Testing Vitamin D Levels at Home: The Ideal Moment and the Convenience of Home Tests
In today's article, we'll delve into the importance of vitamin D, its sources, and the available options for testing and supplementation. As the Beauty Director at GTG, I believe it's essential to discuss health matters that impact our overall wellbeing.
Vitamin D, often referred to as the 'sunshine vitamin,' plays a crucial role in mental wellbeing, skin and thyroid health, autoimmune conditions, hair and nail strength, inflammation, insulin sensitivity, and resilience against chronic diseases as we age. However, it's important to note that vitamin D2 from plant-based sources is less effective than D3 from animal foods or sunlight, so vegans need to be extra aware.
Fortunately, there are several UK companies offering standalone, simple home blood tests for Vitamin D. These include Thriva, Medichecks, Better2Know, and W-Wellness. For instance, Medichecks Vitamin D (25 OH) Blood Test, priced at £39, provides rapid results within two working days and a personalized report with actionable insights from a doctor.
One such test kit is the Bare Biology vitamin D test, priced at £50, which includes a free consultation with Kirsten Humphreys. The results take more than a week to reach the customer, but the extended wait time is compensated by the personalised advice.
For those seeking a quicker result, the Boots Vitamin D Rapid Test, priced at £7.99, offers a test result in ten minutes. However, it lacks further guidance or interpretation of the results. It's worth noting that the official NHS recommendation for vitamin D supplementation is 400 IU (10 micrograms) daily between October and March, but some NHS guidance prescribes 800-2000 IU as a more realistic maintenance range. Up to 4,000 IU (100mg) is considered safe for long-term use in adults.
It's also essential to retest after two to three months to check progress when supplementing with vitamin D. September is an ideal time to get a vitamin D test as it gives a clear benchmark before levels decline naturally.
Lastly, around one in six adults in the UK are deficient in vitamin D. Aiming for higher levels (75nmol/l and above) could offer extra benefits for optimal health. Testing for vitamin D levels used to involve a blood test, but there are now convenient, at-home finger-prick vitamin D kits available, making it easier for everyone to monitor their vitamin D levels.
In conclusion, testing for vitamin D levels is valuable for maintaining optimal health, especially during the colder months. With the variety of at-home test kits available, it's now easier than ever to stay informed about your vitamin D status.
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