Vitamin D is important for strong bones
Vitamin D regulates the amount of calcium that your body can absorb from the intestines into the bloodstream. Low vitamin D levels can increase your risk of osteoporosis and broken bones. Women are at a higher risk in menopause as a result of lower levels of the bone-building hormone estrogen, in combination with deficiencies of important vitamins and minerals. People who have anorexia are also at high risk because they tend to have nutritional deficiency, including a lack of vitamin D, and low levels of estrogen. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, stress and physical activity are also risk factors.
Do you need to supplement vitamin D if you spend a lot of time in the sun?
The World Health Organization reports that nearly 1 billion people have a vitamin D deficiency, especially in regions with consistent cloud cover. When sunlight (UV radiation) hits us, our body’s cholesterol converts to vitamin D, specifically the active form, D3. While UV radiation can accelerate skin aging and raise skin cancer risks, our skin needs it to produce active vitamin D. The amount of radiation you receive, and the subsequent vitamin D your skin produces, depends on your skin’s surface area exposed, your skin color (melanin content), the season, your geographical location, and outdoor time. Darker-skinned individuals often need more sun exposure than those with lighter skin to produce the same vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D deficiency is common
A normal level of vitamin D is important for cell production in the body and can lead to fewer white blood cells which makes us less resistant and more susceptible to infections. Vitamin D deficiency can also lead to muscle and skeletal breakdown as well as high blood pressure. There are also studies that point to a strong link between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular disease, depression, and certain forms of cancer.
Particularly vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency are older people who have a reduced ability to produce the vitamin in the body. Older people usually also spend less time in sunlight.
Dietary sources are mainly fatty fish (such as salmon and mackerel), dairy products, egg yolks and other animal foods. Active vitamin D is not found in vegetables at all, so for those who completely exclude animals and dairy products, the risk is even greater of having a vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D deficiency symptoms
Vitamin D deficiency manifests itself with many nonspecific symptoms:
- Fatigue / exhaustion
- Bad mood
- Sleep disorders
- Pain in the head and neck
- Muscle weakness
- Increased susceptibility to infections
How does the Vitamin D Test work?
The Vitamin D test is a test performed from the blood (serum). After you have placed your order, we will send you a test kit that contains everything you need to be able to take the blood test at home. It is a capillary blood test, which means that you do it via a prick in your finger. Your sample is then sent to our lab for analysis and you receive the test result digitally. Quick, easy and simple!
Before you start, you need to register your test. Your test kit contains a sticker with your unique test ID. Register your test ID at 
Wash your hands in hot water for about a minute. This will increase blood circulation in your fingers. Dry your hands. Doing a blood test without stimulating blood circulation might prove difficult, so please do not skip this step.
Disinfect your “test finger” with the supplied disinfectant paper. Wait a few seconds until the finger is completely dry.
Rotate the protective cover on the blood lancet to remove it. Use the extra lancet if you need to do another finger prick.
Place your hand on a flat surface. Put the lancet diagonally toward the test finger and press down the button. Make sure the lancet is pressed against the finger the whole time.
We recommend that you stand up at this stage to let the blood in your arm flow downward. Help the blood drops come out by massaging the finger toward the needle stick.
Transfer the blood drops into the test tube until the blood reaches the marked line. If it doesn’t reach the marked line, there won’t be enough blood for the lab to test. Please contact us if you have any trouble.
Place the sticker with your unique test ID on the test tube. Place the test tube inside the transport tube and seal.
Put the tubes in the enclosed envelope and send it to the lab the same day, preferably a Monday or Tuesday.
Ben –
Chronic fatigue and unexpected mood swings had become my new normal. Seeking answers, I opted for the Vitamin D Test. The kit was user-friendly, and the step-by-step guide made the process straightforward. To my surprise, the results showed a severe Vitamin D deficiency. This revelation prompted immediate changes in my dietary habits and the inclusion of supplements. Today, I feel more energetic, optimistic, and balanced, all thanks to this vital test.
:) –
I took this test due to constant fatigue. Got my results – my Vitamin D levels are quite low. Just ordered supplements. 🙂
Evelyn Mueller –
I decided to use this test after a winter without much sun. Straightforward to use, results came back quickly. I’m deficient in Vitamin D.
Nathalie Williams –
Over the last few months, I’ve been struggling with unexplained tiredness and even noticed that my hair was thinning more than usual.. I felt concerned but wasn’t sure where to start to figure out what was going on. I read an article about the possible health implications of vtamin D deficiency, and it struck a chord. I decided to try this test. The process was straightforward and surprisingly convenient. I simply collected the sample as instructed and sent it back in the provided envelope. The waiting period was reasonable, and I received my results in a timely manner. test confirmed that my vitamin D levels were significantly lower than they should be. It was a sobering result, but it also provided a sense of relief and direction. Now, instead of feeling lost and worried, I have a plan. I’ve scheduled an appointment to discuss supplementation and dietary changes to boost my vitamin d levels.
Lucy –
Winter blues, they said. Just a phase, they said. But when the lethargy extended into sunnier months, I knew something was off. A colleague mentioned Vitamin D and its significance, leading me to the Vitamin D Test.
The process, from ordering to sending back the sample, was seamless. The instructions were clear, ensuring zero confusion. My anticipation while waiting for the results was high, given my symptoms. As it turned out, my Vitamin D levels were alarmingly low. I never imagined that this “sunshine vitamin” could have such a profound impact on one’s wellbeing. Taking corrective measures based on the report, I started incorporating Vitamin D rich foods and supplements into my diet. Fast forward a month, and the improvement was undeniable. My energy was back, and the constant gloom I felt had significantly diminished. Thanks to this test, I now have a deeper understanding of my body’s needs.
Ana Silva –
I decided to use this test because I’ve been feeling down lately. It was easy to use, and I got the results quickly. It showed that my Vitamin D levels are low, which could be contributing to my mood.
Francesca Romano –
Found out I need more Vitamin D. Quick and helpful.
Meredith Brown –
For the past few months, I’ve been feeling an unusual amount of fatigue and just chalked it up to work stress. But when it persisted, I started doing a bit of research online and found out that these could be symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. I decided to take this vitamin d test as a first step towards figuring out what might be wrong. The instructions provided with the test were clear, so it was easy to use. I was able to send off the sample without any hassle.
The results came back faster than I expected, and unfortunately, it confirmed my suspicion: my vitamin D levels were indeed low. While it’s not great news, I was relieved to find out the probable cause of my fatigue.
Alex –
Living in the UK, we’re well aware of the grey skies and limited sun exposure. What I wasn’t aware of, however, was the toll it took on my health. I had heard of Vitamin D’s importance but never gave it much thought until my doctor hinted at a potential deficiency. That’s when I turned to the Vitamin D Test by GetTested. The package arrived quickly, with everything neatly organized. The instructions were concise, ensuring that even someone as unversed in medical processes as myself could follow through without hitches. Sending the sample back was just as simple, with the prepaid envelope proving especially convenient.
To my dismay, the results confirmed my doctor’s suspicions – I had a noticeable Vitamin D deficiency. While the news was disheartening, the detailed breakdown of the results helped me understand my body better. With this insight, I immediately consulted with a nutritionist and started on supplements. Now, several weeks post-adjustment, the difference is night and day. The usual fatigue has lifted, my mood has improved, and I genuinely feel more alive than ever. This test has been instrumental in pinpointing an often-overlooked aspect of health. 😀
Alex –
Clear results. Improved energy. No more fatigue.
Lucy –
The UK weather often means limited sunlight, but I didn’t realize the impact on my Vitamin D levels until I took the Vitamin D Test. The kit’s clarity and simplicity were commendable. When the results showed a deficiency, it connected the dots for my unexplained fatigue. With targeted supplements, I’ve seen a marked improvement in my overall energy levels and mood. An indispensable test for modern lifestyles. 🙂 🙂
Sarah –
Essential health check. Found my balance again. 🙂