What are Normal Vitamin D levels
Normal ranges of Vitamin D(25 Hydroxy Vitamin D) levels in blood as per IAP Classification are classified as –
- Sufficient: >20ng/ml (50 nmol/L)
- Insufficient: 12-20ng/ml (30-50 nmol/L)
- Deficient: <12ng/ml (<30 nmol/L)
- Toxicity: >100ng/ml (250 nmol/L)
Some labs would give reports in nmol/L and others as ng/ml.
Multiply ng/ml value by 2.5 to get approximate value in nmol/L.
Why Vitamin D Deficiency is on the rise ?
Pollution filters the UVB spectrum, which is needed for Vitamin D formation, so practically most of the people(studies show as high as 93%) in metropolis eventually get deficient if not supplemented
Certain scenarios are more at-risk for Vitamin D deficiency
- Pre-Maturity
- Exclusively breastfed infants when most mothers themselves are Vitamin D deficient
- Dark skinned individuals
- Limited sun exposure due to altered life-styles
- Sunscreen usage
Should Vitamin D be measured routinely ?
One does not have to measure Vitamin D levels as a routine. Measure the level only in situations like-
- Suspecting rickets/ osteomalacia
- Symptoms and signs of muscle weakness
- Evaluating Symptomatic cases of Hypocalcemia
- Abnormal bone profile etc.
It should be noted that the other isomeric form of Vitamin D i.e. 1, 25 Di-Hydroxy Vitamin D, should not be requested for while ordering screening tests for routine evaluation of Vitamin D sufficiency.
Specifically mention as “25-Hydroxy Vitamin D” while ordering a blood test
READ IAP 2017 GUIDELINES ON VITAMIN D
Next POST: Vitamin D – Food Facts
