VITAMIN D 25 - HYDROXY

The 25-hydroxy vitamin D test is the standard way to measure your body's vitamin D stores. Vitamin D is made in the skin from sunlight and absorbed from food, and it is essential for bone strength, muscle function and immune health.

Deficiency is extremely common in Indian cities despite the sunshine — indoor work, covered clothing, sunscreen, air pollution and darker skin all reduce production. Commonly used ranges treat below 20 ng/mL as deficient and 20–30 ng/mL as insufficient, though your report's reference range and your doctor's judgement govern your case.

When do doctors advise this test?

• Bone pain, backache, muscle weakness or fractures from minor falls
• Fatigue and low mood under evaluation, especially with little sun exposure
• Before or during treatment for osteoporosis or other bone conditions
• As part of preventive health packages — it is among the most-requested add-on tests

Preparation & the sample

No fasting is needed. If you already take vitamin D supplements, tell the team — your doctor may want the test done at a particular point in your supplement cycle for the result to be meaningful.

This information is educational and general. Your doctor's advice for your specific situation always comes first.