What does the analysis of 25-OH vitamin D show?

The blood test for determining the level of vitamin D is done in order to detect abnormalities in the metabolism, as well as to monitor the condition of the patient to whom the medicines containing this vitamin were prescribed. You can conduct such a study in any medical laboratory, in the same place the patient will receive the deciphered result. Such diagnostics is not necessary, it is appointed by the doctor on certain parameters. In this article we will consider what Vitamin D is, its benefits for the body, and also the method of conducting an analysis for the detection of this vitamin.

About Vitamin

This element performs a variety of functions. Vitamin D regulates the exchange of phosphorus and calcium in humans. The lack of phosphorus does not threaten almost anyone, but the deficit of calcium is dangerous for health. A severe lack of vitamin D in children can cause the development of rickets, while in adults it leads to softening of the bones and an increased risk of fractures. This also causes problems with the teeth. This element normalizes the functions of the nervous system, protein metabolism, promotes the maturation of erythrocytes and increases the body's resistance to infections.

In addition to helping in the assimilation of calcium and phosphorus, vitamin D has an effect on the immune and endocrine systems. It is able to "turn off" and "turn on" 100-1250 of the 20,000-30000 genes available in humans. With the saturation of the body with this vitamin reduces the risk of cardiovascular, oncological and autoimmune diseases. Nowadays, serious work is being done to study the usefulness of vitamin D for the treatment and prevention of various diseases.

You probably know that vitamin D is formed in the skin under the influence of sunlight. Including it is obtained from certain types of animal products (liver pork, beef and cod, mackerel, fish oil, egg yolk) and vegetable origin (such mushrooms as chanterelles and champignons). By the way, this element is well preserved during cooking. Plant and animal fats contribute to its full assimilation by the body.

Then, in the liver, this vitamin is converted to 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, or 25-OH. To determine how well they are saturated with the human body, an analysis is made for vitamin D (25-OH). Then, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol is converted into the active form in the kidneys, which performs the main work. After synthesis in the skin, vitamin D undergoes transformation in the liver, and then in the kidneys. Chronic kidney diseases can cause deficiency of this vitamin even in case of sufficient human exposure to the sun.

The Benefits of Vitamin D for Children, Men and Women

Approximately one third of women, when menopause occurs, suffer from the fact that minerals are washed out of bones, this process is called osteomalacia. Thus, the risk of fractures and osteoporosis is increased.

Older men also suffer from osteoporosis and osteomalacia, although less often than women. Therefore, it is necessary to give an assay for vitamin D 25-OH. As a treatment and prevention can prescribe to take vitamin D. In addition, with age, the body's ability to synthesize this vitamin under the influence of sunlight deteriorates.

Some studies have shown the usefulness of taking vitamin D for people who are sick with psoriasis. After all, it also reduces the risk of cardiovascular, autoimmune and oncological diseases.

For children, vitamin D is important in the prevention of rickets and problems with teeth. However, do not forget that the vitamins D2 and D3 are not a panacea for all diseases in the world. But more information about them will not hurt.

Norms

Vitamin D is normal in the blood of adult women and men of different ages, adolescents, children and infants approximately the same. But it must be said that its indicators may vary depending on:

• Age (in elderly people there is a decreased level);
• Season;
• The nature of the food.

There is a decrease in vitamin D and during pregnancy.

The older a person becomes, the more difficult it is for him to achieve a normal vitamin D index, because the aging process worsens the production of this vitamin by the body under the influence of sunlight. Because we can talk about the advisability of taking vitamin D in old age. For older people, taking such drugs can be even more useful than for babies and pregnant women. Black people who are forced to live in a country with a cool and cloudy climate can not do without taking vitamin D in tablet form. After all, the darker the skin color, the fact that the production of this vitamin is less when exposed to UV rays.

Conducting an analysis to determine the level of vitamin D

To determine its concentration, an analysis is made of 25-OH (hydroxy) vitamin D. We already know that this substance produces the liver, and then it goes to the kidneys to transform into an active form.

Where does this analysis come from? To take blood for vitamin D should mainly specialized centers of endocrinology, plus what can be called:

• Analysis for 25-OH (hydroxy) vitamin D is investigated quickly - 1-2 days.
• You can get the results by e-mail.
• The presence of modern technologies that provide a comfortable blood sampling.
• The presence of cozy cabinets, provided with air purification filters and air conditioners, including the possibility of watching TV.
• Convenient working hours.

The centers can also provide an opportunity for consultation with a highly qualified endocrinologist.

Indication for the procedure

In order to pass the analysis on 25-OH vitamin D, symptoms of deficiency of element D in the body, manifested by increased fatigue, decreased appetite, irritability, crying and bad sleep in the child are enough.

Including the analysis is carried out if the concentration of element D is increased, which arises due to prolonged exposure to sunlight on the body and due to intoxication. Signs of vitamin D intoxication - anorexia, polyuria, demineralization of bones, vomiting, hypercalcemia, muscle weakness and pain.

The main indications for the analysis:

• Hypovitaminosis D.
• Chronic pancreatitis, which is accompanied by secretory deficiency.
• Avitaminosis D.
• Radiation enteritis.
• Renal osteodystrophy.
• Crohn's disease.
• Hypophosphatemia.
• Hypoparathyroidism and hyperparathyroidism with osteomalacia.
• Whipple's disease.
• Senile osteoporosis due to the use of corticosteroids.
• Chronic gastritis with achlorhydria.
• Hypocalcemia.
• Lupus erythematosus, which affects mainly the skin.

Why do we need this analysis?

This analysis is necessary to determine the degree of vitamin D concentration, that is, for the detection of hyper- or hypovitaminosis D. People suffering from diseases that are associated with a violation of bone tissue exchange (osteoporosis or osteopenia) are tested throughout the course of treatment with drugs, as part of Which is present with vitamin D and calcium. The analysis is necessary for timely correction of doses and evaluation of the correctness of the therapy.

Preparation for research

Analysis for 25-OH vitamin D is carried out on an empty stomach. In this case, the last meal should be done in 8, and preferably 12 hours before the procedure. Before taking the test, it is also forbidden to drink juice, tea and coffee, especially with sugar, but you can drink plain water.

Blood is taken from the vein by using vacuum systems to ensure that the material is not painless. It is stored in optimal conditions for qualitative research.

Results of the study

What is the norm of analysis for 25-OH vitamin D? The norm of the analysis should be from 30 to 100 ng / ml, deficiency - 0-10 ng / ml. Insufficient is the content of vitamin D from 10 to 30 ng / ml. If the values exceed 100 ng / ml, then intoxication of the organism is likely. It should be noted that for the analysis it is better to choose a favorable period, which lasts from January to April. At this time, the level of vitamin D is the lowest.

The measurement of the blood test in other units will look like this:

• In norm - 75-250 nmol / l;
• At a lack - 25-75 nmol / l;
• With a deficit of 0-25 nmol / l;
• With an overabundance of 250 nmol and more.

A pediatric endocrinologist or an endocrinologist assesses the analysis of 25-OH vitamin D. The blood of patients with hypoparathyroidism may contain large doses, since they receive a normal daily dose of vitamin D, however, the index will be of the order of 1250 ng / ml.

The causes of the violation of the normal content of vitamin D

Factors affecting vitamin D deficiency:

• Time spent in the open sun;
• Kidney failure;
• Inadequate intake from food;
• liver failure;
• Lack of element E;
• Taking antituberculosis drugs, laxatives and barbiturates.

Increased content of element D:

• Use of drugs containing vitamin D in excess;
• Sarcoidosis;
• Hyperparathyroidism;
• Some types of lymphomas;
• Low intake of calcium and phosphorus with food.

Price

The cost of a blood test for vitamin D may depend on the region of location and center of the exercise. The price is composed of the following components: 140 rubles. - for blood sampling and 1600-3200 rubles. For conducting research on vitamin D (the approximate cost of the procedures is indicated).

This analysis can be passed by a person who has no evidence for this, which will prevent development and identify a number of diseases already in their early stages. Also, it will save from the consequences, which may well arise because of the prolonged disease.