If your health care provider suggests getting a vitamin D test, ask about your risks. If your risk is high, you should get the test. If your risk is low, ask if you can avoid the test. Ask if you can boost your vitamin D with sunlight and food, and possibly supplements. If your health care provider needs to keep track of your Vitamin D, make sure the same test is used each time. Ask your health care provider which tests are best. Get some sun.
Depending on the amount of skin exposed and sunscreen used, a minute walk in the midday sun can create as much as 15 times the amount of vitamin D that you need every day. Some evidence links vitamin D deficiency to a higher risk of certain cancers, immune diseases, and cardiovascular disease. High vitamin D blood levels generally result from taking too many vitamin pills and other nutritional supplements.
High doses of vitamin D can result in a condition called hypervitaminosis D. Hypervitaminosis is a rare but serious condition that could put you at risk for liver or kidney problems. High levels are rarely due to consuming too much of the vitamin through foods or sun exposure.
Your doctor will help explain the results of your test and determine if you have a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is vital to the body.
Deficiencies at any age can cause problems. Eating foods that contain vitamin D in addition to adding supplements to your regimen can help keep your vitamin D levels stable.
Here are eight symptoms that may indicate you have a vitamin D deficiency, as well as causes, treatments, and more. This is a detailed review of vitamin D toxicity and how much vitamin D is considered too much. Toxicity is rare, but can occur with extremely high…. This article lets you know what dosage of vitamin D is best. Rickets is a disorder that can develop due to a lack of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of….
The amount of vitamin D you need depends on several factors. This article explains exactly how much vitamin D you should be taking. A bone mineral density test uses X-rays to measure the amount of minerals in your bones. This test is important for people who are at risk for…. Produced in response to sunlight hitting your skin, Vitamin D helps keep your immune system in top shape.
Here are three more ways the "sunshine…. The test may be ordered if you are at a higher risk for a vitamin D deficiency. Risk factors include:. In addition, breastfed babies may be at a higher risk if they aren't taking vitamin D supplements. A vitamin D test is a blood test. During a blood test, a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle.
After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes. There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly. A low result may also mean your body is having trouble using the vitamin as it should, and may indicate kidney or liver disease.
If your results show you have an excess of too much vitamin D, it is most likely due to taking too many vitamin pills or other supplements. Too much vitamin D can cause damage to your organs and blood vessels. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results. Be sure to tell your health care provider about medicines, vitamins, or supplements you are taking, because they can affect your test results.
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice.
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