also reach toxic levels and can cause serious problems.

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Why Is Vitamin D3 Test Done

The vitamin D3 lab test done is mainly advised for the following reason

• People having the risk of low vitamin D
• Lack of exposure to the sun
• The Elderly
• Babies who are only breastfed
• People who have undergone gastric bypass surgery
• People affected with diseases in the intestines leading to low absorption of nutrients.
• Monitoring treatment for Vitamin D deficiency

How Often To Get Your Vitamin D Levels Checked

We recommend having your levels checked at least twice during the year, sometimes more depending on your situation.

This way we can account for change in season, changes in your health and adjust your regime accordingly.

It can take months to rebuild your vitamin D stores, but if you take the proper measures to do so, it will happen. So be patient and kind with your body and stay the course.

You always kNew fresh air and sunshine played a role in how good you felt and now you know vitamin Ds role in this beautiful symbiotic relationship between us and the sun.

Its a humbling reminder of how deeply we are connected to the natural world around us.

And now that you understand how your vitamin D levels affect your health and how to read your lab work, know we are here to help.

All kNew Health members receive a vitamin D lab workup as part of their initial assessment, along with a dedicated Health Coach to help you optimize your levels for the long-term.

Joshua Rosenthal

Knew Health is only available in the US, excluding Vermont , Alaska, Washington. Please contact us with any questions.

Evexia provides comprehensive, cutting-edge lab services at convenient locations nationwide. Knew Health members have access to free and discounted tests, panels, and specialty kits with no prior approval needed.

Use SingleCare to save on prescriptions with our pharmacy discount card. You can also save on health care such as dental, vision and online doctor visits.

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How The Test Is Carried Out

In D is measured as nanograms per milliliter . Many consultants suggest a degree between 20 and 40 ng/mL. The examples above are frequent measurements for outcomes of those assessments. Regular worth ranges could differ barely amongst totally different laboratories. Discuss to your physician in regards to the which means of your particular take a look at outcomes, and whether or not you might want vitamin D dietary supplements. Many individuals are confused by the best way these assessments are reporte.

How Much Vitamin D Do You Need

In healthy people, the amount of vitamin D needed per day varies by age. The chart below shows the often-cited recommendations of the Institute of Medicine, now the Health and Medicine Division of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. It is important to know that these are general recommendations. If your doctor is checking your blood levels, he or she might recommend higher or lower doses based on your individual needs.

If you have osteoporosis, your doctor might suggest a blood test of your vitamin D levels. The amount of vitamin D supplement can be customized for each person, based on the results. For many older patients, a vitamin D supplement containing anywhere between 800 to 2000 IUs daily, which can be obtained without a prescription, can be both safe and beneficial. It is important to speak with your doctor about your individual needs.

*refers to adequate intake vs recommended dietary allowance of the other age groups.

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How Can I Improve My Vitamin D Levels

Finding out if you have vitamin D deficiency will allow you to adjust your lifestyle and nutrition. You can increase your vitamin D level by taking supplements or by consuming more vitamin D-enriched foods.

References

What Is Vitamin D 25 Hydroxy

Vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphorus. If you suspect that your calcium levels are low or if you have symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency then, you ought to order a Vitamin D test. Symptoms can be rickets in children, bone weakness, softness, and osteomalacia. Older individuals, those with dark skin and those who live in colder climates with minimal exposure to sunlight are also recommended to regularly test their Vitamin D levels as they are at risk of deficiencies.

Vitamin D has two forms. Each form has its own specific test. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D, found in the blood, is the inactive precursor to the active form 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. The first form is what is normally tested to assess the status of Vitamin D.

The 25,hydroxy vitamin D test is used to screen for vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D plays an important role in preventing osteoporosis and ensuring a proper growth and healthy teeth and bones. In recent years, research has shown that vitamin D also plays a role in maintaining other aspects of overall health. Research is ongoing regarding its potential role in protecting against an array of conditions inclding diabetes, cancer and multiple sclerosis.

According to a report from the National Center for Health Statistics, about 1 in 3 people in the US do not get enough vitamin D.

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How To Get Vitamin D

You found out your blood levels of vitamin D are low. Now what? You probably are wondering if supplementing vitamin D2 vs D3 matters. It does matter.

Vitamin D3 is obtained primarily from the sun, but if you have low levels, you may need a supplement of cholecalciferol also known as vitamin D3.

Cholecalciferol aka vitamin D3 is the preferred form over vitamin D2, which is less effective.

When you take a vitamin D3 supplement, make sure to take it with a meal that has fat because it is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is about 20-35% more absorbed.

You can also try a vitamin D lamp, which gives the same UVB that you get from sunlight. You can find a vitamin d light here as aSperti vitamin D lamp.

Keep in mind, happy lights dont usually give you vitamin D unless they specifically are UVB.

How Is Vitamin D Deficiency Treated

The goals of treatment and prevention are the sameto reach, and then maintain, an adequate level of vitamin D in the body. While you might consider eating more foods that contain vitamin D and getting a little bit of sunlight, you will likely be told to take vitamin D supplements.

Vitamin D comes in two forms: D2 and D3. D2, also called ergocalciferol, comes from plants. D3, also called cholecalciferol, comes from animals. You need a prescription to get D2. D3, however, is available over the counter. It is more easily absorbed than D2 and lasts longer in the body dose-for-dose. Work with your doctor to find out if you need to take a vitamin supplement and how much to take if it is needed.

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Which Test Measures Vitamin D Levels

The blood marker for vitamin D you want to measure is called 25 hydroxyvitamin D.

Not to be confused with the 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D test, which is NOT a vitamin D blood marker: it is the hormone called calcitriol.

Tip: Dietitians and nutrition experts largely agree that nutrients are WAY under-tested at doctors offices.

Why Are Costs Different For Vitamin D Tests

You will find some slight differences in test quality between labs and kits, but heres a big surprise: much of the differences in cost are services provided.

Did you know that many vitamin D home test kits are as accurate and sometimes more accurate than the ones at your doctors office?

This is really important right now because many peoples access to their doctor is limited and yet vitamin D testing is the only sure way to know your vitamin D levels.

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What Are The Risks

Getting tests that you dont need often leads to treatments you dont need, or treatments that can even be harmful. For example, if you take too much vitamin D, it can damage your kidneys and other organs.

When should you have a vitamin D test?

Talk to your health care provider about your risks. Here are some conditions where you might need a Vitamin D test:

• If you have osteoporosis. This disease makes your bones weak, so that they are more likely to break.
• If you have a disease that damages your bodys ability to use vitamin D. These are usually serious and ongoing diseases of the digestive system, such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, kidney disease, liver disease and pancreatitis.

If your health care provider suggests getting a vitamin D test, ask about your risks. If your risk is high, you should get the test. If your risk is low, ask if you can avoid the test. Ask if you can boost your vitamin D with sunlight and food, and possibly supplements.

If your health care provider needs to keep track of your Vitamin D, make sure the same test is used each time. Ask your health care provider which tests are best.

What Do The Results Of The Vitamin D Test Signify

The amount of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in blood implies whether the person is deficient, has adequate or very high levels of vitamin D in their body. When vitamin D test results are below 12 ng/mL , the person is said to be massively deficient. When the blood levels of vitamin D are in the range of 12ng/mL to 20 ng/mL, it still indicates lower than required levels of the nutrient.

Vitamin D concentrations between 20 ng/mL and 50 ng/mL are considered to be normal and the person is said to have a healthy vitamin D status. Reading above 50 ng/mL are very high levels of vitamin D, which could also lead to certain complications and need to be balanced.

Generally, when the person is determined to be deficient in vitamin D, the doctor prescribes vitamin D supplements in the appropriate doses, to bring the levels of the crucial nutrient to normal. They also advise the individual to eat a balanced diet and to expose themselves under the sun daily for a short period of time.

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Do You Need A Vitamin D Test

A vitamin D test can determine whether you have a vitamin D deficiency or excess levels in your body.

You may have excess vitamin D if youre taking large doses of vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D deficiency is more . People who are at a higher risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency include:

• people with limited sun exposure
• older adults
• people with chronic kidney disease or liver disease
• people with a history of bariatric surgery
• people with conditions affecting the intestines, such as Crohns disease or gastric cancer

Many people with a vitamin D deficiency dont experience any symptoms. However, a healthcare professional can identify the following signs of a vitamin D deficiency:

• low calcium levels

How Often Do You Need To Get Your Vitamin D Levels Checked

Doctors do not usually order routine checks of vitamin D levels, but they might need to check your levels if you have certain medical conditions or risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. Sometimes vitamin D levels can be checked as a cause of symptoms such as long-lasting body aches, a history of falls or bone fractures without significant trauma.

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Cme Questions About Vitamin D Deficiency In Adults

What Causes Low Vitamin D Levels

Dietary Causes. Many causes of vitamin D deficiency can be attributed to your dietary and lifestyle choices. Vegetarianism, veganism, obesity, gastric bypass surgery and for children, breast-feeding without supplementation, can all be root causes of low vitamin D. Including fortified dairy products, certain fatty fish,

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Why Take A Vitamin D Test

The Vitamin D screening test can be very helpful for those with an illness that could interfere with how the body is absorbing fat, namely those with Crohn disease and cystic fibrosis.

If you had undergone a gastric bypass, this test can help you assess whether your body is being able to receive its recommended doses of Vitamin D as it is a fat-soluble vitamin normally absorbed in the intestines. Finally, ordering the vitamin D test can help you determine the effectiveness of your vitamin supplementation.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Vitamin D Deficiency

Severe lack of vitamin D causes rickets, which shows up in children as incorrect growth patterns, weakness in muscles, pain in bones and deformities in joints. This is very rare. However, children who are deficient in vitamin D can also have muscle weakness or sore and painful muscles.

Lack of vitamin D is not quite as obvious in adults. Signs and symptoms might include:

• Fatigue.

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What Does Sunlight Have To Do With Getting Enough Vitamin D

There are health benefits of sunlight. Vitamin D is produced when your skin is exposed to sunshine, or rather, the ultraviolet B radiation that the sun emits. The amount of vitamin D that your skin makes depends on such factors as:

• The season: This factor depends a bit on where you live. In areas such as Cleveland, OH, the UV-B light does not reach the earth for six months out of the year due to the ozone layer and the zenith of the sun.
• The time of day: The sun’s rays are most powerful between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• The amount of cloud cover and air pollution.
• Where you live: Cities near the equator have higher ultraviolet light levels. It is the UV-B light in sunlight that causes your skin to make vitamin D.
• The melanin content of your skin: Melanin is a brown-black pigment in the eyes, hair and skin. Melanin causes skin to tan. The darker your skin, the more sun exposure is needed in order to get sufficient vitamin D from the sun.

How To Prevent And Treat Vitamin D Deficiency

Many patients and physicians think that adequate vitamin D intake can be obtained via diet alone. This assumption is erroneous. With the exception of fatty fish, the vitamin D content of most foods, including fortified dairy products, is relatively low to nonexistent. Even some dairy products in the United States are not fortified, making it important to read food labels to ensure the vitamin D content of foods.

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