Vitamin D deficiency is a very real health concern today. More people are falling prey to the fast-food diet, to poor nutrition practices, to pollution, and to insufficient dietary intake of vitamins. While many will die from vitamin D deficiency before they reach the age of 50, others will succumb to it much later. The question then becomes: what do vitamin D test results mean?
Most health experts agree that the best way to identify vitamin deficiency is with the aid of a blood test. The initial test measures the person’s tester levels of vitamin D, calcium, and iron. If the levels are high, this indicates the person has adequate amounts of those vitamins in their body. If they are low, however, they may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency and should make an appointment with their doctor as soon as possible to discuss treatment. Early detection allows for treatment to be administered before the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency worsen and can lead to greater complications later down the road.
Worldwide, the vitamin test market is anticipated to see phenomenal growth over the next decade at an accelerating CAGR. The baby boomers’ generation is starting to get older. As the baby boomers get older, so does the amount of people who are diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency, how serious that deficiency is, and how quickly that deficiency can be remedied. More people are turning to the vitamin supplement market for help. The market is becoming very competitive, and many companies are working hard to attract and retain the attention of this ever-growing demographic. A Vitamin D test is a simple and painless way to ensure that your vitamin supplementation needs are being met.
While Vitamin D deficiency is fairly common, it can be dangerous if it goes untreated. Vitamin D deficiency can result in bone diseases such as osteoporosis and rickets, can cause hypertension and high cholesterol levels, and can contribute to a number of cancers and other health problems. Vitamin D deficiency has become one of the most important dietary requirements worldwide, and research continues on the deficiency’s health implications. While Vitamin D deficiency is unlikely to lead to death, it can play a role in some serious conditions.
Vitamin D deficiency can also play a role in immunity development. A deficiency increases the risk of auto-immune disease and weakening of the immune system. While Vitamin D plays an important role in helping to keep the body healthy and strong, prolonged deficiency can lead to other serious conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity, osteoporosis, and a host of other serious conditions. Because Vitamin D is believed to increase the absorption of calcium in the body, when there is a Vitamin D deficiency, the body cannot naturally rebuild the bones. This weakens the immune system even further. By fortifying the body with Vitamin D, we can reduce our risk of many of these serious diseases and improve our overall health.
One of the great things about Vitamin D testing today is that you don’t have to go to the doctor for a blood Vitamin D test. You can now self-test Vitamin D levels using Vitamin D toxicity kits. These tests are inexpensive and simple to use in the comfort of your own home. Typically, all you need to do is mail your urine, saliva or blood samples to the lab for evaluation. Sometimes your doctor will send you a urine Vitamin D test kit in the mail along with instructions on what to do with your results.
Self-diagnosis is only one aspect of Vitamin D testing. A balanced diet is still essential if you want to ensure good overall health. There are several other aspects to consider when it comes to Vitamin D and your health. For example, people who live in climates where daytime temperatures are below freezing for extended periods of time should take Vitamin D supplementation even if they feel fine.
Overall, the most accurate way to determine whether you need Vitamin D supplements is to ask your doctor for a blood test. It does not hurt to give it a try. Although your local pharmacy may carry Vitamin D blood tests, they are probably not as reliable as the ones you can buy online. Remember: the more information you have about your overall health, the better off you will be.