Vitamin D Profile – Gold (Vitamin D2 , Vitamin D3 & D Total) Test
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Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption and its deficiency can lead to abnormal bone development, bone weakness, and pain. It also helps maintain proper levels of calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone. Testing can be undertaken if Vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency is suspected to be the cause of symptoms. Vitamin D Gold test covers the status of various components of vitamin D that is, vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), D3 (cholecalciferol) and total vitamin D (25 hydroxycalciferol). Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3 are forms of 25 hydroxy vitamin D which are circulated and utilized by the body.
The vitamin D gold test, also known as the 25-hydroxyvitamin D
(25(OH)D) test, or vitamin D profile, is a blood test that measures the levels of vitamin D in the body. It is considered the gold standard for assessing vitamin D status because it measures the most stable and reliable indicator of vitamin D levels, providing valuable insights into an individual’s overall health and well-being.
Why is the Vitamin D Gold Test Done?
- This profile test is carried out to determine the precise components of the body’s vitamin D levels.
- Rickets, which manifests as bone malformation and raises the risk of fracture in youngsters, and osteomalacia, which does the same in adults, must be correctly diagnosed through testing.
- Estimated levels are used to track vitamin D replacement therapy.
- Secondary hyperparathyroidism can be identified by low vitamin D levels.
- Patients with renal disorders should have their 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D levels checked.
Written by: Dr. Shibani R, Medical Writer, Medical Affairs
Reviewed by: Dr. Alap Christry M.D. AVP-Lab Operations & Scientific Business Head-Clinical Chemistry
Reasons for Undergoing the Vitamin D Gold Test
A doctor may recommend a vitamin D gold test, or a vitamin D profile, for several important reasons, including:
- Diagnosing vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency, which can lead to various health issues.
- Monitoring the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation or treatment to ensure optimal levels are maintained.
- Assessing the risk of bone disorders such as rickets in children, osteomalacia in adults, and evaluating osteoporosis risk, especially in older adults.
- Evaluating the health of bones, muscles, nerves, and the immune system, all of which rely on adequate vitamin D levels for proper functioning.
- Identifying individuals at risk of deficiency due to limited sun exposure, dietary restrictions, or medical conditions like malabsorption disorders or chronic kidney disease.
- Helping manage and prevent chronic conditions associated with low vitamin D levels, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders.
- Guiding personalised treatment plans to improve overall health and well-being.
List of Parameters Considered During the Vitamin D Gold Test
The vitamin D profile primarily measures the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in the blood, which includes:
- Total Vitamin D: The combined levels of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 in the blood.
- Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3: Some labs may report these levels separately, but the total is the most critical measure.
Vitamin D Gold Test Preparation
No special preparations are generally required for the vitamin D profile. Follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or phlebotomist to avoid discrepancies in the test results. Fasting is typically not necessary for a vitamin D profile.
Vitamin D Gold Test Results & Interpretation
The results of the vitamin D profile are interpreted based on the following ranges:
- Deficient: Levels below 20 ng/mL, indicating severe deficiency, which can significantly affect bone health and overall well-being.
- Insufficient: Levels between 20-30 ng/mL, suggesting mild deficiency that may weaken bones.
- Sufficient: Levels between 30-100 ng/mL, indicating optimal levels for good bone and general health.
- Toxic or Possible Toxicity: Levels above 100 ng/mL may indicate risk of toxicity, with levels above 150 ng/mL considered more concerning for harmful effects.
It is important to note that reference ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Consult with your healthcare provider for the specific interpretation of your vitamin D profile test results.
SimplyCare offers a convenient home collection service for the vitamin D profile. A trained phlebotomist will come to your doorstep to collect blood samples, ensuring comfort and safety while maintaining high standards of sample handling and testing accuracy. This service allows you to get tested without visiting a clinic, and you can expect timely and reliable vitamin D profile results. SimplyCare is committed to making healthcare accessible and providing quality diagnostic solutions conveniently at home.
Price : ₹ 2,650
Vitamin D and D3 test done to measure the specific components of Vitamin D levels in the body.
Testing is required to diagnose rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults which presents as bone deformity and increase risk of fracture. Levels are also estimated to monitor vitamin D replacement therapy.
Low vitamin D levels can help diagnose a case of secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Often Vitamin D levels are tested along with serum calcium, phosphorous, parathyroid hormone.
This is a preferred test when the overall calcium and vitamin D levels are abnormal and further testing is required for diagnosis. For patients with renal diseases 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D should be tested.
Vitamin D and D3 test measures the level of vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), D3 (cholecalciferol) and total (25 hydroxy vitamin D ) levels in the blood.
Vitamin D and D3 test is a blood test. During a blood test, a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
Low levels of Vitamin D are associated with osteoporosis, bone weakness and increased chance of fractures. Severe deficiency can lead to Rickets and osteocalcin. D2 and D3 together contribute to the overall level of Vitamin D in the blood. D2 contributes lesser as compared to D3.
Very high levels are associated with nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, constipation, weakness
Checking the vitamin D level 25 (OH) is recommended for everyone getting treatment to prevent or treat osteoporosis, showing signs and symptoms of low calcium levels (hypocalcemia), or having high calcium levels (hypercalcemia).
A 25-hydroxy vitamin D test may be recommended by the physician for various reasons. In the beginning, this vitamin D test may assist in figuring out whether an excess or shortage of vitamin D is producing bone weakening or other problems. Additionally, it can serve as a monitor for those who are at the risk for vitamin D deficiency.
Patients receiving treatment to avoid or treat osteoporosis, those exhibiting indications and symptoms of inadequate calcium levels (hypocalcemia), or excessive calcium levels, should all have their levels of vitamin D 25 (OH) checked (hypercalcemia).
