Another Name For Vitamin D On Blood Test
Vitamin D is a vital nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. It also helps in regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation. To ensure that you have enough vitamin D in your body, your doctor may recommend a blood test. But, do you know that vitamin D has another name on the blood test report?
25-Hydroxy Vitamin D
The most commonly used test to measure the level of vitamin D in your blood is called 25-hydroxy vitamin D. It is also known as 25(OH)D or calcidiol. This test measures the concentration of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in your blood.
The reason why 25-hydroxy vitamin D is used as a marker for vitamin D is because it is the major circulating form of vitamin D in the blood. After vitamin D is absorbed from food or synthesized in the skin, it is converted into 25-hydroxy vitamin D in the liver. This form of vitamin D is then transported to the kidneys, where it is further processed into the active form of vitamin D, known as 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D or calcitriol.
Why Test For Vitamin D?
Vitamin D deficiency is widespread, and it can lead to several health problems, including osteoporosis, rickets, and other bone diseases. A blood test to check for vitamin D levels is recommended for people who are at risk of vitamin D deficiency, such as:
- People with limited sun exposure
- People with darker skin
- Older adults
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- People with certain medical conditions, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and liver disease
A vitamin D blood test is also useful for monitoring the effectiveness of vitamin D supplements and determining the correct dosage for an individual.
Normal Range of Vitamin D
The normal range of vitamin D in the blood is measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or nanomoles per liter (nmol/L). The recommended level of vitamin D is between 30-100 ng/mL (75-250 nmol/L). A level below 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L) is considered deficient, while a level between 21-29 ng/mL (52.5-72.5 nmol/L) is insufficient.
Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency
There are several reasons why a person may have low vitamin D levels, including:
- Inadequate sun exposure
- Poor diet
- Medical conditions that affect vitamin D absorption, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease
- Obesity
- Older age
- Use of certain medications, such as anticonvulsants and glucocorticoids
How to Increase Vitamin D Levels
To increase vitamin D levels in your body, you can:
- Get more sun exposure
- Eat foods that are rich in vitamin D, such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods
- Take vitamin D supplements
However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, as excessive vitamin D intake can lead to toxicity.
Conclusion
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that is important for maintaining overall health. A blood test to measure vitamin D levels is recommended for people who are at risk of deficiency. The most commonly used test is 25-hydroxy vitamin D, which measures the concentration of vitamin D in the blood. A normal level of vitamin D is between 30-100 ng/mL (75-250 nmol/L), and a deficiency can lead to several health problems. To maintain healthy vitamin D levels, it is important to get enough sun exposure, eat foods that are rich in vitamin D, and take supplements if necessary.
