Test for Vitamin D (25-OH), hsCRP

Who may need this test:

1. People with Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency: Individuals experiencing symptoms suggestive of vitamin D deficiency may benefit from testing. Common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include:
   • Fatigue
   • Muscle weakness or pain
   • Bone pain or tenderness
   • Bone fractures or osteoporosis
   • Depression or mood changes
   • Impaired wound healing
   • Hair loss
2. Patients with Risk Factors for Vitamin D Deficiency: Individuals with risk factors for vitamin D deficiency may undergo testing to assess their vitamin D status. Risk factors include:
   • Limited sun exposure (due to geographical location, season, sunscreen use, clothing coverage)
   • Dark skin pigmentation
   • Older age
   • Obesity
   • Malabsorption disorders (e.g., celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis)
   • Renal insufficiency or chronic kidney disease
   • Medications that affect vitamin D metabolism (e.g., corticosteroids, anticonvulsants)
3. Patients with Chronic Inflammatory Conditions: Individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), lupus, or psoriasis, may undergo testing to assess markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and vitamin D levels. Low vitamin D levels and elevated inflammatory markers are common in these conditions.
4. People with Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and Sjögren’s syndrome, may be associated with vitamin D deficiency and inflammation. Testing may be recommended to assess vitamin D levels and inflammatory markers in individuals with autoimmune disorders.
5. Patients with Chronic Pain Conditions: Chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or chronic low back pain, may be associated with vitamin D deficiency and inflammation. Testing may be considered to evaluate vitamin D status and markers of inflammation in individuals with chronic pain.
6. Individuals with Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Vitamin D deficiency and inflammation are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Testing may be recommended for individuals with cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, or obesity, to assess vitamin D levels and inflammatory markers.
7. Patients with Mental Health Disorders: Low vitamin D levels and inflammation have been linked to mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Testing may be considered for individuals with mental health disorders to evaluate vitamin D status and inflammatory markers.
8. Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder associated with insulin resistance and inflammation. Testing may be recommended for women with PCOS to assess vitamin D levels and markers of inflammation.
9. Individuals with Bone Health Concerns: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone health, and deficiency can lead to conditions such as osteomalacia or osteoporosis. Testing may be recommended for individuals with bone health concerns to assess vitamin D status and bone turnover markers.
10. Patients with Gastrointestinal Disorders: Malabsorption disorders, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis, can lead to vitamin D deficiency and inflammation. Testing may be recommended for individuals with gastrointestinal disorders to evaluate vitamin D levels and markers of inflammation.