Description
A vitamin essential for the growth of teeth and bones. There are two forms of vitamin D - 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. The body obtains vitamin D in two ways. Generated by the skin when it meets sunlight and ingested with food and supplements. The main role of vitamin D is to help regulate blood levels of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Without vitamin D bones are soft and can`t repair themselves as normal. Vitamin D can also help the growth of other tissues and can also help regulate the immune system. It appears that this vitamin is quite an important one.
This test is used to diagnose vitamin D deficiency and toxicity and to monitor response to supplementation.Measurement of serum 25-OH vitamin D concentrations provide a good index of circulating vitamin D activity in patients not suffering from renal disease. Lower than normal 25-OH vitamin D levels can result from a dietary deficiency, poor absorption of the vitamin or impaired metabolism of the sterol in the liver. A 25-OH vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone diseases such as rickets and osteomalacia. Above normal levels can lead to hypercalcemia.
Fasting preferred, but not required.
