Vitamin D (25-OH)
Also known as: Vitamin D test, 25-OH vitamin D, vitamin D ka test, vitamin D ki kami ka test
25-hydroxy vitamin D, the main form of vitamin D stored in your body.
Why it's ordered
Checking people with bone disease, malabsorption, kidney or liver disease, or on medicines that affect vitamin D.
Preparation
No fasting needed.
Typical adult values
| Deficiency | below 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L) |
|---|---|
| Insufficient (some guidelines) | 20–29 ng/mL |
| Possible excess | above 100 ng/mL, usually from high-dose supplements |
Ranges vary between labs and methods. Always use the range printed on your report.
If it's high
Very high levels almost always come from taking too much supplement and can raise calcium.
If it's low
Low vitamin D is very common in Pakistan, especially with little sun exposure or covered clothing.
Good to know
Experts disagree on the ideal level: some use 20 ng/mL, others 30 ng/mL. The Endocrine Society (2024) advises against routine testing in healthy adults. To convert, ng/mL × 2.5 = nmol/L.
Common questions
Is a vitamin D of 15 low?
Yes, below 20 ng/mL is deficiency, so 15 falls in that group. Low vitamin D is very common in Pakistan, especially with little sun exposure or covered clothing. Always use the range printed on your report.
Do I need to fast for a vitamin D test?
No fasting needed.
Can vitamin D be too high?
Above 100 ng/mL is possible excess, usually from high-dose supplements, and very high levels can raise calcium. Always use the range printed on your report.
What is the ideal vitamin D level?
Experts disagree on the ideal level: some use 20 ng/mL, others 30 ng/mL. Always use the range printed on your report.