The Vitamin D test measures the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in your blood, which is the most accurate marker for assessing your overall vitamin D status. Vitamin D is crucial for maintaining healthy bones, supporting immune function and regulating mood.
Why It’s Important:
- Bone health: Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, which helps maintain strong bones and prevents conditions like osteoporosisand rickets.
- Immune support: Adequate vitamin D levels are important for a healthy immune system, helping protect against infections and chronic diseases.
- Mood regulation: Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to symptoms of depressionand fatigue.
- Chronic disease prevention: Low vitamin D levels have been associated with an increased risk of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.
Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency:
- Limited sun exposure: Vitamin D is produced when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Lack of sunlight, especially in colder climates, can lead to deficiency.
- Dietary deficiency: Vitamin D is found in foods like fatty fish, fortified dairy and egg yolks. People with limited dietary intake may be at risk.
- Health conditions: Certain conditions, such as coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease, and kidney disease, can impair vitamin D absorption.
- Age: As people age, their skin becomes less efficient at producing vitamin D from sunlight.
