The Importance of Vitamin D Testing

Health practitioners have already sounded their concern about the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency, even in this day and age of “modern medicine.” But how would you know if you were deficient in this essential vitamin? Would you know the signs? Perhaps not. That’s where the testing for your Vitamin D levels becomes vital.

Why is Vitamin D So Essential?

Vitamin D performs a critical biological function of maintaining normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorous.  It also works in aiding the absorption of calcium.  This helps in the formation and maintenance of strong bones.  A sufficient level of Vitamin D prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, a skeletal malady that leads to weakened bones.

Vitamin D Test – Should You or Shouldn’t You?

Testing and confirmation of Vitamin D deficiency should be a concern for everyone – you included!  You must be able to know what your levels are, and if you need to start supplementing your diet with Vitamin D.

Nonetheless, there are certain groups of people who are at high risk of certain diseases and should immediately consider vitamin D levels testing.

People for whom testing is recommended include those who have:

• Family history of cancer
• Hypertension
• Schizophrenia
• Epilepsy
• Depression
• Migraines
• Osteoarthritis
• Autoimmune condition (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis

In addition to this, individuals who are experiencing the following symptoms should also consider Vitamin D testing as a high priority:

• Musculoskeletal pain
• Muscle weakness
• Poor balance
• Systemic inflammation

Vitamin D Test – When to Do the Test

There are specific tests done to determine the level of vitamin D.  However, it’s recommended that you discuss with your healthcare provider the test that measures the circulating form of vitamin D. This test is referred to as 25[OH]D, or 25-hydroxyvitamin D.

The best times to get the test include:

• Anytime you have not been exposed to UVB light for at least 6 weeks
• If you’ve stopped taking vitamin D supplements for at least 3 days
• If you’ve fasted for at least four hours
• If you are going to undergo parallel test for serum calcium levels

Optimal Levels of Vitamin D

The majority of U.S. labs have a reference range of 20-100ng/ml.  However, healthcare providers follow different norms on a person-to-person basis.  In fact, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of tests being requested by healthcare providers based on the recent discoveries of the benefits of sufficient Vitamin D (and the negative health effects of too little Vitamin D). 

The problem occurs when you fall within the conventional “normal” range, and are told that you are fine.  In reality, your body will not be able to absorb all the benefits of vitamin D unless your levels are a bit higher than what’s considered “normal” or “acceptable.”  It’s now known that you have to actually reach the higher end of the conventional reference range with a mean value of 25-30ng/ml.

Vitamin D Test-Is it Necessary?

Vitamin D testing is truly important.  Everyone should get a vitamin D test, even those who are not included in the group with a probable vitamin D deficiency.  Conservative estimates place at lease 25 percent of American adults as being Vitamin D deficient.

The most important aspect of the test is to determine what to do next.  Once you are able to determine your Vitamin D profile, you can easily work to reach optimal levels with safe and affordable vitamin D supplementation.