Vitamin D Testing in Edmonton
Often called the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is made in our skin when exposed to sunlight. We may also get some vitamin D from food sources, often from fortified foods, importantly in its active form, vitamin D3.
Living in Alberta, many of us can be vitamin D deficient. How does vitamin D affect our health?
Vitamin D and Immune Health
Individuals with a low vitamin D level are more susceptible to the common cold including upper respiratory tract infections. Sufficient levels of vitamin D increase our body’s natural ability to fight infections.
Vitamin D and Bone Health
Vitamin D is critical in calcium absorption. In the absence of vitamin D, calcium can be pulled from the bone making them brittle and increasing risk for fractures.
Vitamin D and Mood
Lower levels of vitamin D are found to have a higher expression of mood disorders including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), non-specified mood disorder, and major depressive disorder (MDD).
Vitamin D and Fertility
Early pregnancy loss is significantly increased in women with low vitamin D status, and sufficient levels of vitamin D are shown to improve natural pregnancy rates and also increase success of assisted reproductive treatment (ART).
Vitamin D and Thyroid
Low vitamin D status has been demonstrated in autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Hashimotos thyroiditis and Graves Disease.
Curious about your Vitamin D Level?
Patients of Dr. Botsford, Dr. Lutz, Dr. Passy and Dr. Paradis can simply call or book online for a 15 minute “Test Collection” appointment where we will perform an in-office blood spot collection. New patients will require a consultation to determine if this test is right for them. Vitamin D Testing costs $120 and may be covered by your extended health benefits, depending on your provider. When you get your results, you can discuss with your naturopathic doctor if you require vitamin D supplementation.
We are Flow
A multidisciplinary functional health care clinic focused on whole family health using natural and complementary therapies. We work on finding the root cause of health issues and help people thrive.