vitamin d3 (25-oh cholecalciferol) Test

Cholecalciferol better known as Vitamin D3 is a form of Vitamin D. It transforms into a hormone in the blood stream and helps in the absorption of calcium and phosphate. It is an essential nutrient needed by our body for the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth and also overall health. Vitamin D3 helps the kidney to recycle phosphate back into the blood stream, leading to the appropriate balance of pH levels. Vitamin D3 also helps in treatment of underactive parathyroid glands.

The primary difference between vitamin D2 and D3 is that Vitamin D2 is obtained from dairy products and other food sources, while Vitamin D3 is naturally made by the body when exposed to sunlight and as such also called as sunshine vitamin.

Vitamin D3 is primarily made by the body itself in the exposure of sunlight, besides that the other sources of vitamin D3 are fatty fishes like salmon, tuna, mackerel, cod liver oil, fortified milk, eggs, bread and cereals. Vitamin D3 supplements are also easily available in the market and can be taken after consultation with a doctor.

The most prominent of Vitamin D3 benefits is the body’s ability to absorb calcium and phosphate essential for the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. 

A substantial amount of people have been found to be suffering from Vitamin D3 Deficiency. The varied vitamin D3 deficiency symptoms are;

• Rickets
• Cramps and constriction of blood vessels
• Under performing thyroid gland
• Cognitive problems
• Bone Disorders
• Back pain
• Hair loss
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Multiple  sclerosis
• Liver problems

Vitamin D3 deficiency treatment involves getting adequate amount of sun exposure, including food rich in vitamin D3 in the diet and through the intake of Vitamin D3 supplements. 

Vitamin D3 side effects are pretty rare phenomena. Nevertheless, the common types of vitamin D3 side effects are;

• Allergic reaction like rash and itches
• Swelling of the face, tongue and throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Irregular heart rhythm

Some of the rare side effects of vitamin D3 are;

• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Weakness   

Vitamin D3 (25-OH Cholecalciferol) Test is also referred to as 25-OH vitamin D test, Calcidiol test and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol test. It is the most accurate way to measure how much vitamin D is in your body.  The Calcidiol 25 – hydroxycholecalcifoeral test also helps in the diagnosis of osteoporosis and rickets.

The vitamin D3 lab test done is mainly advised for the following reason;

• People having the risk of low vitamin D
• Lack of exposure to the sun
• The Elderly
• Obesity
• Babies who are only breastfed
• People who have undergone gastric bypass surgery
• People affected with diseases in the intestines leading to low absorption of nutrients.
• Monitoring treatment for Vitamin D deficiency

The 25-hydroxy vitamin D test is a basic blood test requiring a sample of blood drawn from a vein in the arm using an injection. Kids and infants only require a small prick in their finger to draw enough blood required for the test.

Apart from the minor infection at the puncture site or light headedness and bleeding, there is no major risk attached to the Vitamin D3 test.

The Vitamin D3 test mainly determines the level of vitamin D in the body. If the test results show low levels of vitamin D then it can indicate;

• Imbalanced diet
• Inability of the intestine in absorbing Vitamin D
• Lack of sun exposure

High levels of Vit D3 means overdose of Vitamin D3 supplements. Vitamin D overdose can never be the result of Vit D rich diet and sun exposure. 

If you are taking any prescription drugs or supplements do inform your doctor before taking the test.

The price of Vitamin D3 test is not too expensive and hovers in the mid range area and the prices vary from place to place and from one lab to another. You can also choose to get your cholecalciferol vitamin d3 test done at your home that too at an economical price with the help of Portea.

24 to 36 Hours

Preparatory instructions before the test *: No Fasting Required.

No other special preparations required.

Specimen type: Serum (Blood Sample)

Specimen collection procedure: Venipuncture Collection of blood from a vein, usually from the arm.

We offer a range of at home healthcare services right from doctor consultation to nursing care and lab tests among others that too at an economical and attractive prices. So if you need Vitamin D3 test or any other test done, do give us a call and our phlebotomist will arrive at your doorstep in a short while and collect the blood sample. Not only that you don’t even need to step out of your home to get the test result, we would deliver the Vitamin D3 test report to you at your home. So get in touch with us for any of your healthcare needs and experience our quality healthcare service within the comfort of your home.