Testing your vitamin D levels can be extremely beneficial to ensuring you are not suffering from a vitamin deficiency. A vitamin D deficiency often expresses itself in symptoms such as fatigue, muscle/bone/limb pain, hair loss, mood changes etc. The symptoms can range from mild to quite severe in some cases.
It has now been made easier to test your vitamin levels, with at home vitamin D tests. We will discuss what you should know about a lack of vitamin D and important information regarding the at home test itself.
What Causes Lack of Vitamin D?
Deficiency is usually caused by a lack of sun exposure. However, diet and lifestyle can also play a role in the development of a vitamin deficiency. There is a risk to those who are:
- Women who are breastfeeding
- Children aged under 5
- Adults over 65
- People who don’t get enough sun
- People who have darker skin tones
- Anyone who’s body has difficult absorbing vitamin D
Anyone is at risk of developing a deficiency and it can be caused by many factors. It is important to know if you fall under the category of being at risk.
When Should You Have Your Vitamin D Levels Tested?
If you have been suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned, or fall under one of the at-risk categories, you may wish to monitor your levels. Luckily, going to the doctor is no longer your only choice, thanks to contemporary technology. You can now take an at home vitamin D test to determine your levels.
Here is how a home testing kit can help you:
- A report of your personal results – clear and accurate
- Quick and effective
- No need to take time off to see a GP
- Fast results in 5 working days
However, it’s crucial to remember that these tests are only available to give you a report of your levels and will not be able to advise or cure your vitamin deficiency. You should always visit a GP if you have concerns regarding your health and they can advise you further.
How Do at Home Testing Kits Work?
Depending on which test you buy and where you buy it from, processes and instructions can vary. However most will go something like this:
- You can purchase a test online, in store or at the health centre
- It will most likely include a finger-prick test and a container for blood collection
- You will need to send it to a returning lab or have it collected
- It will be examined professionally, and you should receive notification of the results from the company.
How To Get the Most Out of a Vitamin D Test Kit at Home?
Here are a few pointers for getting the most out of any home testing kit:
- You must perform the test before taking any multivitamins tablets to diagnose accurately
- You must also refrain from taking biotin tablets for at least two days before the test unless your practitioner has recommended it
- Read the instructions carefully to ensure test is carried out safely and effectively
