vitamin D

vitamin D

sunshine vitamin, fat soluble hormone, seco steroid, present in skin and adipose tissue, stored in subQ fat

purposes of vitamin D

-controls expression of more than 200 genes/hormones produced

-dietary absorption

-bone health

-cell growth/programmed cell death

-neuromuscular/immune

-reduction of inflammation

-regulate release of neurotransmitters

lack of vitamin D

-rickets: leg/bones stop working, children

-infections: harder to get rid of (TB, flu)

-autoimmune diseases: cannot maintain cells (RA, MS)

-cardiovascular disease

-cancers

symptoms of deficiency

-fatigue

-weakness

-arthritis

-depression

-poor concentration

what does sunscreen to do vitamin D

blocks absorption

does light or dark skin absorb better

light X6

D2 ergocalciferol

not produced by humans, found in plants, half life is two weeks

D3 cholecalciferol

large quantities made when skin comes in contact with sunlight, half-life is 10 weeks

what are we specifically testing for in a vitamin D specimen

serum concentration of 25(OH)vitamin D

what test method is used for vitamin D

chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (competitive) for quantitative results

what are the specimen requirements for vitamin D

serum, must be separated from gel within 72 hours (false decrease)

what are the ranges for vitamin D

deficient: <13

insufficient: 13-29

optimal: 30-96

intoxication: >96

NO VALIDATION FOR UNDER 18 Y/O

potential intoxication

possible overdose of vitamin D

symptoms: vomiting, constipation, weight loss, kidney failure