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Vitamin D levels can be measured with a blood test.
Levels that are too low or too high could be harmful to your health.
The body needs vitamin D for various health functions, mainly to promote bone health.
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you could get vitamin D from sunshine, food, and dietary supplements.
Average Vitamin D Levels by Age Group
The25-hydroxy vitamin D blood testcan determine vitamin D levels.
The results may be reported in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or nanomoles per liter (nmol/L).
Research has found that vitamin D may play a vital role inregulating mood and reducingdepressionrisk.
Keeping vitamin D levels balanced could lead to symptom improvement or reduced risk.
No research studies have suggested that vitamin D supplements or vitamin D can help you lose weight.
Some clinical studies suggest that vitamin D supplementation mayslightly reduce the risk of dying fromcancer.More research is needed.
What Happens When Levels Are Abnormal?
Not enough vitamin D may lead to deficiency, while too much vitamin D may lead to toxicity.
Who Is at Risk for Vitamin Deficiency?
Some people are at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency.
These groups include:
These factors can increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency.
Therefore, getting vitamin D from sources other than sunlight, including diet and supplements, is essential.
Most people with vitamin D deficiency don’t have any symptoms.Others may notice vague symptoms.
If you are taking prescription vitamin D supplementation, your healthcare provider will regularly check your vitamin D levels.
Keep vitamin D supplements and prescriptions out of reach to prevent toxicity in children.
Left untreated, vitamin D deficiency could lead to severe bone disorders, such asricketsorosteomalacia.
If you prefer to check your vitamin D levels at home, test options are available.
Most are self-collected tests using a finger-prick blood sample.
You will receive the results in an easy-to-read report or by speaking with medical personnel at the lab.
Your provider can make recommendations based on your individual vitamin D needs.
Other methods include supplements and eating vitamin D-rich foods.
Your healthcare provider can check your vitamin D levels and recommend OTC orprescription vitamin Dsupplements.
Pharmacopeia (USP), orConsumerLab.com.
This is especially important if you have risk factors for vitamin D deficiency.
Summary
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient your body needs for bone health and various body functions.
They can perform a blood test to check your levels and recommend supplementation if necessary.
Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin D fact sheet for consumers.
Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin D fact sheet for health professionals.
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Medline Plus.Vitamin D test.
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BMJ Best Practice.Vitamin D deficiency.
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Food and Drug Administration.Dietary supplements.
