What is a Vitamin D test?

Vitamin D is a nutrient that is essential for healthy bones and teeth. There are two forms of Vitamin D that are important for nutrition. These are Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 mainly comes from fortified foods like breakfast cereals, milk, and other dairy items. Vitamin D3 is made by your own body when you are exposed to sunlight. It is also found in some foods, including eggs and fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel.

In your bloodstream, Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3 are changed into a form of Vitamin D called 25 hydroxyvitamin D, also known as 25(OH)D. A Vitamin D blood test measures the level of 25(OH)D in your blood. Abnormal levels of Vitamin D can indicate bone disorders, nutrition problems, organ damage, or other medical conditions.

Why do I need a Vitamin D Test?

This is a good screening test to monitor your levels of Vitamin D to maintain strong bones and teeth, regulate your immune system, heart,lung, muscle and joint health, and prevent depression.

What Do I Need to do to Prepare for the Test?

You don’t need any special preparations for a Vitamin D test.

What Do the Results Mean?

If your results show a deficiency in Vitamin D, it may mean you are:

• Not getting enough exposure to sunlight
• Not getting enough Vitamin D in your diet
• Having trouble absorbing Vitamin D in your food

A low result may also mean your body is having trouble using the vitamin as it should, and may indicate kidney or liver disease.

If your results show you have an excess of (too much) Vitamin D, it is most likely due to taking too many vitamin pills or other supplements. Too much Vitamin D can cause damage to your organs and blood vessels.

To learn more about what your results mean, talk to your health care provider.

Included: 1 finger-stick blood kit to to screen for Vitamin D