Why Vitamin D Matters: Enhancing Your Biometric Health Screening

Did you know that around 42% of adults in the U.S. are walking around with low vitamin D and don’t even know it? Feeling extra tired, achy, or moody? It could be more than just a case of the Mondays—it might be a sign of vitamin D deficiency. While biometric health screenings usually check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, vitamin D testing is quickly becoming a crowd favorite—and for good reason! Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, keeps your immune system in fighting shape, and may even lift your spirits.

What is vitamin D?

Vitamin D helps keep bones strong by aiding calcium absorption, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bone structure making bone prone to fracture. It also plays other important roles in the body, assisting muscle function, helping nerves relay messages, and boosting immune defenses against bacteria and viruses. Low vitamin D levels can increase susceptibility to certain cancers, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular issues.

 

The vitamin D–mental health connection

Although best known for its role in bone and immune health, vitamin D may also influence mood according to News Medical Life Sciences. Some research links deficiency to depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). However, it’s only one piece of the wellness puzzle, so approach supplementation as part of a broader strategy, and it’s always best to consult with your physician.

 

Could you be missing this essential nutrient?

When someone is low in vitamin D, they may experience a mix of nagging symptoms like ongoing fatigue, muscle weakness, bone or joint pain, and even mood changes such as feeling down or irritable. Some people notice they get sick more often or recover more slowly from illness. These symptoms are often subtle at first, but over time, vitamin D deficiency can really take a toll on how you feel day to day.

If you suspect you might be deficient in vitamin D, there are some steps you can take at-home to try to boost your levels: adding vitamin D-rich foods to your diet, spending time outside or taking Vitamin D supplements.

What foods contain vitamin D?

• • • • Fortified foods: Most U.S. milk (and some plant-based alternatives like soy, almond, and oat) is fortified. Many breakfast cereals, orange juice, and margarines are fortified with vitamin D as well. It’s all part of a balanced breakfast.
      • Fatty fish: Salmon, tuna, and mackerel are among the best natural sources of vitamin D.
      • Beef liver, egg yolks, cheese: All of these foods contain smaller amounts of Vitamin D.
      • Mushrooms: Mushrooms exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light have been shown to contain a nutritionally significant amount of vitamin D .

Can I get vitamin D from the sun?

Your skin is a natural vitamin D factory whenever it soaks up sunlight, but things like cloudy weather, aging, and having darker skin can slow down production. Of course, too much sun brings its own risks—like skin cancer—so it’s smart to wear sunscreen with at least SPF 15. You might be wondering if sunscreen blocks vitamin D entirely. While it does reduce your skin’s vitamin D production by blocking UVB rays, it usually doesn’t lead to a deficiency. Most people still get plenty of vitamin D from a mix of sun exposure and a healthy diet, even when using sunscreen. The trick is to find the right balance between protecting your skin and supporting your vitamin D levels.

Wondering how to check your vitamin D?

It’s easier than you might think! A simple blood test—called a 25-hydroxy vitamin D test—can tell you exactly where your levels stand. Lots of biometric health screening programs (including ours at eHealthScreenings) make it easy by offering this test as a quick add-on to your regular screening panel. Just one more way to get the info you need to take charge of your health!

Testing and next steps

If you suspect a deficiency and or if your test results indicate low levels of Vitamin D, you can:

1. 1. 1. Eat more vitamin D–rich foods (e.g., fortified milk, fatty fish).
      2. Get safe sun exposure (with sunscreen precautions).
      3. Consider supplements after consulting a healthcare professional.
      4. Look into adding a vitamin D test to your biometric screening.