Vitamin D test is one of the most crucial diagnostic methods to determine bone heath. It measures the amount of Vitamin D present in blood - a micronutrient that helps in calcium absorption for building strong bones and teeth. Additionally, it aids in the normal functioning of your muscular, nervous and immune system.

Having low Vitamin D levels in your blood can make you highly prone to developing bone disorders and other health complications. So, it is essential to obtain Vitamin D blood tests, at least once in a year. In this blog, we will discuss about the test in detail, with special highlights on the conditions when this test is needed the most. Read on.   

About Vitamin D and its sources

Before we delve into the essentials of Vitamin D test, it is necessary to know the primary sources of this crucial micronutrient. A comprehensive list is presented below.

• Natural sunlight: Exposing the skin to gentle sunlight (preferably in the early mornings) helps produce Vitamin D in your body.   
• Nutritious foods: Food items such as milk, cheese, whole grains, fatty fish, whole eggs, animal liver, etc. contain a high amount of Vitamin D.
• Supplements: When the above sources of Vitamin D fall short, medicinal supplements help restore the normal levels of this micronutrient in your blood. However, you must consult an experience healthcare professional before taking such medicines. Excessive Vitamin D can do more harm to your health than good. Although such cases are rare, you must take a test upon having symptoms of high Vitamin D. Here are some common signs to look for:
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Hardening of bowels
• Weak muscles
• Unexplained weight loss

(Note: Your body cannot utilise Vitamin D directly. Instead, the liver converts it into another form - 25 hydroxyvitamin D, or 25(OH)D , and uses it.)

Vitamin D test: Why is it needed?  

Most Vitamin D tests are responsible for quantifying the level of 25(OH)D in your blood. However, certain other tests check for ‘active Vitamin D’ or calcitriol or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. They determine whether your body has enough Vitamin D reserves and help monitor kidney-related issues. Well, not everyone needs a routine vitamin D testing, except those having the following health conditions:

• Osteomalacia: Characterised by soft and brittle bones, bone pain, weak muscles, etc.
• Osteoporosis: Associated with low bone density and fragile bones
• Rickets: A condition in which children faces stunted bone growth

Risk factors that contribute to Vitamin D deficiency

Here is a list of some factors that lead to low Vitamin D levels in your blood.

• Minimal to no skin exposure to sunlight
• Chronic eating disorders (like anorexia) and malnutrition
• Have had a surgical procedure for weight loss
• An existing condition that leads to improper nutrient absorption. For example, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, etc.
• Renal and hepatic disorders that impair your ability to metabolise Vitamin D and use it for the body.
• Side effects of medicines like statins, steroids, etc.

What to expect during a vitamin D test?

A vitamin D test is a simple blood test. Just like other blood testing procedures, a phlebotomist will draw a small amount of blood sample from your vein (preferably arm) using a sterilised needle. After collecting the blood, it is transferred to a clean vial or test tube and sent off to a clinical laboratory for analysis. You will feel a slight tingly pain during the process of needle insertion, but, it is temporary and resolves within a few minutes. The whole procedure hardly takes five minutes.

Prerequisites for the test

You do not need special preparations before obtaining a Vitamin D blood test. Just keep your doctor informed about all the medicines, vitamins and supplements that you are currently taking, as they may disrupt your test results. And, ask the professional whether or not to stop using the medicines before the test – that’s all.

Are there any risks to this test?

There is minimal to no risk of having a Vitamin D blood test. It is normal to expect a slight prickly sensation and bruising where the needle had been injected. But, these go away on their own.  

What do the test results infer?

The test results are generally reported as ‘total Vitamin D’. Sometimes, this can also be expressed in terms of Vitamin D2 and D3. Your test results typically indicate total vitamin D levels as:

• Deficient: This denotes extremely low vitamin D levels that may impact your bones and overall well-being.
• Insufficient: This indicates low vitamin D levels that can compromise your bones and impact your health, regardless of whether you experience symptoms.
• Adequate or ideal: This represents Vitamin D levels being sufficient for overall health and bone strength for the majority of individuals.
• Toxicity or potential toxicity: This refers to excessively high vitamin D levels that could lead to health issues.

If your overall vitamin D levels are low or inadequate, it could indicate that you:

• Insufficient vitamin D from your diet and/or sunlight exposure.
• Experience difficulty in absorbing vitamin D from your diet, which could indicate a malabsorption condition.
• Difficulty converting vitamin D into a usable form for your body might indicate kidney or liver issues.

If any Vitamin D insufficiency is indicated, consume medicines as prescribed by your doctor to normalise the levels. The best natural way to boost Vitamin D levels is by consuming more foods high in vitamin D. This tends to be safer than increasing sun exposure, which can lead to skin cancer.

If your overall vitamin D levels are elevated or toxic, it typically indicates that you're consuming excessive amounts from supplements. You must cease taking the supplements to lower your vitamin D levels. Excessive vitamin D can lead to significant harm to your organs and blood vessels.

Conclusion

Several private medical clinics in London offer reliable and cost-effective diagnostic testing facilities, including Vitamin D blood test. If you are suffering from extensive bone pain or limb weakness, do not sit back. Book a consultation with any of your local healthcare provider and understand the implications of your Vitamin D test outcomes.