A blood test to determine the level of vitamin D is done in order to detect metabolic disorders, as well as to monitor the condition of the patient who was prescribed medications containing this vitamin. Such a study can be carried out in any medical laboratory, where the patient will receive a decrypted result. Such a diagnosis is optional, prescribed by a doctor for certain indicators. In this article, we consider what vitamin D is, its benefits to the body, as well as a method for conducting an analysis to identify this vitamin.
About Vitamin
This element performs a variety of functions. Vitamin D regulates the exchange of phosphorus and calcium in humans. A lack of phosphorus does not threaten almost anyone, but a calcium deficiency is dangerous to health. A severe deficiency in children of vitamin D can cause the development of rickets, while in adults it leads to softening of bones and an increased risk of fractures. It also causes tooth problems. This element normalizes the functions of the nervous system, protein metabolism, promotes the maturation of red blood cells and increases the body's resistance to infections.
In addition to helping to absorb calcium and phosphorus, vitamin D has an effect on the immune and endocrine systems. It is able to "turn off" and "turn on" 100-1250 of the 20000-30000 genes that a person has. With the saturation of the body with this vitamin, the risk of cardiovascular, oncological and autoimmune diseases is reduced. Today, serious work is underway to study the usefulness of vitamin D for the treatment and prevention of various diseases.
You probably know that vitamin D is formed in the skin under the influence of sunlight. Including it is obtained from certain types of animal products (pork liver, beef and cod, mackerel, fish oil, egg yolk) and plant origin (such mushrooms as chanterelles and champignons). By the way, this element is well preserved during cooking. Plant and animal fats contribute to its complete assimilation by the body.
Then, already in the liver, this vitamin is converted to 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, or 25-OH. To determine how well the human body is saturated with it, an analysis is made for vitamin D (25-OH). Then 25-hydroxycholecalciferol is converted in the kidneys into an active form that performs the main work. After synthesis in the skin, vitamin D undergoes a transformation in the liver, and then in the kidneys. Chronic kidney diseases can cause a deficiency of this vitamin even if a person is in the sun.
Vitamin D benefits for children, men and women
About a third of women, when menopause occurs, suffer from the fact that minerals are washed out of the bones, this process is called osteomalacia. Thus, the risk of fractures and osteoporosis is increased.
Older men are also affected by osteoporosis and osteomalacia, albeit less often than women. Therefore, it is necessary to pass an analysis for vitamin D 25-OH. As a treatment and prevention, vitamin D may be prescribed. Moreover, with age, the body's ability to synthesize this vitamin under the influence of sunlight deteriorates.
Some studies have shown the usefulness of vitamin D supplementation for people with psoriasis. After all, it also reduces the risk of cardiovascular, autoimmune and oncological diseases.
For children, vitamin D is important in the prevention of rickets and tooth problems. However, do not forget that vitamins D2 and D3 are not a panacea for all diseases in the world. But to learn more about them will not hurt.
Norms
Vitamin D is normal in the blood of adult women and men of different ages, adolescents, children and infants are approximately the same. But it must be said that its indicators can vary depending on:
- age (elderly people have a low level);
- season
- nature of food intake.
There is a decrease in vitamin D during pregnancy.
The older a person becomes, the more difficult it is to achieve a normal vitamin D score, because the aging process worsens the body’s production under the influence of sunlight of this vitamin. Therefore, we can talk about the feasibility of taking vitamin D in old age. For older people, taking such drugs may even be more useful than for babies and pregnant women. Black people, who are forced to live in a country with a cool and cloudy climate, can not do without taking vitamin D in tablet form. After all, the darker the skin color, the production of this vitamin is less under the influence of UV rays.
Testing for Vitamin D
To determine its concentration, an analysis is performed on 25-OH (hydroxy) vitamin D. We already know that this substance produces the liver, and then it follows the kidneys in order to transform into an active form.
Where does this analysis go? Take blood for vitamin D should mainly specialized centers of endocrinology, which can be called a plus:
- The analysis for 25-OH (hydroxy) vitamin D is studied quickly - 1-2 days.
- You can get the results by email.
- The presence of modern technologies providing a comfortable blood sampling.
- The presence of comfortable rooms, equipped with air purification filters and air conditioning, including the ability to watch TV.
- Convenient working hours.
Centers can also provide consultations with a highly qualified endocrinologist.
Indications for the procedure
In order to pass an analysis for 25-OH vitamin D, it is enough to show symptoms of an element D deficiency in the body, manifested by increased fatigue, decreased appetite, irritability, tearfulness and poor sleep in a child.
Including analysis is carried out if the concentration of element D is increased, which occurs due to prolonged exposure to sunlight and intoxication. Signs of vitamin D intoxication include anorexia, polyuria, bone demineralization, vomiting, hypercalcemia, muscle weakness and pain.
The main indications for passing the analysis:
- Hypovitaminosis D.
- Chronic pancreatitis, which is accompanied by secretory insufficiency.
- Vitamin D.
- Radiation enteritis.
- Renal osteodystrophy.
- Crohn's disease.
- Hypophosphatemia.
- Hypoparathyroidism and hyperparathyroidism with osteomalacia.
- Whipple's disease.
- Senile osteoporosis due to corticosteroid use.
- Chronic gastritis with achlorhydria.
- Hypocalcemia.
- Lupus erythematosus, which affects mainly the skin.
Why is this analysis needed?
This analysis is necessary to determine the degree of concentration of vitamin D, that is, to detect hyper- or hypovitaminosis D. People suffering from diseases that are associated with impaired bone tissue metabolism (osteoporosis or osteopenia) pass an analysis during the entire course of treatment with drugs, as part of which have vitamin D and calcium. The delivery of the analysis is necessary for the timely adjustment of doses and the assessment of the correctness of the therapy.
Study preparation
An analysis of 25-OH vitamin D is given on an empty stomach. In this case, the last meal should be carried out for 8, and preferably 12 hours before the procedure. Before taking the test, it is also forbidden to drink juice, tea and coffee, especially with sugar, but you can drink plain water.
Blood is taken from a vein through the use of vacuum systems, ensuring the painlessness of the collection of material. It is stored in optimal conditions for a qualitative study.
Research results
What is the norm of analysis for 25-OH vitamin D? The analysis norm should be from 30 to 100 ng / ml, the deficit should be 0-10 ng / ml. The vitamin D content is between 10 and 30 ng / ml. If the indicators exceed 100 ng / ml, then intoxication of the body is likely. It should be noted that for the analysis it is better to choose a favorable period, which lasts from January to April. At this time, vitamin D levels are the lowest.
A blood test measurement in other units will look like this:
- normal - 75-250 nmol / l;
- with a lack of 25-75 nmol / l;
- with a deficiency of 0-25 nmol / l;
- with an excess - 250 nmol or more.
A pediatric endocrinologist or an endocrinologist surgeon estimates that a 25-OH vitamin D analysis shows. Blood of patients with hypoparathyroidism may contain large doses, since they receive a normal daily dose of vitamin D, but the figure will be about 1250 ng / ml.
Causes of Vitamin D Dysfunction
Factors Affecting Vitamin D Deficiency:
- time spent in the open sun;
- renal failure;
- inadequate food intake;
- liver failure;
- lack of element E;
- taking anti-TB drugs, laxatives and barbiturates.
Elevated D content:
- the use of drugs containing vitamin D in excess;
- sarcoidosis;
- hyperparathyroidism;
- some types of lymphomas;
- low consumption of calcium and phosphorus with food.
Price
The cost of a blood test for vitamin D may depend on the region of location and the center. The price consists of the following components: 140 p. - for blood sampling and 1600-3200 p. for conducting research on vitamin D (the approximate cost of the procedures is indicated).
This analysis can also be passed by a person who does not have indications for this, which will prevent the development and identify a number of diseases already at their early stages. It will also protect against the consequences that may well arise due to a protracted disease.