Vitamin-D Test Price in India

Since childhood, we have learnt how important vitamin-D is for bones. Vitamin-D plays an important role in absorption of calcium and phosphorus - the two vital minerals that help in building of bones and maintaining health of teeth. It also prevents occurrence of deadly diseases like type 1 diabetes, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. Vitamin-D is a fat soluble vitamin. Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin-D. Other sources of vitamin-D include fatty fish like mackerel,tuna, egg yolks, cheese etc.

City areas are covered with concrete forests. This makes it difficult for sun rays to reach ground level. Lack of exposure to sunlight causes deficiency of vitamin-D. Hence, people are now getting dependent on nutritional supplements to overcome their deficiency.

Vitamin-D test gives you an idea whether you have optimum level of the nutrient in your body or not. If you don't suffer from deficiency of vitamin-D, then its well and good. But, if you suffer from deficiency, take appropriate steps to curb it and avoid further turmoil. For your convenience, we have enlisted medical centers across India where vitamin-D test facility is available. Note that the cost of the test will vary from city to city. It may also vary depending upon the instrument used for diagnosing.

Vitamin-D Test Cost in Top 7 Cities

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) are two forms of vitamin D. Vitamin D3 is mostly obtained from animal sources and from natural sunlight. Our skin converts sunlight into vitamin D and it is one of the easiest way to fix daily requirement. Vitamin D2 is obtained from plant sources. Now-a-days, several foods are fortified with vitamin D; especially with vitamin D3. Severe vitamin D deficiency is treated with supplements.

Symptoms
Our body does reveal some of the symptoms that indicate deficiency of vitamin D. These symptoms are:

Osteoporosis or osteopenia
Osteoarthritis
Schizophrenia
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Migraines
Depression
Epilepsy
Diabetes mellitus (both types 1 and 2)
PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome)
Fibromyalgia
Family history of cancer

If you are suffering from any of the disease mentioned above, it may be a signal of vitamin D deficiency.

Other risk factors that contribute in deficiency of vitamin D are:

People who live between 35-40 degree latitude in both the hemispheres are at higher risk of developing vitamin D deficiency. People living in Northern hemisphere receive enough sunlight only in the months between May and October while those living in Southern hemisphere receive ample sunlight only between October and May. Thus, in the remaining months, they are devoid of sunlight.
Dark-skinned people may also be at higher risk of developing vitamin D deficiency as large percent of pigment melanin is found in their skin
People who do not get out in the sun regularly or constantly keep on applying sunblock above SPF 15 are also at risk of developing vitamin D deficiency
Elderly people and teenagers
Overweight or obese people

Test Procedure
You need to get a blood test done in order to know your vitamin D levels. The test is performed in the laboratory by a nurse or technician. Small amount of blood will be drawn from vein in the arm and sent for analysis. The procedure is painless except for the part when needle is inserted into the vein. For the purpose of increasing blood flow to the vein, tight elastic band is wrapped around upper arm.

There are certain precautions to be followed prior to vitamin D test. One should not eat or drink for 4 hours before the test. These restrictions are mandatory to get accurate test results. After the test, you can resume your daily activities. You can even carry some snack along with you like a fruit etc.

Interpretation of vitamin D test results
If the test results show level above 100 ng/mL, it indicates excess level of vitamin D. Too much of vitamin D also poses harm to the body. It results in toxicity. Optimal range of vitamin D is 50.70 ng/mL. Test results in the range of 30.50 ng/mL are considered suboptimal and below 30 ng/mL is deficient. Below 10 ng/mL is extreme deficiency.

Note that every laboratory has different set of parameters to interpret test results. Hence, it is recommended that you consult with doctor for accurate report analysis.

Vitamin D is an easily available vitamin. Make sure you get enough early morning sun and consume a diet rich in fatty fish and dairy products like cheese.