Sign In

Vitamin D

 

Vitamin D is one of many vitamins our bodies need to stay healthy. One of its most vital functions is to help absorb calcium, which is in turn vital for keeping your bones strong. Vitamin D deficiency is common in the UK, particularly in the north and scotland where lower levels of sunlight can lead to lower skin conversion to active forms.If calcium intake is insufficient, or vitamin D is low, the parathyroid glands will ‘borrow’ calcium from the skeleton in order to keep the blood calcium in the normal range. This can cause wider issues. 

A deficiency can often present in the following ways:

  • Extreme tiredness

  • Fatigue.

  • Bone pain.

  • Muscle weakness, muscle aches, or muscle cramps.

  • Mood changes, like depression.

You can get vitamin D in a variety of ways. These can include:

  • Being exposed to the sun. About 15-20 minutes three days per week is usually sufficient.

  • Through the foods you eat.

  • Through nutritional supplements

Vitamin D doesn’t occur naturally in many foods. That’s why certain foods have added vitamin D. In fact, newer food nutrition labels show the amount of vitamin D contained in a particular food item.  It may be difficult, especially for vegans or people who are lactose-intolerant, to get enough vitamin D from their diets, which is why some people may choose to take supplements

Order test here
FAQs?

Still have questions?

You are not alone, here are some of our most asked questions.

Can't see your question, contact us.

Why are some people more susceptible to Vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin D is activated in the skin through the action of sunlight. The further north you live, the less sunlight there is. People who are house-bound, work in an office, darker skinned people and those who cover up will have lower levels of active vitamin D.
Why are vegans susceptible to Vitamin D deficiencies?
Vitamin D is found in foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products
Can vitamin D deficiency be fixed with supplements?
In most cases yes. Complications are uncommon and usually caused by being deficient for a long time.
How accurate is the test?
We use one of the country's leading labs (also used by primary care providers, hospitals and government programs) to process your results.
How do I collect my sample?
Please follow the sample collection advice in the packaging to maximise the accuracy of your results. To reduce the return transit time, please do not collect or return samples on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
When will I get my results?
The lab processing time is slightly different from test to test, but you’ll usually have your test results back with you 2 days after we receive your sample.
Pick your test
Pick the right test for you and we'll deliver it straight to your door, all in a handy letterbox sized package.
Collect sample
The test kit will guide you through how and the best time to perform a finger prick blood test. Simply collect your sample and used the pre-paid box to send back to our laboratory for testing.
See your results
Our accredited lab will perform the test, and upload your results to your dashboard, with expert advice on then best next steps. Usually within 2 days or receiving your sample.
Order test here