Vitamin D Test

Test Overview

A vitamin Dvitamin D test measures the amount of vitamin D in the blood. The vitamin D test is also called the 25-hydroxy vitamin D, or 25(OH)D, test.

Your body needs vitamin D to absorb calciumcalcium. Calcium keeps your bones and muscles healthy and strong. If your muscles don't get enough calcium, they can cramp, hurt, or feel weak. You may have long-term (chronic) muscle aches and pains. If you don't get enough vitamin D throughout life, you are more likely to have thin and brittle bones (osteoporosisosteoporosis) in your later years.

Children who don't get enough vitamin D may not grow as much as others their age. They also have a chance of getting a rare disease called ricketsrickets.

Your body uses sunshine to make its own vitamin D. Vitamin D is found in foods such as egg yolks, liver, and saltwater fish. It is added to many food products, such as milk and cereals. You can also get it as supplements, often combined with calcium.

The vitamin D test is usually done in a doctor's office or a lab. Or you may be able to buy an at-home version of the test. Discuss the benefits and risks of at-home testing with your doctor before you buy one of these tests.

Why It Is Done

You may need this test if you:

Have low levels of calciumcalcium or phosphatephosphate.
Have osteoporosisosteoporosis or low bone densitylow bone density.
Had a broken bone after a fall from standing, such as if you trip and fall. The break most commonly occurs in the hip or wrist.
Have gone through menopause and worry about osteoporosis.
Have low levels of vitamin D.

How To Prepare

How It Is Done

How It Feels

Risks

Results

Normal

Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you.

High values

High levels of vitamin D can be caused by:

Williams syndrome. This is a genetic problem that causes growth delays before and after birth.
Taking too many vitamin D supplements.

Low values

Low levels of vitamin D can be caused by:

Kidney disease.
Liver disease.
Not getting enough sunlight.
Not getting enough vitamin D in your diet.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffIgnite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review BoardClinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of UseTerms of Use. Learn how we develop our contenthow we develop our content.

To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.comwebmdignite.com.

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