Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a vital nutrient that helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for strong bones and teeth. A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone loss and an increased risk of fractures. Vitamin D also plays an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system.

A vitamin D blood test is a common way to measure how much vitamin D is in your blood. It's used to help diagnose and monitor vitamin D deficiencies. The test measures the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) in your blood. This is the most accurate measure of your vitamin D levels.

A vitamin D blood test is usually recommended if you have:

- Symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency, such as muscle weakness and pain, low levels of calcium in the blood, or frequent infections

- Dark skin and live in a region with low sunlight exposure year-round

- A medical condition that increases your risk of vitamin D deficiency, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease

- Been taking medication that can lower your vitamin D levels, such as thiazide diuretics or corticosteroids

Your doctor may also recommend a vitamin D blood test if you're being treated for a vitamin D deficiency. This can help ensure that your treatment is working.

The results of a vitamin D blood test are reported as nanomoles per liter (nmol/L). The normal range is 30 to 74 nmol/L. A level of 20 ng/mL or lower is considered a vitamin D deficiency.

If your vitamin D levels are low, your doctor may recommend taking a supplement or getting more sunlight exposure. They may also recommend further testing to look for other causes of your symptoms.

Vitamin D is an important nutrient that helps keep your bones strong and your immune system healthy. A simple blood test can check your vitamin D levels and help ensure you're getting enough of this important nutrient.

Many people do not get enough vitamin D from their diet, and as a result, may be at risk for deficiency. The best way to ensure adequate vitamin D intake is to get regular exposure to sunlight. However, people who do not have access to sunlight or who have dark skin pigmentation may need to take a supplement to meet their needs. Talk to your doctor about whether you should take a supplement.

Some foods that are high in vitamin D include fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna, fortified milk, orange juice, and cereals. If you are concerned about whether you are getting enough vitamin D, ask your doctor to test your blood level.