Vitamin D3 - 25(OH)D concentration test

Vitamin D3 - 25(OH)D concentration test

The test helps to determine whether the patient has the correct level of vitamin D3 in the body at the time of the test, The test is performed from the blood to determine the concentration of the vitamin D metabolite-25(OH)D. It is believed that the value obtained from measuring its concentration is the best indicator of the level of vitamin D3 in the body.

Vitamin D3 is very important for maintaining health and well-being. It regulates calcium-phosphorus balance in the body. Vitamin D3 also promotes calcium absorption in the intestine and reduces its excretion in the urine, improves bone and tooth mineralization and immunity.

The concentration of 25-(OH)D is determined in metabolic diseases, calcium-phosphate disorders, bone tissue, among others, which pose a high risk of vitamin D3 deficiency, and in vitamin D3 poisoning. This simple blood test will determine whether the concentration of vitamin D3 in the blood is appropriate.

Vitamin D3 deficiency

Too low concentrations of vitamin D3 may lead to:

• rickets in children,
• softening of the bones, i.e. osteomalacia or osteoporosis in adults,
• bone fractures and skeletal degeneration,
• weakening of the body and reduction of immunity,
• insomnia,
• an increased risk of autoimmune diseases.

Who runs a particular risk of vitamin D3 deficiency?

• individuals suffering from chronic renal diseases, including the nephrotic syndrome,
• individuals using certain antiepileptic drugs or HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy against HIV),
• individuals with malabsorption syndromes,
• patients after surgical treatment of obesity,
• individuals suffering from tuberculosis or sarcoidosis (the formation of granulomas), certain lymphomas or hyperparathyroidism
• individuals with autoimmune diseases.

Vitamin D3 deficiency may negatively affect many vital processes. Therefore, it is extremely important to maintain its optimum concentration.

Who should control vitamin D3 concentration levels?

Individuals, who:

• suffer from rickets, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, with multiple fractures,
• are on low-calorie or elimination diet,
• suffer from calcium-phosphate metabolism disorders,
• are affected by the malabsorption syndrome,
• have impaired immunity.

This concerns, above all, individuals who supplement the vitamin due to its deficiencies arising out of specific diseases or disorders.

Vitamin D3 – preparation for the test

The test involves taking a blood sample from the ulnar (elbow) vein into a test tube. It is performed according to a standard procedure, i.e. disinfecting the skin, putting on a tourniquet and repetitive clenching of the fingers to expose the vein. The blood collection lasts a few dozen seconds. After blood has been collected, the injection site should be compressed firmly, with the elbow in a straight position. The procedure lasts no more than a few minutes.

Preparation for the test:

• No special preparation is required for the test. Patients do not have to be on an empty stomach.
• Blood should be collected in the morning.
• If possible, the test should be performed before patients take their morning dose of medicines. However, such a decision must always be consulted with their physician.
• Patients should always inform the blood-taking personnel about the medications, supplements and herbal preparations they use.

Vitamin D3 test results

• Test results are available within 3 working days.
• It is possible to collect them at the reception desk of a selected centre.
• The results can be accessed online. For this to be possible, it is necessary to collect a password at the reception desk of a selected centre.

The level of serum vitamin D3 and its metabolites should not be tested in patients without a significantly higher risk of vitamin D3 deficiencies. Tiredness is not an indication for the vitamin D3 test.

Supplementation with preparations available without medical prescription and increased exposure to sunlight in the summer are absolutely sufficient to supplement vitamin D3 deficiencies. Vitamin D3 intake at a dose of 4,000 i.u./day requires neither the testing of baseline vitamin D3 levels nor the monitoring of its levels during the supplementation period. This dose cannot cause overdosing symptoms.

Do the test if you are at a risk of vitamin D3 deficiency.