A vitamin D blood test estimates the volume of usable vitamin D in your blood. Vitamin D is an important nutrient for the proper functioning of the body’s systems. It fortifies bone and muscle health and plays an important role in neuromotor junctions. So, a normal range of vitamin D should be maintained in the blood all the time. Vitamin D deficiency is a common deficiency among people who need tests to know about it. For better immunity and body functions, it is important to detect vitamin D deficiency and cure it with the help of diet and medicines.
What does the Vitamin D test check for?
Vitamin D is used and stored in the body in different forms. When the body uses vitamin D, the liver has to first convert Vitamin D into 25(OH)D. A common vitamin D blood test checks for vitamin D in this form. The kidney uses this form of vitamin D to create active vitamin D that the body can use. If the patient suffers from kidney dysfunction, there might be a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is therefore detected with the help of a vitamin D test. The doctor might suggest a test for active vitamin D levels or 25(OH)D. The test shows whether the patient has enough vitamin D in his blood for bodily functions. The vitamin D test is also known as the cholecalciferol or calcidiol test.
There are many conditions for which the vitamin D test checks the blood. For example, if the person suffers from a known bone disorder or calcium absorption disorder, the doctor will check for vitamin D levels over a long period. For the long-term management of absorption or bone disorders, monitoring vitamin D levels in the blood is important.
The signs of vitamin D deficiency
The vitamin D blood test checks for vitamin D deficiency in the body. Often vitamin D deficiency goes unnoticed until its signs manifest in the body. The most notable signs of vitamin D deficiency in the blood are as follows-
- Osteomalacia– The softening of bones and frequent bone injuries can be signs of bone disorders and vitamin D deficiency.
- Osteoporosis-Signs of osteoporosis and low bone density shows a possible vitamin D deficiency. The vitamin D deficiency causing osteoporosis can be detected with a vitamin D test.
- Bone and muscle pain– If you are facing regular bone pain and muscle pain without any injury, it can be a sign of vitamin D deficiency. The recurrence of pain might need a vitamin D test to confirm the vitamin deficiency.
- Deformed and fractured bones– If the bones are not strong enough and the patient suffers from bone deformity or fractures, it is important to check for vitamin D levels. Normal levels of vitamin D in the blood ensure that the patient recovers from bone fractures and deformity.
People above the age of 65 are often recommended the vitamin D test even without symptoms. This is because, with aging and mobility restriction, vitamin D deficiency occurs. People who suffer from obesity and have recently undergone weight loss surgery are also recommended the vitamin D test. People who suffer from gastrointestinal disorders that might cause improper absorption of vitamins are also suggested vitamin deficiency tests. The vitamin deficiency panel contains a vitamin D blood test for a complete profile of vitamin levels. Babies and children are checked for blood vitamin D levels because vitamin D deficiency can cause many developmental problems in growing children.
What is the cost of a vitamin D test?
The vitamin D test for blood samples can be affordable or pricey, depending on which laboratory facility you visit. A vitamin D test costs range from Rs 200 to Rs 1800. It is best to take the test along with other vitamin-level tests to properly diagnose any deficiency and metabolic problem.
What happens during a vitamin D test?
The vitamin D test is a simple test on your blood sample. The lab professional collects blood samples from the patient with the help of an intravenous syringe. The vitamin D test has no major complications as the procedure is not invasive. The patient will only feel a bit of a sting and pain during the process.
Conclusion
If the doctor observes test results that show some vitamin D deficiency, then the patient lacks vitamin D-rich foods in their diet. The patient’s exposure to sunlight is also very limited if there is a deficiency. The doctor might also test for malabsorption disorder which leads to metabolic complications in vitamin D use. The doctor will suggest changes in diet, dietary supplements, and lifestyle habits to improve the levels of active vitamin D in the blood.
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