Vitamin D test

Main functions of vitamin D:

•        Helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus;
•        Maintains healthy bone condition;
•        Strengthens the immune system;
•        Regulates gene functions and promotes cell growth;
•        Participates in growth and maturation processes;
•        Regulates blood pressure;
•        Supports the nervous system.

Sources of vitamin D:

The main natural source of vitamin D is the sun – up to 90% of vitamin D is produced by the human body through the skin, under the influence of ultraviolet (UVB) sunlight. Food products are also sources of vitamin D. For example, vitamin D can be found in mushrooms, oats, fatty fish, caviar, egg yolk, liver, milk, and butter. However, it should be noted that vitamin D is found in very small amounts in food, so it may be difficult to ensure the required amount of vitamin D for the body through food alone.

Vitamin D deficiency – symptoms:

•        Muscle and back pain;
•        Decreased bone mineral density;
•        Slowly healing wounds;
•        Symptoms of depression;
•        Hair loss;
•        Weight gain;
•        Anxiety;
•        Fatigue;
•        Insomnia;
•        Frequent illnesses, infectious diseases.

Vitamin D deficiency can promote the development of various chronic diseases, including osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, or even cancer. In children, vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets, respiratory disorders, and other ailments. 

Vitamin D excess and its symptoms:

Vitamin D excess (overdose) is a much less common condition but no less dangerous than vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D excess is diagnosed when its level in the blood reaches more than 50 ng/ml. 

Signs of vitamin D overdose:

•        Decreased appetite;
•        Thirst;
•        Nausea, vomiting;
•        Constipation;
•        Irritability, lethargy, drowsiness.

Over time, excessive vitamin D levels in the body can disrupt liver, kidney, pancreas, and heart function. 

When is a vitamin D test needed and what is its cost?

The vitamin D test helps determine the level of vitamin D in the blood, prevent its deficiency, or timely identify deviations from the norm. Preventive testing is recommended once or twice a year. The cost of a vitamin D test is lower than most other nutritional tests. On average, it starts from 15 euros. 

The normal level of vitamin D in the blood for an adult should be 30-50 ng/ml. A mild vitamin D deficiency is diagnosed when its level in the blood is 20-30 ng/ml. A severe vitamin D deficiency is diagnosed when the level in the blood is less than 20 ng/ml.