Testing your vitamin D levels is particularly advantageous right now, and the convenience of doing it at home has never been better.
Vitamin D, often referred to as the 'sunshine vitamin,' peaks just after the summer, yet many people may still be deficient. This essential nutrient plays a crucial role in bone and muscle strength, immunity, mental wellbeing, skin and thyroid health, autoimmune conditions, and hair and nail strength. With the convenience of at-home testing, understanding your vitamin D levels has never been easier.
Several vitamin D tests are available online, including those from Bare Biology, W-Wellness, Medichecks, and Boots. These tests allow you to check your vitamin D levels from the comfort of your home with a simple finger-prick blood test.
The Bare Biology, W-Wellness, and Medichecks tests involve sending a blood sample to a lab, while the Boots test provides results based on the colour of the blood. The Medichecks test stands out for its rapid results response and personalized doctor's report, while the W-Wellness Vitamin D Test, priced at £49.99, offers a half-hour consultation with an expert nutrition team for additional insights.
The Bare Biology vitamin D Test Kit, priced at £50, comes with a free consultation with Kirsten Humpreys. On the other hand, the Boots Vitamin D Rapid Test, priced at £7.99, provides results in ten minutes but lacks further guidance on interpreting the results or what to do with them. Users of the Boots test have reported a fiddly process that can lead to confusion.
Testing for vitamin D levels is valuable, as some people may need much higher intakes to reach or sustain adequate levels. Experts argue that aiming for higher levels (75nmol/l and above) could offer extra benefits for optimal health. However, the debate around the recommended daily dose of 400 IU vitamin D exists because of differing opinions on its sufficiency for health. Some experts argue that higher doses may be needed for optimal effects, while others maintain the traditional guideline. This leads to ongoing discussion about the balance between efficacy, safety, and individual needs.
It's essential to note that up to 4,000 IU is considered safe for long-term use in adults. The official NHS recommendation for vitamin D supplementation is 400 IU daily between October and March, but some NHS guidance prescribes 800-2000 IU as a more realistic maintenance range.
September is a good time to get a vitamin D level test as it gives a clear benchmark before they decline naturally. If your test results show a deficiency, you can take steps to boost your vitamin D intake through dietary changes, supplements, or sunlight exposure.
Vitamin D2 from plant-based sources is less effective than D3 from animal foods or sunlight. Vegans may need to be extra aware and consider supplementing their diets with vitamin D3 or ensuring they consume adequate amounts of vitamin D2-rich foods like mushrooms and fortified plant-based milks.
In conclusion, understanding your vitamin D levels and maintaining optimal levels is crucial for overall health. With the convenience of at-home testing and various options available, there's no excuse not to take control of your vitamin D intake.
