However, we will share with you as much information as possibly can about this subject so that you no longer have any questions left un-answered by the end of this article.
How The Test Is Performed
In D is measured as nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Many experts recommend a level between 20 and 40 ng/mL. Many people are confused by the way these tests are reporte.
Symptoms And Health Risks Of Vitamin D Deficiency
Symptoms of bone pain and muscle weakness can mean you have a vitamin D deficiency. However, for many people, the symptoms are subtle. Yet, even without symptoms, too little vitamin D can pose health risks.
Low blood levels of the vitamin have been associated with the following: Increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease
Cognitive impairment in older adults
Severe asthma in children
Cancer Research suggests that vitamin D could play a role in the prevention and treatment of a number of different conditions, including type1 and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, glucose intolerance, and multiple sclerosi.
What Is A 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Test?
Vitamin D is a nutrient that the body makes on exposure to sunlight. It is also present in some foods, such as oily fish and egg yolk.
Vitamin D performs several important roles throughout the body. It also supports the function of muscles and nerves. A 25-hydroxy vitamin D test measures vitamin D levels in the body.
Ask A Laboratory Scientist
Vitamin D comes from two sources: endogenous, which is produced in the skin on exposure to sunlight, and exogenous, which is ingested in foods and supplements. The D 2 form is found in fortified foods and in most vitamin preparations and supplements. Vitamin D 2 and D 3 are equally effective when they are converted by the liver and the kidney into the active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.
Some tests do not distinguish D 2 and D 3 forms of the vitamin and report only the total result.
Newer methods, however, may report levels of both D 2 and D 3 and then add them together for a total level. The main role of vitamin D is to help regulate blood levels of calcium, phosphorus, and (to a lesser extent) magnesium. Vitamin D has also been shown to influence the growth and differentiation of many other tissues and to help regulate the immune system.
Based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that two-thirds of U.S. Population has sufficient vitamin D, while roughly one-quarter are at risk of inadequate vitamin D and 8% are at risk of deficiency, as defined by the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) set by the Institute of Medicine. Adequate sun exposure is typically estimated to be two periods per week of 5-20 minutes.