Description
Vitamin D Blood Test
Many people experience persistent fatigue, low mood, or muscle aches without realising these could be signs of a Vitamin D deficiency. While feeling tired or run down is often attributed to a busy lifestyle, it can also point to an underlying issue with your nutrient levels — particularly Vitamin D — or even thyroid problems or anaemia.
The role of Vitamin D in your health
Vitamin D plays a crucial part in maintaining overall health. It helps regulate calcium and phosphate in the body, which are needed to keep bones, teeth, and muscles healthy. It also supports immune system function and has been linked to mood regulation.
The body produces Vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight, but this isn’t always enough — especially in countries like the UK, where sunlight can be limited for much of the year. While some Vitamin D can also be obtained from foods such as oily fish, eggs, and fortified dairy products, many people still fall short of the recommended levels.
Causes of Vitamin D deficiency
A deficiency in Vitamin D can happen for a number of reasons, including:
- Limited exposure to sunlight (especially during autumn and winter)
- Poor dietary intake or restricted diets
- Certain medical conditions such as coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease, kidney or liver disorders, which can affect how Vitamin D is absorbed or processed
- Obesity, which may alter the way Vitamin D is stored and released in the body
- Older age, as the skin’s ability to produce Vitamin D decreases with age
- Darker skin tones, which reduce the skin’s ability to generate Vitamin D from sunlight
- Reduced mobility or time spent indoors, which limits exposure to natural sunlight
Symptoms and risks
Low levels of Vitamin D can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, muscle aches, and low mood. Long-term deficiency can result in more serious issues, including weakened bones or increased risk of fractures. In children, severe deficiency may cause rickets — a condition that affects bone development — though this is now rare in developed countries.
What a blood test can tell you
A Vitamin D blood test provides a clear indication of whether your levels are within a healthy range. Identifying a deficiency early can help prevent complications and guide appropriate steps for treatment. This may include increasing sun exposure where safe and appropriate, improving dietary intake, or taking Vitamin D supplements under medical advice.
Testing can be particularly beneficial for individuals with known risk factors, existing health conditions, or ongoing symptoms without an obvious cause.
How often should I have a Vitamin D blood test?
We recommend checking your Vitamin levels annually unless you experience any health changes or commence a weight loss programme which involves a restricted diet.
Our Nurses visit your Home or Work to take your blood.
Pick a time and date to suit you.
Your results are available online within days of your blood being taken.
Other Questions
- Fatigue
- Tiredness
- Muscle weakness
- Aches and cramps
- Bone pain
- Depression
- Hair loss
- Recurrent infections
This blood test is to check on:
- Vitamin D levels
The test should be taken on an empty stomach first thing in a morning before any food, drinks, medication or dietary supplements.
Collection method: Venous blood
Results available: 1-2 days after the sample has reached the laboratory.
Vitamin D levels
Vitamin D is needed to keep teeth, bones and muscles healthy. Low levels may contribute to osteoporosis, increased risk of bone fractures, muscle weakness, pain fatigue and depression.
How it Works
1. Order a Test
Order your test, and then Answer the Questions about why you’re taking that test.
Our nurse will contact you for dates, so they can take your blood sample at your home.
Our nurse will then send your sample to our laboratory.
2. Our laboratory team run the tests
Our skilled laboratory staff conduct your blood tests in a clean and secure environment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Each test follows strict protocols to maintain the highest quality standards.
3. Receive Your Results within 7 days
We will email you to inform you that your blood test results are ready.
The email will have a PDF report attached, sent directly to your inbox.
4. Monitor your levels over time
With regular ongoing tests and reports, you can track your results. The reports can be shared with your GP.
Check if you’re improving healthily or where changes could be made.
