Vitamin D test

The test is performed using a blood sample to measure the concentration of the vitamin D metabolite 25(OH)D. It determines whether the patient has an adequate level of vitamin D3 in the body at the time of testing. The measured value is considered the best indicator of vitamin D3 status.

Vitamin D occurs in two forms: D2 and D3, found in food and produced in the skin under UVB radiation. To maintain optimal vitamin D levels and minimize the risk of deficiency, supplementation is often necessary.

What is the purpose of the vitamin D test?

Testing vitamin D3 levels is recommended when deficiency symptoms occur or when vitamin D excess is suspected.

Vitamin D deficiency

If vitamin D levels in the body are too low, this may lead to:

• rickets in children,
• softening of the bones — osteomalacia or osteoporosis in adults,
• bone fractures and degenerative bone disorders,
• weakening of the body and reduced immunity,
• insomnia,
• increased risk of autoimmune diseases.

Who is particularly at risk of vitamin D deficiency?

• people with chronic kidney disease, including nephrotic syndrome,
• people taking certain antiepileptic drugs or HAART (HIV treatment),
• people with malabsorption syndromes,
• patients after bariatric surgery,
• people with tuberculosis or sarcoidosis (granuloma formation), certain lymphomas, or hyperparathyroidism,
• people with autoimmune diseases.

Vitamin D3 deficiency can negatively affect many vital processes — therefore maintaining an optimal level is extremely important.

Vitamin D excess

Excess vitamin D, although rare, can cause serious symptoms and health consequences. The most important include:

• persistent weakness, drowsiness, and fatigue;
• emotional confusion, hyperactivity, and irritability;
• loss of appetite;
• abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting;
• a metallic taste in the mouth.

Vitamin D supplementation

Measuring vitamin D3 levels in serum is not recommended in patients without significantly increased risk of deficiency. Fatigue alone is not an indication for vitamin D3 testing.

Supplementation with over-the-counter vitamin D preparations and increased sunlight exposure during summer months are generally sufficient to replenish vitamin D3 stores. Taking vitamin D at doses up to 4000 IU/day does not require initial blood testing or monitoring during supplementation. This dose cannot cause overdose.

Get tested if you are at risk of vitamin D3 deficiency.

Price of the vitamin D test

The cost of a vitamin D test ranges from 79 PLN to 115 PLN, depending on the facility. Details can be found above.

Find out how laboratory test result collection works.

Learn more:

• Vitamin D as a dietary supplement — normal levels, excess, and deficiency
• Which vitamin for…