There are a number of different ways to test your vitamin D levels, but the most important factor is exposure to sunlight. Even a short walk in the midday sun can produce 15 times your daily requirement of vitamin D. In addition, your body stores vitamin D for the darker winter months. And you can get plenty of vitamin D from eating foods such as meat, poultry, and fatty fish.
You are worried that you might be vitamin D deficient. You have symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, and feeling depressed. Use thorne to test your vitamin D levels and find out if you are vitamin D deficient.
1. Deficiency
The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is particularly high among people of African descent. However, white people are not immune to deficiency either. Even when they are exposed to sunlight, their bodies may not produce sufficient amounts of vitamin D. For these reasons, the U.S. government is now taking action to combat the problem.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should introduce vitamin D to the Nutrition Facts Panel, which is required on all food packages in the US market. The Department of Agriculture should also initiate a vitamin D awareness campaign based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Deficiency of vitamin D is associated with increased risk of hip fractures and bone loss later in life. A diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency can be made through a blood test.
2. Insufficiency
Insufficiency of vitamin D is a relatively common problem, and can affect people of any age. Some common symptoms include symmetric low back pain, proximal muscle weakness, and throbbing bone pain when pressure is applied to affected areas.
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels below 20 ng/mL are considered deficient, while those between 20 and 30 ng/mL are considered sufficient. Taking a vitamin D supplement can help normalize serum levels and reduce symptoms. It can also help reduce the risk of fractures and falls.
The optimal level of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D is between 100 and 150 nmol/L. Nonetheless, studies have found that approximately 50% of the population is insufficient in vitamin D. This deficiency is most common in Asian countries and among children and pregnant women. But there have also been reports of low vitamin D concentrations among post-menopausal women.
3. Normal range
Generally, the normal range for vitamin D in the blood is between 30 and 100 nanograms per milliliter. However, this value can vary greatly from one laboratory to another. Some physicians recommend a higher level, while others advocate for lower levels. Your doctor can help you determine if you are at risk of certain health problems by ordering a blood test to measure your vitamin D levels.
In addition to bone health, vitamin D is also associated with heart health. But when blood levels fall below the normal range, those benefits may be diminished or even reversed. According to Muhammad Amer, assistant professor of general internal medicine at Johns Hopkins University, vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of certain diseases.
4. Fasting
Fasting for vitamin D is beneficial for gut health. It improves gut health and activates the cleansing process of the body. It helps to remove bacteria and food residues that can trigger GI distress. However, consuming food during a fast can upset the body's normal bowel movement. Luckily, vitamin D is fat soluble, which means that it can be absorbed with the help of fat.
Those who are vitamin D deficient may find that supplementation does not improve their health. It is worth noting that a study conducted at King Fahd University Hospital included 30 obese young females (aged 18-23). They were divided into two groups, one receiving 50,000 IU of cholecalciferol per week and one receiving normal saline.
5. Getting a test
Getting a vitamin D test is a good idea if you think that your vitamin D levels are too low. This test is important for pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, and children. It is also a good idea if you don't eat enough vitamin D-rich foods. Some of these foods include fatty fish, mushrooms, and cheese.
Final Words
A vitamin D blood test measures the amount of vitamin D in your body. This is essential for healthy bones and teeth, and helps your muscles and nervous system function properly. Having low levels of vitamin D can lead to various bone disorders, and a vitamin D test will determine whether you need to increase your intake of this nutrient.