25 - Hydroxy Vitamin D, Serum

A vitamin D test is used to detect deficiency or excess of vitamin D levels in the blood. Abnormal Vitamin D levels cause bone weakness, bone malformation or abnormal calcium metabolism. Vitamin D test is used to diagnose and monitor problems of parathyroid gland functioning as parathormone (PTH) is essential for the activation of vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and is absorbed from the intestine as fat. So, vitamin D helps monitor the health status of individuals with diseases like cystic fibrosis and Crohn disease which interfere with fat absorption. Determination of vitamin D levels helps in knowing the effectiveness of treatment when vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, and/or magnesium supplementation is given and monitor people who have had gastric bypass surgery.

1. What are the sources of vitamin D?

Adequate exposure to sunlight helps in the synthesis of vitamin D in the body. The sources of vitamin D include few of the dietary food like cod liver oil and milk, cereals, fruit juices fortified with vitamin D.

2. What are there other uses for vitamin D?

Topical form of vitamin D can be used as a cream to treat psoriasis. the potential use of vitamin D to help control autoimmune conditions is under research.

3. Is vitamin D a necessary component in calcium supplements?

The absorption of calcium in the body is dependent on vitamin D. So many manufacturers of calcium supplements add vitamin D to ensure optimal calcium uptake.