Vitamin D Profile Test

What is Vitamin D Profile Test - (D2, D3 & D Total)?

A vitamin D Profile test is done to measure the levels of vitamin D in the body to ensure proper functioning and health. The test has 3 parameters, which are vitamin D2, D3 & D total. The test is based on these three vitamin levels. It helps the doctor to give an appropriate course of treatment in case there is a deficiency or toxicity due to high levels of the vitamin. Hence a total vitamin D test is advised for early detection of abnormal range and taking preventive measures.

Use of Vitamin D Test

A Vitamin D Profile test is done for the following reasons:-

• To detect a possible disease in the body.

• For monitoring the insufficient or deficient levels of Vitamin D.

• To diagnose patients with persistent illnesses related to insufficient vitamin D levels.

• Regular checkups of individuals who are at risk due to anomaly high or low range of vitamin D. Risk factors might include limited or no sun exposure, bone deformity, digestive disorder, low immunity, obesity, and liver or kidney diseases.

Vitamin D deficiency affects many body parts and interferes with normal day-to-day functioning. Hence, if you have experienced any chronic illnesses for a long time, it is advised that you must consult a healthcare provider for a test.

Need for Vitamin D Test

• The test is needed because the body needs to have sufficient levels of vitamin D to maintain good health. 

• A deficiency of the same for a longer period may cause several diseases among children and adults.

• With the help of the test, disorders and diseases could be detected and treated in time.

• Based on the vitamin D test report, your doctor may be able to give a better course of treatment. 

• Your doctor may also suggest the test in case you have diseases such as Crohn’s, celiac, or ulcerative colitis. These conditions make it difficult for the body to absorb essential nutrients.

• Children living in areas with little sunlight, who have low levels of vitamin D, may be advised to take the test.

• Babies require vitamin D shortly after birth. If they are being fed breastmilk, they might have a low level of vitamin D. In this case, the doctor may advise them to get a screening test done.

Benefits of Vitamin D Test

• Vitamin D test will help to detect the amount of calcium in the body.

• The test results help an individual or their healthcare provider to better guide them for further action. 

• The advice and prescription of the doctor may help an individual to take the necessary steps to improve the levels of vitamin D. Improved levels will in turn help them to maintain their bone health, diabetes, muscles and teeth.

• A regular checkup or assessment will help a person to maintain their health and avoid diseases.

Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency & toxicity:

You need to consult a doctor or get a test if you show the following symptoms due to vitamin D deficiency and too much of the vitamin:-

• Pain and weakness in bones & muscles

• Bone deformity

• Mouth ulcers

• Chronic fatigue and weakness

• Osteoporosis(low bone density)

• Muscle aches

• Loss of appetite

• Dental abnormalities

• Muscle Cramps

• Pale skin

• Sleep disturbance

• Dull skin

Causes of Vitamin D deficiency & toxicity

The deficiency of vitamin D may be caused due to various reasons, but it also depends on individual to individual. The most common causes include:

• Not enough exposure to sunlight.

• Insufficient intake of vitamin D in regular diet.

• Having malabsorption disorder due to which vitamin D doesn't get absorbed in your body through diet or supplements.

• Liver or kidney illness.

Normal range of Vitamin D

The optimal range of vitamin D in an average adult must be between 20 to 100 ng/ml. Levels below 20 ng/ml are low and may cause bone problems. Whereas, levels above 100 ng/ml.

Booking Procedure of Vitamin D Test

• You need to search Vitamin D test near me on the internet, and it will guide you to Mediyaar’s website. 

• Once you open the website link, you can search for the vitamin D test at the top to get complete details of the test. 

• The same page will also provide you with a form to fill out. 

• You have to fill in the correct details in the form. It includes name, mobile number, gender, age, email, address, pin code, appointment date, time slot, and number of persons taking the test.

• Then you can book and proceed towards payment.

• Once your test is booked, you will receive a payment link. You can make the payment using that. Or else, you can make the online payment when the professional arrives at your home for blood sample collection. 

Test Procedure of Vitamin D

The test procedure is very basic. It is a simple blood test that is done at the convenience of your home. 

• Once your test is booked, a phlebotomist is assigned to you.

• He will take a blood sample from your arm through the process of venipuncture.

• The professional will make sure to clean the area on your arm with an antiseptic before this process to ensure your safety.  

• A needle is inserted in your vein to draw a small amount of blood. You might feel a sting during the insertion. 

• The whole process hardly takes less than 5 minutes to complete.

Precautions Before Vitamin D Test

There is no requirement to take special precautions before the test. However, your doctor or a healthcare professional from our team might advise you to take specific measures. It depends on individual to individual’s symptoms and medical history. So it is best to take advice before the test. 

How many tests are included in the Vitamin D Profile?

The vitamin D Profile Test has 3 tests:

1. Vitamin D Total Test -  Vitamin D total assesses the levels of various forms of vitamin D in the body. This test helps detect the accurate amounts of Vitamin D2 and D3. This test is recommended to detect phosphorus and calcium levels. It is also helpful to check the levels of vitamin D in individuals who have chronic illnesses such as autoimmune diseases, psoriasis, or asthma. If not checked and balanced in time, insufficient levels of vitamin D may make an individual prone to diseases such as colon cancer, breast cancer, tuberculosis, influenza, sepsis, and other infectious diseases. 

2. Vitamin D3 Test - Vitamin D3 test measures the levels of D3 in the blood. Vitamin D3 is also known as cholecalciferol. The source of Vitamin D3 is mainly animal-based foods such as milk and eggs. It can be included in the diet through supplements too. Direct sunlight is the best source to get sufficient vitamin D3. But, too much sun exposure may also cause skin damage and skin cancer. 

3. Vitamin D2 Test - Levles of D2 in the blood is measured by this test. It is a form of Vitamin D which is also known as ergocalciferol. It is a fat-soluble vitamin. The main source of vitamin D2 is plant-based or fortified foods (breakfast cereals, soy milk, bread, etc.). The Vitamin D2 test is done to detect if the body has insufficiency or abnormally high amounts of D2 to prevent diseases by doing the correct diagnosis and treatment. 

Eligibility for the Vitamin D Test

There are various criteria for eligibility for this test, which include:-

• Individuals who experience symptoms of deficiency such as muscle and bone weakness, chronic fatigue, recurring infections, pain sensitivity, muscle spasms, and tingling sensation in hands and feet. It can cause rickets in children, which is a rare disease that makes the bones soft and causes them to bend.

• People who have a deficiency of vitamin D through lack of sun exposure. Or individuals do not take any supplementation to recover that deficiency.

• Individuals with certain medical conditions such as kidney or liver disease are also eligible for this test. Such diseases may affect the absorption of vitamin D in the body.

• People on certain medications may also be eligible as some medications affect the absorption of Vitamin D in the body.