Q. What are the causes of vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin D deficiency can develop when usual intakes are lower over time than recommended levels, exposure to sunlight is limited, the kidneys cannot convert 25(OH)D to its active form, or absorption of vitamin D from the digestive tract is inadequate. Low levels of vitamin D are also more common in people who have milk allergy or lactose intolerance and those who consume an ovo-vegetarian or vegan diet.
Q. How much vitamin D is needed daily?
The recommended daily amount of vitamin D is 400 international units (IU) for children up to age 12 months, 600 IU for people aged 1 to 70 years, and 800 IU for people over 70 years. For adults with vitamin D levels below 30 ng/mL, the Endocrine Society guidelines recommend a daily intake of 1,500–2,000 IU to restore healthy vitamin D levels.
Q. What is the right time to get a vitamin D test done?
A vitamin D test can be done at any time of the day. However, you should stop taking vitamin D supplements before the test to get accurate results.
Q. Are there any risks associated with a vitamin D test?
No, usually, there are no risks associated with this test. The blood sample is withdrawn with the help of a needle, and the process is fairly fast and relatively painless. Very rarely, you may experience excessive pain, bleeding, hematoma (blood collection under the skin), bruising, or infection at the site of the needle prick. Consult the doctor if you experience any of these.
Q. Who should be tested for vitamin D?
Vitamin D 25 (OH) should be tested in individuals who are undergoing therapy to prevent or treat osteoporosis, patients having signs and symptoms of low calcium level (hypocalcemia) or high calcium level (hypercalcemia). It should also be done in patients with cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, and with gastric bypass surgery, patients receiving vitamin D therapy who do not demonstrate clinical improvement. Along with that, these tests can be done in elderly people, especially those with minimal exposure to sunlight, children and adults with suspected rickets and osteomalacia, respectively, and infants who are exclusively breastfed.
Q. What are some of the common vitamin D benefits for the body?
Vitamin D plays an important role in many bodily functions, including immune system regulation, bone health maintenance, and cell growth. It is a fat-soluble essential nutrient that helps the body absorb calcium & phosphorus to maintain strong bones & teeth. Vitamin D levels are also a useful indicator of many bone-related problems, such as rickets, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis.
Q. What are some of the easily available vitamin D food sources for vegetarians?
Some of the easily available vitamin D sources for vegetarians include mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, apples, bananas, rice, whole wheat, dairy products like milk and cheese, and fortified cereals.
Q. What are the additional lab tests needed to be performed in case of abnormal vitamin D test results?
Additional tests that can help establish vitamin D deficiency include 24-hour urine calcium, parathyroid hormone total or bone alkaline phosphatase level, serum calcium, and serum phosphorus level.
Q. What are some of the common side effects of vitamin D overdose?
Side effects of vitamin D deficiency include hypercalcemia which in turn can lead to nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, neuropsychiatric disturbances, pain, loss of appetite, dehydration, polyuria, excessive thirst, and kidney stones. In extreme cases, vitamin D toxicity causes renal failure, calcification of soft tissues throughout the body (including in coronary vessels and heart valves), cardiac arrhythmias, and even death.
Q. What is osteomalacia?
Osteomalacia is the softening of the bones due to demineralization (the loss of minerals) and, most notably, by the depletion of calcium from bone. It is a characteristic feature of vitamin D deficiency in adults. Osteomalacia can also be caused by poor dietary intake or poor absorption of calcium and other minerals needed to harden bones.
Q. What are the sources of vitamin D?
Vitamin D is derived from endogenous sources and exogenous sources. Endogenous sources are produced in our body when our skin is exposed to sunlight. In contrast, exogenous sources can only be derived from other sources, as they are not made in our bodies. Dietary sources of vitamin D include fish, eggs, fortified dairy products, and nutritional supplements.
Q. What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition of fragile bones with increased susceptibility to fracture. Vitamin D and calcium deficiency are some of the leading causes of osteoporosis. Other risk factors can be genetics, lack of exercise, personal history of fracture as an adult, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, history of rheumatoid arthritis, low body weight, and family history of osteoporosis. Usually, osteoporosis does not manifest itself until bone fractures occur. X-rays and bone mineral density tests can help diagnose osteoporosis.
Q. Is there any correlation between the nutrients vitamin D and calcium?
Optimal vitamin D levels are necessary to increase the efficiency of calcium absorption. Without adequate vitamin D, the body absorbs only 10% to 15% of dietary calcium. When the vitamin D levels are adequate, the intestinal calcium absorption increases to 30% to 40%.
Q. Is a vitamin D test available in Mumbai with Tata 1mg Labs?
Yes, you can book a vitamin D test in Mumbai with Tata 1mg Labs. The test is easy to book, is affordable, and comes with a comprehensible report.
Q. Is a vitamin D test eligible for home sample collection in Mumbai?
Yes, Tata 1mg Labs provides a home sample collection facility for a vitamin D test in Mumbai. You can choose the date and time of sample collection as per your schedule and convenience.
Q. What is the procedure to book a vitamin D test with Tata 1mg Labs in Mumbai?
The booking process for a vitamin D with Tata 1mg Labs in Mumbai is straightforward and hassle-free. Follow these steps to schedule a test online: 1). Go to the Lab Tests section on the Tata 1mg website. 2). Add your preferred test to the shopping cart. 3). Choose a time and day that works for you as long as you also take the essential prerequisites into account. 4). A confirmation notification will be sent to you with all the details once the booking is complete.
Q. How much does a vitamin D test cost at Tata 1mg Labs in Mumbai?
Tata 1mg Labs offers all tests at an affordable price. A vitamin D test is priced at Rs. 339 in Mumbai.
Q. How long does it take Tata 1mg Labs to provide the reports of a vitamin D test in Mumbai?
We at Tata 1mg Labs recognize the value of prompt results. We strive to deliver test results with quick turnaround times so you can receive the information promptly. The reports of a vitamin D test in Mumbai are often provided in 15 hours.