Vitamin D Assessment
Assessment Stage: Baseline Assessment
Included in Future Health Assessment: Yes
Partner: DHM Pathology
Provider: DHM Pathology
Approximate Cost: Medicare where eligible
What is it?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in bone health, muscle function, immune regulation and calcium metabolism.
The blood test measures 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the best indicator of overall vitamin D status.
What does it measure?
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D
Why is it important?
Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to:
Osteoporosis
Falls
Muscle weakness
Fracture risk
Secondary hyperparathyroidism
Vitamin D is also involved in immune function, although routine supplementation beyond correcting deficiency has not consistently shown broad disease prevention benefits.
Who may benefit?
Recommended for:
Older adults
Limited sun exposure
Darker skin pigmentation
Osteoporosis or osteopenia
Malabsorption disorders
Patients at increased risk of deficiency
What happens during the test?
A routine blood sample is collected.
Preparation
No fasting is required.
Advantages
Widely available
Evidence based
Identifies deficiency
Guides supplementation
Limitations
Vitamin D levels vary with season and sun exposure.
Routine high-dose supplementation without deficiency is generally not recommended.
How Future Health uses this investigation
Vitamin D results are interpreted alongside:
DEXA
Calcium intake
Physical activity
Bone health
Medical history
Future Health Summary
Maintaining adequate vitamin D supports healthy bones and muscles and complements exercise and nutrition in preserving long-term physical capability.