This article will help you understand the Vitamin D test and how to prepare for it.
What is the Vitamin D test?
A Vitamin D test is conducted to detect any abnormalities in the bones or in cases of calcium deficiency. It is also sometimes performed to check Vitamin D levels in people with the following chronic diseases:
- Asthma
- Psoriasis
- Osteoporosis
- Some autoimmune diseases
Vitamin D Levels (Readings):
| Indicators | Vitamin D Levels in the Body
|
| Vitamin D Deficiency
|
Less than 50 L/nmol
|
| Insufficient Vitamin D
|
50 – 75 L/nmol
|
| Normal
|
75 – 375 L/nmol
|
| Very high, with potential for toxicity
|
More than 375 L/nmol
|
When is the Vitamin D test performed?
If you suffer from one of the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency, which includes:
- Weakness of bones and muscles.
- Soft bones.
- Bone pain.
- Bone deformities (in children).
- Fractures.
- Mood swings.
The test may be requested if you are at a higher risk of developing Vitamin D deficiency.
- Osteoporosis or any other bone disorders.
- A previous history of weight loss surgery.
- Aging, as Vitamin D deficiency is more common among the elderly.
- Obesity.
- Limited or no exposure to sunlight.
- Kidney or liver disease.
- A gastrointestinal disease that makes it difficult to absorb nutrients from food, such as Crohn’s disease.
How to prepare for the Vitamin D test?
Usually, no special preparation is required for a Vitamin D test.
Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking and any health issues you may have.
