Vitamin D (25 Hydroxy)

The Vitamin D test measures 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH Vitamin D), the most reliable indicator of the body’s Vitamin D status. It reflects Vitamin D obtained from sunlight exposure, diet, and supplements. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that functions like a hormone, playing a vital role in calcium and phosphorus absorption, bone and teeth health, immune function, muscle function, cardiovascular health, mood regulation, and cell growth. Vitamin D is produced in the skin through UVB sunlight exposure, converted in the liver to 25-OH Vitamin D (the form measured in this test), and then activated in the kidneys to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (Calcitriol). Despite abundant sunlight, Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in India due to indoor lifestyles, skin pigmentation, clothing habits, and dietary factors, making this test a common component of routine health screening.

Who should get Vitamin D (25 Hydroxy) done?

This test is recommended for individuals who:

● Experience fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, or unexplained body aches.

● Have limited sun exposure.

● Have or are at risk for Type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or cardiovascular disease.

● Are children with delayed growth or signs of rickets.

● Are taking Vitamin D supplements and require monitoring.

Why consider Vitamin D (25 Hydroxy)?

 Vitamin D testing is important because it helps:

● Detect deficiency or insufficiency that may cause fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, and frequent infections.

● Assess bone health, as low Vitamin D can lead to osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and rickets.

● Evaluate immune function, with deficiency linked to infections and autoimmune conditions.

● Investigate unexplained musculoskeletal symptoms such as muscle aches and weakness.

● Monitor Vitamin D supplementation and ensure optimal levels are maintained.

More information on Vitamin D (25 Hydroxy)

While Vitamin D deficiency is widely prevalent, excessively high levels due to unsupervised over-supplementation can lead to Vitamin D toxicity (hypervitaminosis D), characterized by hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood), nausea, kidney stones, and in severe cases, organ damage. Regular monitoring is essential for individuals on high-dose supplementation.

Other names:

● 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Test

● 25-OH Vitamin D Test

● Calcidiol Test

● Vitamin D3 Test

● Serum Vitamin D Test

● Cholecalciferol Test

● Vitamin D - Total (D2 + D3)