At-home collection kit. Meaningful insights. Personalized plan.
A low level of Vitamin D is linked to various and serious health risks. Vitamin D plays a critical role in the prevention of illness and disease. This at-home blood test will provide health insights by measuring your level of Vitamin D. Results include a personalized health plan.
Vitamin D Test
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that we obtain from some foods and nutritional supplements, or make in our bodies after exposure to sun. Our primary source of Vitamin D is from the sunshine, which many people do not get enough sun exposure to maintain optimal levels of Vitamin D year round. Supplementation with a high quality, absorbable, and active form of Vitamin D is key for maintaining optimal levels.
Vitamin D has been reclassified as a hormone rather than a vitamin and is important for more than 900 gene signalings that take place in the body. Optimal levels are essential for bone health, immune function, balanced hormones, heart health, energy, mood, brain health, metabolic health, and more.
You should take this test if you:
- Do not get daily sun exposure or live in northern latitude
- Do not consume adequate vitamin D
- Follow a strict vegan diet
- Have darker-pigmented skin
- Have issues with small intestine absorption or kidney function
- Are an athlete
- Are overweight or obese
- Are elderly
Vitamin D 101
It is estimated that 42 percent of U.S. adults have a sub-optimal vitamin D level.
Vitamin D, which is measured as 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OH-D), is a fat-soluble vitamin that is responsible for multiple biological processes. Vitamin D, which has always been known for its capacity to support the absorption of calcium, has more recently been found to support immune function, a healthy inflammatory response, and muscle function. A low vitamin D level is associated with a higher risk for various chronic health concerns, including heart disease and diabetes.
Unlike vitamins that must be acquired from outside sources, humans can make vitamin D in their skin with adequate exposure to sunlight. Because we do not get as much sunlight as our ancestors, and because we might not consume adequate dietary sources of vitamin D, many individuals are at risk for too low of a level. A too high level of vitamin D can also occur, but this is much less common and is nearly always associated with excessive supplementation. Thorne's Vitamin D Test measures total vitamin D, which includes the two common forms of vitamin D ‐ D2 (25OH-D2) and D3 (25OH-D3). 25OH-D3 includes the amount derived from internal production, as well as the amount derived from diet and supplementation; whereas, 25OH-D2 reflects only what is acquired in the diet or from supplementation. Together, these two biomarkers make up an individual's total 25OH-D level.
A healthy vitamin D level can be crucial for optimal athletic performance, bone repair after exercise or injury, normal muscle function, healthy immune function, and cardiovascular health. Therefore, it is widely accepted that athletes, compared to non-athletes, should strive to maintain a higher than sufficient level of vitamin D.
Symptoms
Potential Symptoms of Low Vitamin D
Although having a low level of vitamin D is often asymptomatic, you might experience:
- More frequent infections
- Fatigue
- Muscle or bone discomfort
- Depressed mood
If you have any of the following symptoms that are, or can be, associated with a vitamin D deficiency, then you should consult with your health-care practitioner:
- Muscle spasms and twitching (which can be anywhere but are more common in the face and around the mouth or eyes)
- Generalized weakness
- Loss of balance/falling
- Severe bone and joint pain – hip pain is most common
- Unexplained fracture
- An onset of seizures
- Abnormal heart rate or rhythm
- High blood pressure
Potential Symptoms of High Vitamin D
Although having a vitamin D level that is too high can be asymptomatic, with a very high level (usually a result of excess calcium absorption) you could experience:
- Anorexia/loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea and/or constipation
- Excessive thirst, dry mouth
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Muscle cramping/pain/twitching
- Bone pain
- Nerve pain (neuropathy)
- Kidney stones
- Confusion and weakness
- Chest pain, irregular heart beat
- Elevated blood pressure
- Headaches
- Cough, shortness of breath
If you suspect you might have an excess level of vitamin D (which only occurs with excessive supplementation and is very uncommon), then you should consult with your health-care practitioner.
Biomarkers
Key Biomarkers Measured via Blood Spot:
Vitamin D
Is a fat-soluble vitamin that we obtain from some foods or make in our bodies under the right conditions. Vitamin D level is important to bone health, heart health, immune function, mood, brain health, and metabolic health.
How it Works
How it Works:
1. Order and activate test kit
After purchasing, all home-test materials are delivered to your door.
Use the activation code located on the back of the test kit to activate your test on thorne.com and complete your health profile.
2. Complete collection and ship
Referencing the directions booklet included in your test kit, complete your sample collection from the comfort of your home.
Use the prepaid shipper to mail your samples directly to the laboratory.
3. Receive results and recommendations
Your results are reviewed by an independent board-certified physician.
You'll receive your results & personalized recommendations within 7-9 days.
Shipping
Shipping
*US law prohibits shipment of lab products to New York State, Rhode Island, and Kansas.
*Attention International Clients: Return shipping is not included with this lab purchase. Please check with your country’s regulations on shipping your sample back to US.
