Vitamin D, 1, 25 Hydroxy
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps with muscle and bone development, mood and other basic body functions. It exists in several different forms, commonly referred to as vitamins D1 through D5. Vitamin D is often stored as vitamin D, 25 hydroxy, which the kidneys metabolize into vitamin D, 1, 25 hydroxy, a form that is easier for the human body to use. Children, people who are pregnant or lactating, and people with calcium deficiencies often show higher levels of vitamin D, 1, 25 hydroxy than people with ideal nutrition.
Excessive levels of this vitamin may cause nausea, vomiting and other intestinal problems, headache and thirst with increased urination. In the long term, too much of this vitamin in the bloodstream could lead to increased blood pressure. Too little vitamin D in any form can also cause serious problems, including rickets, mental impairment, severe asthma, cardiovascular disease and an increased risk of cancer. Strict vegetarians, people who spend little time in the sun and people with darker skin all carry a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency than the general population. Some disease, including cystic fibrosis, celiac disease or kidney problems, can also cause low serum levels.
Testing for this form of vitamin D requires patients to FAST for 10 hours prior to having their blood drawn. Eating or drinking during this period could cause an inaccurate result. Excessively low levels can be adjusted by more exposure to the sunlight, an improved diet or supplements.
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