Patient Education
Vitamin D Testing
Vitamin D Blood Test - fast, reliable and accurate
Vitamin D3 25 (OH) Testing
Vitamine D is a fat soluble vitamin and prohormone that exists in several different forms. D2 is not produced in the body and comes from plant sources. D3 is found in cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines. It is manufactured in the skin with adequate exposure to the suns UVB rays.
Vitamin D increases intestinal absorption of dietary calcium, increases re-absorption of calcium filtered by kidneys and mobilizes calcium from bone when there is insufficient dietary calcium.
The bioactive form of Vitamin D has been shown to stimulate insulin production in the pancreas in type 1 diabetics and may play a role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes through its ability to impair insulin systhesis and secretion.
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that is stored in the liver and fatty tissue and is eliminated more slowly than water-soluble vitamins. Excessive levels of Vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, hypertension, constipation, fatigue and more. Monitoring therapy is important to ensure adequate, but not excessive dosage.
Why is Vitamin D Important?
- Vitamins D helps Calcium build strong bones
- Optimal Vitamin D levels are essential for heart health and blood pressure regulation
- Vitamin D can help boost the immune system and help regulatet insulin levels
- Achieving optimal Vitamin D levels decreases the risk of many types of cancer
Why test Vitamin D?
- Most people spend the majority of their time indoors where there is no sunlight, lowering Vitamin D levels.
- To monitor Vitamin D levels after supplementation.
- Be proactive!! Identify any Vitamin D deficiency early.