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Understanding the Test
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Dr. Shreya Gupta
BDS, MDS - Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
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MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
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Vitamin D Total

Also known as Vit D Total
You need to provide
Blood
This test is for
Male, Female

Understanding Vitamin D Total


What is Vitamin D Total?

The Vitamin D Total test is a blood test that measures combined levels of both vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. This test is a key indicator of vitamin D deficiency or excess in the body. It guides doctors to plan treatment for deficiency or toxicity.

Vitamin D, often called the "sunshine vitamin," is essential for overall health and well-being. It is crucial for maintaining healthy bones, supporting immune function, and regulating various bodily functions. While the body can produce vitamin D3 through exposure to sunlight, vitamin D2 is obtained from dietary sources and supplements. 

The Vitamin D Total test determines whether you have enough vitamin D to support normal bodily functions. It can be used to check your vitamin D levels so a deficiency can be corrected. Less commonly, this test may be used to detect vitamin D toxicity, a condition in which the body has an excess of vitamin D. 

Your doctor may suggest the Vitamin D Total test if you show symptoms suggestive of vitamin D deficiency, such as bone deformities, immune system dysfunction, muscle cramps and weakness, dental abnormalities, bone pain, etc. This test can be done to screen for a possible deficiency or insufficiency if you have a risk factor that increases the likelihood of having a low vitamin D level or to diagnose a vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency if you have symptoms that suggest low levels. Also, testing can be done to diagnose rare vitamin D toxicity due to excess intake of vitamin D supplements. The Vitamin D Total test monitors your vitamin D levels if you are being treated for a previously detected deficiency. Moreover, it can be included in a routine checkup as part of a Vitamin D profile, especially if there are concerns about vitamin D intake or absorption. 

No special preparation is required for this test. You can eat and drink as per your daily routine. However, it is advisable to stop taking vitamin D supplements before this test, as they may affect the accuracy of the test results. 

Lab test results may vary across different laboratories. Abnormal test results require an expert interpretation; therefore, never try to self-medicate at home based solely on these results, and always consult a doctor for a proper understanding of the test results. By assessing vitamin D3 levels through the Vitamin D Total testing, doctors can offer tailored recommendations for supplementation, dietary adjustments, or sun exposure to prevent deficiencies and related health problems.

What is Vitamin D Total used for?

The Vitamin D Total test can be done:

  • For a comprehensive assessment of vitamin D status in the body.
  • To diagnose vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency, or toxicity. 
  • To monitor vitamin D levels over time to assess the effectiveness of treatment. 
  • To assess bone health. 
  • To detect or monitor various conditions, including osteoporosis (bone weakness), rickets (bone malformation), osteomalacia ( bone softening), etc.
  • As a part of routine checkups, especially in individuals with risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. 
  • In individuals with symptoms such as bone deformities, muscle cramps, dental abnormalities, etc. suggestive of vitamin D deficiency. 
  • To diagnose or monitor problems with the functioning of the parathyroid gland, which can impact vitamin D metabolism.

What does Vitamin D Total measure?

The Vitamin D Total test measures the levels of vitamin D2 and D3 in your body. This test is an appropriate indicator of the total Vitamin D storage in the body. A vitamin D total test is also recommended in case of abnormal calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone levels. Individuals with abnormal vitamin D levels become prone to heart diseases, high blood pressure, immune system disorders, different types of cancers (prostate, breast, and colon), and various infectious diseases like influenza, tuberculosis, sepsis, etc. All these reasons make it more important for individuals to check their vitamin D levels.

References

  1. Garland CF, Garland FC, Gorham ED, et al. The role of vitamin D in cancer prevention. Am J Public Health. 2006 Feb;96(2):252-61. [Accessed 26 Apr. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1470481/ External Link
  2. Gröber U, Kisters K. Influence of drugs on vitamin D and calcium metabolism. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012 Apr 1;4(2):158-66. [Accessed 26 Apr. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3427195/ External Link
  3. Religi A, Backes C, Chatelan A, et al. Estimation of exposure durations for vitamin D production and sunburn risk in Switzerland. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2019 Oct;29(6):742-752. [Accessed 26 Apr. 2024]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30992519/#:~:text=In%20summer%20and%20spring%2C%20with,of%20sun%20exposure%20for%20adults. External Link
  4. Iraj B, Ebneshahidi A, Askari G. Vitamin d deficiency, prevention and treatment. Int J Prev Med. 2012 Oct;3(10):733-6. [Accessed 26 Apr. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3483003/ External Link
  5. Kennel KA, Drake MT, Hurley DL. Vitamin D deficiency in adults: when to test and how to treat. Mayo Clin Proc. 2010 Aug;85(8):752-7; quiz 757-8. [Accessed 26 Apr. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2912737/ External Link
  6. Vitamin D [Internet]. NIH; 12 Aug. 2022 [Accessed 26 Apr. 2024]. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/ External Link
  7. Aparna P, Muthathal S, Nongkynrih B, Gupta SK. Vitamin D deficiency in India. J Family Med Prim Care. 2018 Mar-Apr;7(2):324-330. [Accessed 26 Apr. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6060930/ External Link
  8. Vitamin D [Internet]. Boston, USA: Harvard T.H. Chan; March 2023 [Accessed 26 Apr. 2024]. Available from: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-d/ External Link

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