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.
What Is A Vitamin D Test?
Vitamin D is a nutrient that is essential for healthy bones and teeth. There are two forms of vitamin D that are important for nutrition: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 mainly comes from fortified foods like breakfast cereals, milk, and other dairy items.
Vitamin D3 is made by your own body when you are exposed to sunlight. In your bloodstream, vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 are changed into a form of vitamin D called 25 hydroxyvitamin D, also known as 25(OH)D. A vitamin D blood test measures the level of 25(OH)D in your blood.
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Vitamin D is vital for the growth and health of bone; without it, bones will be soft, malformed, and unable to repair themselves normally, resulting in the disease called rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
Vitamin D also plays an important role in musculoskeletal health. 25 hydroxyvitamin D is the most useful indicator of vitamin D status in individuals, and is the form most commonly measured. It is the best way of estimating vitamin D status.
A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm. No test preparation is neede.
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Is essential for the proper growth and formation of teeth and bones.
This test measures the level of vitamin D in the blood. 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 D 2 form is found in fortified foods and in most vitamin preparations and supplements. Vitamin D 3 is the form produced in the body and is also used in some supplements. 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 is vital for the growth and health of bone; without it, bones will be soft, malformed, and unable to repair themselves normally, resulting in diseases called rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Vitamin D has also been shown to influence the growth and differentiation of many other tissues and to help regulate the immune system.
These other functions have implicated vitamin D in other disorders, such as autoimmunity and cancer. 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.
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 is a fat-soluble vitamin that is made by the body after exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Vitamin D can also be obtained by taking supplements and from eating certain foods.
Vitamin D helps maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorous. It aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. Vitamin D also modulates neuromuscular, immune and other cellular functions.
What Does Vitamin D Testing Assess?
Vitamin D tests may also provide information on the levels of Vitamin D2 and D3, which comprise total Vitamin D levels. A physician would typically evaluate a test result in connection with several other factors affecting a patient’s health, such as medical history, gender and age.
What Information Does The Vitamin D Test Provide?
Our Vitamin D test results provide the total level of Vitamin D found in a patient’s blood serum, and the diagnostic category, such as Vitamin D deficient or sufficient, indicated by the total level.
What Are Vitamin D2 And Vitamin D3?
Vitamin D3 is derived from animal sources and is made in the skin following exposure to sunlight. The LC/MS/MS technique is able to directly quantify Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3. Request testing from your doctor, or visit www.MyLabReQuest.com to learn how you can order without a doctor’s order.