In this article we will be discussing a very common question: vitamin d 3 lab test. It’s quite a sensitive & complex subject, as such we will do our best at providing a clear and concise article to clear any doubts you may have.
Calcidiol, 25-Oh Cholecalciferol
Vitamin D3 also helps in treatment of underactive parathyroid glands. The primary difference between vitamin D2 and D3 is that Vitamin D2 is obtained from dairy products and other food sources, while Vitamin D3 is naturally made by the body when exposed to sunlight and as such also called as sunshine vitami.
What Is A Vitamin D Test?
There are two forms of vitamin D that are important for nutrition: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3.
Vitamin D3 is made by your own body when you are exposed to sunlight.
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Is essential for the proper growth and formation of teeth and bones. 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 chemical structures of the types of vitamin D are slightly different, and they are named vitamin D 2 (ergocalciferol, which comes from plants) and vitamin D 3 (cholecalciferol, which comes from animals). The main role of vitamin D is to help regulate blood levels of calcium, phosphorus, and (to a lesser extent) magnesium. These other functions have implicated vitamin D in other disorders, such as autoimmunity and cancer.
People at higher risk of deficiency include the elderly or obese people, people who don’t get enough sun exposure, people with darker skin, and people who take certain medications for long periods of time. Adequate sun exposure is typically estimated to be two periods per week of 5-20 minutes. People who do not have adequate sun exposure may obtain the vitamin D that they need from food sources or supplement.
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Vitamin D also plays an important role in musculoskeletal health. Both forms of vitamin D may be present in vitamin preparations and supplements. For most people, the majority (up to 90%) of vitamin D is formed following the action of sunlight upon the skin.
Both vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 are converted to 25-hydroxyvitamin D and then to 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D.
Some vitamin D blood tests do not distinguish D2 and D3 forms of the vitamin and the result therefore gives an indication of the total amount of vitamin D present within the bloodstream.
How Is The Sample Collected For Testing?
Is Any Test Preparation Needed To Ensure The Quality Of The Sample?
No test preparation is neede.