About Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble secosteroid responsible for enhancing intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and multiple other biological effects. It is synthesized in the skin in response to sunlight, specifically UVB radiation, and can also be obtained from dietary sources and supplements.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
50.0 - 80.0 ng/mL
Elite Value
70.0 ng/mL
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate an increased risk of hypercalcemia, leading to symptoms like nausea, weakness, and in extreme cases, damage to the heart and kidneys.
Low
Low levels may be associated with weakened bone health, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, as well as compromised immune function.
Symptoms
High
May include nausea, poor appetite, frequent urination, and kidney stones.
Low
Can include bone pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, and mood changes such as depression.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- 1. Bouillon, R., Marcocci, C., Carmeliet, G., Bikle, D., White, J. H., Dawson-Hughes, B., ... & Feldman, D. (2019). Skeletal and extraskeletal actions of vitamin D: current evidence and outstanding questions. *Endocrine Reviews*, 40(4), 1109-1151.
- 2. Holick, M. F., Binkley, N. C., Bischoff-Ferrari, H. A., Gordon, C. M., Hanley, D. A., Heaney, R. P., ... & Weaver, C. M. (2011). Evaluation, treatment, and prevention of vitamin D deficiency: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. *The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism*, 96(7), 1911-1930.
- 3. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee to Review Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin D and Calcium. (2011). Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. *National Academies Press*.
- 4. Ross, A. C., Manson, J. E., Abrams, S. A., Aloia, J. F., Brannon, P. M., Clinton, S. K., ... & Shapses, S. A. (2011). The 2011 dietary reference intakes for calcium and vitamin D: what dietetics practitioners need to know. *Journal of the American Dietetic Association*, 111(4), 524-527.
- 5. Manson, J. E., Cook, N. R., Lee, I. M., Christen, W., Bassuk, S. S., Mora, S., ... & Buring, J. E. (2019). Vitamin D supplements and prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease. *New England Journal of Medicine*, 380(1), 33-44.