Vitamin D Test

Vitamin D deficiency may have no noticeable symptoms, but is often indicated by symptoms of fatigue or muscle cramps. Other symptoms can also occur, such as;

• Hypersensitive or bleeding gums
• Pain in joints
• Muscle pain
• Weakened bones

The test results show whether your vitamin D level is too low, sufficient or elevated. If your level is low, you can consult with a doctor or dietitian to determine whether adjusting your diet, sunlight exposure or supplements would be beneficial. If your level is elevated, it may be wise to reduce your use of supplements.

A vitamin D test is especially useful if you do not spend much time outdoors, have dark skin, wear covering clothing, are over 60 years of age, are pregnant, or take vitamin D supplements for long periods of time.

Because vitamin D levels can fluctuate depending on the season, it may be useful to retest your vitamin D levels after a few months, for example after the winter period or after adjusting your supplement intake.

The recommended daily intake of vitamin D for most people is 10 micrograms. The safe upper limit for vitamin D has been set at 100 micrograms per day. Some individuals need more vitamin D than they can get from sunlight or food. People with a dark complexion, young children and pregnant women benefit from an additional 10 micrograms of vitamin D per day. Elderly people are recommended to receive an extra 20 micrograms per day (Voedingscentrum).

Vitamin D deficiency is most often caused by inadequate exposure to sunlight or a diet lacking Vitamin D rich foods. Vitamin D supplements can help in case of a vitamin D deficiency. It is also possible to have a vitamin D level that is too high, usually from excessive use of supplements.

It is estimated that 30-60% of the population is vitamin D deficient in Western Europe, particularly in the winter months. This is due in part to a climate that does not have much sunlight in the winter months and a lifestyle in which people are not outside for extended periods of time daily.

A long-term vitamin D deficiency causes weaker bones, both in children and adults.

Most fatty fish such as tuna, salmon and mackerel, but also fish liver oil contain vitamin D. Other examples of foods that contain vitamins D2 and D3 are cheese, egg yolks and mushrooms, but in much lower doses.

The sensitivity and specificity for this blood test is almost 100%. Sensitivity is the ability of a test to correctly identify test users with a disease. Specificity is the ability of a test to correctly identify test users without the disease.

Yes. With Homed-IQ’s Vitamin D test you will receive a test report containing a quantitative result and an interpretation of what next steps should be taken. Most self-tests available at drugstores are less reliable as they do not involve laboratory analysis and often only provide a positive or negative result. This provides insufficient information about the precise vitamin concentration in the blood.

Our self-administered tests are scientifically certified and validated for home use. The tests have been validated by our laboratory to ensure that the results of finger prick samples taken at home are as accurate as samples taken at a blood collection centre or doctor's surgery. Only validated medical tests are permitted to be sold. Each sample is processed in an ISO15189-certified laboratory, which allows us to guarantee the reliability of the tests.

There are countless different vitamin D supplements available. It can therefore take a long time to find the one that suits you best. The best vitamin D supplement should contain vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), as this is the most effective form and the one produced naturally by the body. Make sure you choose a supplement that is easily absorbed. Therefore, choose a supplement with oil and combine it with vitamin K2. Are you vegan? Then D3 variants from lichen are a good alternative.

This test only measures vitamin D levels in blood. If you would also like to test for other vitamins, we recommend that you opt for our Vitamin Deficiency Test. In addition to vitamin D, this test also measures folic acid and vitamin B12 levels in the blood.

We currently have no agreements with health insurers. At Homed-IQ, we therefore keep our tests as affordable as possible to give everyone the opportunity to gain more control over their health.

A vitamin D test provides information about your vitamin D level. Since the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency are often non-specific, a deficiency can go undetected. The test results allow you to take appropriate action in the event of a deficiency or overdose. You can also rule out a vitamin D imbalance as a cause of symptoms you may be experiencing if your test result is normal.

After analysis, the blood sample is destroyed in accordance with medical guidelines. The laboratory only processes a unique test code and no personal data.

In rare cases, the blood sample may be insufficient for analysis. In that case, Homed-IQ will contact you and you will receive instructions for a new sample collection.