Vitamin D is a very important nutrient in the body. It is essential for healthy bones and teeth. There are two forms of vitamin D which are important for nutrition, namely vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 mainly comes from fortified foods such as milk, breakfast cereals, and other dairy items while vitamin D3 is made by your own body when you are exposed to sunlight. D3 is also found in some foods, such as fatty fish and eggs.
In your bloodstream, vitamin D2 and D3 are changed into a form of vitamin D referred to as 25 hydroxyvitamin D, which is also known as 25(OH)D. A vitamin D test can help measure the level of 25(OH)D in your blood. If you have abnormal levels of vitamin D, it can indicate nutrition problems, bone disorders, organ damage, or other medical conditions.
So, what exactly is a vitamin D blood test used for? This test is used to screen for or monitor bone disorders. It can also be used to check vitamin D levels in people with chronic illnesses like psoriasis, asthma, and certain autoimmune diseases.
You are probably wondering if you need a vitamin D test. Your health care provider may have ordered this test if you have symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency (not enough vitamin D). Some of these symptoms are bone weakness, bone malformation (in children), bone softness and fractures.
A vitamin D test can be ordered if you are at a higher risk for a vitamin D deficiency. Risk factors include previous gastric bypass surgery, osteoporosis or other bone disorder, obesity, age (vitamin D deficiency is more common in older adults), lack of exposure to sunlight, having a darker complexion and difficulty absorbing fat in your diet. Additionally, breastfed babies may be at a higher risk if they are not being given vitamin D supplements.
For more information on a vitamin D test, visit your website at https://www.harleymedic.co.uk/