D Vitamin

Vitamin D “the sunshine vitamin” is a family of compounds that is essential for the proper growth and formation of teeth and bones. This test measures the level of vitamin D in the blood.

Two forms of vitamin D can be measured in the blood, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

The 25-hydroxyvitamin D is the major form found in the blood and is the relatively inactive precursor to the active hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Because of its long half-life and higher concentration, 25-hydroxyvitamin D is commonly measured to assess and monitor vitamin D status in individuals.

When is this test ordered?

Vitamin D (1,25) may be ordered when kidney disease or abnormalities of the enzyme that converts 25-hydroxyvitamin D to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D is suspected.

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increase the risk for many common and serious health issues. Low vitamin D levels can lead to osteoporosis and increase your risk of falls and fractures if you are over the age of 50. Osteoporosis occurs when your bones lose calcium and other minerals, making them fragile and more likely to break. Adequate levels of vitamin D help your body to absorb calcium, while not having enough can increase your risk of developing osteoporosis.

People with very low levels of vitamin D (moderate to severe deficiency) are the most at risk of developing health problems. Studies suggest that exposure to sunlight which enhances the production of vitamin D in the skin may prevent many chronic diseases.

Common Conditions:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Osteoporosis
• Chronic bone/muscle/joint pain
• Diabetes type I & II
• Autoimmune diseases (eg. multiple sclerosis)
• Chronic fatigue
• Depression & mood disorders
•  

Analytes:

25 hydroxy Vitamin D (25OH D), 1,25 hydroxy Vitamin D (1,25 OH 2D) 

Please refer to Collection Instructions before ordering this test.

Pathology collections centres.

You can also order Hair Analysis for Mineral Deficiency and Heavy Metals

and / or

Vitamins B Profile  

and / or

Organic Acids Test - Nutritional & Metabolic Profile