Vitamin D can be found in foods we eat since they create the vitamin D hormone. Vitamin D helps ensure you have healthy bones and teeth. Besides that, it also plays a role in regulating inflammation and immune function.
Vitamin D is helpful to other vitamins and your health as it helps the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus. These two are vital for building bone. Few foods contain vitamin D; however, most are fortified with the vitamin.
If you are suffering from a vitamin D deficiency, the best way to get it is by taking a supplement for a while, especially if you live in a place with limited sun exposure. The skin is the primary source of the leading natural vitamin D in our bodies, so bask in it for a few minutes daily if you can get some sunlight.
Vitamin D deficiency affects those living in areas with low sunlight exposure, especially in winter, those staying indoors for periods, and people with dark skin. Skin pigment (melanin) acts as a shade reducing vitamin D production.
Melanin also reduces the damaging effects on the skin, like skin cancer. So, it’s a double-edged sword.
Which test should be done for vitamin D?
If you want to measure your vitamin D levels in the body, the perfect test for it is the 25-hydroxy Vitamin D Test (25(OH)D). This test requires a blood sample. It also determines if you have too much or too little vitamin D in your bloodstream.
Testing 25(OH)D is the most accurate way to measure vitamin D levels in your body. The test helps you know vitamin D levels in your blood so you can make changes before it begins affecting your health.
Your doctor can also ask you to get a vitamin D test if you have vitamin D deficiency symptoms.
Why do I need a vitamin D test?
Although everyone can suffer from vitamin D deficiency, some people are at a higher risk of suffering. You may need a vitamin D test if you fall under the following categories.
- If you’re under medications like phenytoin
- You’re obese (or have lost weight through bariatric surgery)
- Above 65 years (the gut absorbs fewer vitamins as you age, and your skin also produces less vitamin D)
- Those with limited exposure to sunlight
- People with trouble absorbing vitamins and nutrients in their intestines, like those with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or celiac disease.
- If your child has rickets
- If you suffer from osteoporosis or osteomalacia
Generally, it’s advisable for those suffering from long-term illnesses to have their vitamin D levels checked as it affects other parts of your body without your knowledge or until it’s too late.
Vitamin D toxicity
According to professionals, you’re only supposed to take a maximum of 4000 UI a day if you’re an adult. Even so, NIH says that vitamin D toxicity can not occur when one takes 10,000 UI a day below.
You can’t get vitamin D toxicity from food or too much sun exposure. Too much sun exposure doesn’t lead to toxicity because excess heat on the skin prevents D3 from forming. Vitamin D toxicity often results from prescription errors and inappropriate supplement dosing.
Excessive vitamin D consumption can result in hypercalcemia, a high blood calcium level. This can therefore result in hardening blood vessels, heart tissues, lungs, and kidneys.
Hypercalcemia is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Too much vitamin D in the body may cause symptoms like:
- Anorexia
- Irregular heartbeats
- Weightloss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- A metallic taste
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
When taking vitamin D supplements, ensure you’re not taking anything over 4000 UI daily unless under the doctor’s supervision. If taking over-the-counter supplements, consider the brands because supplements are not as monitored as pharmaceuticals.
Vitamin D and pregnancy
Conflicting studies show a relationship and lack of one between vitamin D deficiency, preterm birth, and the development of preeclampsia. More clinical trials are needed to study whether this is a common relationship.
Studies also show a relationship between low vitamin D and gestational diabetes {1}. Pregnant women are also encouraged to treat vitamin D deficiency to reduce the risks of developing asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis {2}.
Some other researchers believe sufficient vitamin D during pregnancy prevents those newborns from developing food allergies and asthma. However, in this specific study, more research and clinical studies are needed to define it.
Vitamin D in children
Infants experience rapid growth, and bone health is of necessity. Therefore, little kids must have enough vitamin D. When an infant suffers from chronic vitamin D deficiency, they suffer from rickets.
Rickets is a softening of bone tissues, often resulting in bone and joint malformation. There is also a possibility of a relationship between an increased risk of allergy sensitization and vitamin D deficiency.
This observation is due to children living closer to the equator. These kids have a lower rate of admission to hospitals due to allergies. They’re also less likely to need an EpiPen prescription or have a peanut allergy.
Our Vitamin D Test
Dietary sources of vitamin D
You should get enough vitamin D from sunlight exposure. However, if you’re at risk of developing vitamin D deficiency, you need to depend on more than one source of this vitamin, and your diet can help.
During winter months, you can supplement vitamin D after consulting your doctor. You can also constantly check your vitamin D levels by taking a Vitamin D Test. The following foods offer vitamin D:
- Egg yolks
- Cheese
- Fortified milk
- Fatty fish like tuna, mackerel and salmon
- Mushrooms
- Beef liver
- Fortified cereals and juices
Final thoughts on vitamin D testing
Everyone must get a Vitamin D Test, especially if you live in cold areas that experience winter and less sunlight for prolonged periods. You can always take supplements under your doctor’s instruction and indulge in a balanced diet to ensure you get vitamin D and other valuable vitamins.
References
- Wang, L., Zhang, C., Song, Y., & Zhang, Z. (2020). Serum vitamin D deficiency and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis. Archives of medical science: AMS, 16(4), 742–751. https://doi.org/10.5114/aoms.2020.94433
- Taheri, M., Baheiraei, A., Foroushani, A. R., Nikmanesh, B., & Modarres, M. (2015). Treatment of vitamin D deficiency is an effective method in the elimination of asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis: A placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. The Indian journal of medical research, 141(6), 799–806. https://doi.org/10.4103/0971-5916.160707
