Vitamin D Check Plus

More than a simple vitamin D test.

The Vitamin D Check Plus measures your vitamin D level (25-OH vitamin D) and adds two values that help interpret it: alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and albumin. Vitamin D regulates calcium and bone metabolism. Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme that rises when bone turnover increases – for example when a longer-standing vitamin D deficiency is already affecting the bones. Albumin is the main transport protein in the blood and gives an indication of your protein status.

Why this combination? A single vitamin D value shows your current supply. Together with alkaline phosphatase, it is easier to judge whether a deficiency is already showing up in bone metabolism – and whether a follow-up with your doctor makes sense.

Your benefits:

• Three values, one test: vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase and albumin from one sample.
• Clarity instead of guesswork: the symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency are unspecific – the measurement shows where you stand.
• Simple and reliable: a small blood sample taken at home, analysed in an accredited laboratory.

Good to know

Vitamin D is mainly produced in the skin through sunlight. In Germany, sunlight from roughly October to March is hardly sufficient for this. According to the Robert Koch Institute, around 60 % of adults do not reach the recommended vitamin D level of 50 nmol/l.

Because the level fluctuates over the year, a test towards the end of winter is particularly meaningful. If you take vitamin D, a follow-up test after a few weeks shows whether the dose is right.

The Vitamin D Check Plus helps you keep key aspects of your health in view.

• Bones and muscles: vitamin D is essential for strong bones, healthy teeth and normal muscle function. Alkaline phosphatase additionally shows whether bone turnover is in balance.
• Immune system: vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
• Protein status: albumin gives an indication of your protein and nutritional status and helps interpret the other values.

A Vitamin D Check Plus is particularly useful if any of the following applies to you:

• You spend little time outdoors, work mostly indoors, or it is the winter months
• Persistent tiredness or exhaustion
• Muscle weakness, muscle or bone pain
• Frequent infections
• You take vitamin D and want to check whether the dose is right
• Older age or darker skin – both reduce vitamin D production in the skin

These symptoms are unspecific and can have many causes – only a measurement gives clarity. It is best to discuss abnormal results with your doctor.

1. What does the Vitamin D Check Plus measure?

Three values are measured: 25-OH vitamin D – the storage form and the most meaningful value for your supply –, alkaline phosphatase as an indicator of bone turnover, and albumin, the main transport protein in the blood.

2. Why is more than just vitamin D measured?

The vitamin D value shows your current supply. Alkaline phosphatase rises when bone turnover increases – for example with a longer-standing deficiency. Albumin gives an indication of your protein status. Together, the results are easier to interpret than a single value.

3. Who is the test useful for?

For anyone who gets little sun – for example with office work or during the winter months –, for older people and people with darker skin, for persistent tiredness, muscle weakness or frequent infections, and as a check if you take vitamin D.

4. When is the best time to take the test?

Vitamin D levels are usually lowest towards the end of winter – a test in spring therefore shows how well you got through the darker months. If you take vitamin D, a follow-up after about eight to twelve weeks makes sense.

5. How does the test work?

At home, you take a small blood sample from your fingertip with the test kit and send it in the enclosed envelope to our accredited partner laboratory. Illustrated instructions are included in the kit.

6. How quickly are the results available?

Usually a few days after the sample arrives at the laboratory. You will find your results clearly presented in your Probatix account.

7. What is a normal vitamin D level?

The Robert Koch Institute classifies levels below 30 nmol/l (12 ng/ml) as deficient, levels between 30 and 50 nmol/l as insufficient, and 50 nmol/l (20 ng/ml) or above as sufficient. Your report includes the laboratory's reference ranges.

8. What can I do if my level is too low?

It is best to discuss the result with your doctor. Vitamin D should not be taken in high doses without medical advice. A follow-up test after a few weeks shows whether supplementation is working.