21/07/2025
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is vital for maintaining strong bones, a healthy immune system, and overall wellbeing. Unlike most vitamins, your body can make it naturally—but only when your skin is exposed to sunlight.
Here’s a quick overview:
• Function: Helps the body absorb calcium and phosphate—essential for bone, teeth, and muscle health. It also supports the immune system.
• Sources: Mainly obtained through sunlight exposure, with smaller amounts from food such as oily fish, egg yolks, and fortified products like cereals and dairy alternatives.
• Deficiency: Can lead to weakened bones (rickets in children, osteomalacia in adults), increased risk of fractures, fatigue, and a weakened immune response.
• Storage: Because it’s fat-soluble, Vitamin D is stored in the body’s fat tissue and liver, but levels can still drop without sufficient sun or dietary intake.
What does Vitamin D do for the body?
Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining the health of bones, teeth, and muscles by helping your body absorb calcium efficiently. It’s also involved in supporting immune function and regulating mood.
Summarised:
• Maintains healthy bones and teeth
• Supports normal immune function
• Regulates calcium and phosphate levels
• Helps reduce inflammation
• May play a role in mood regulation
The NHS recommends that adults take 10 micrograms (400 IU) of Vitamin D daily, particularly in autumn and winter months when sunlight is limited in the UK.
What symptoms signal a Vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin D deficiency can build up slowly and may be mistaken for other conditions. Common signs include:
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Muscle weakness or cramps
- Bone pain or aches
- Low mood or depression
- Frequent colds or infections
- Slow wound healing
Did you know?
Over 1 in 4 samples tested by Randox Health show low or borderline Vitamin D levels based on NICE guidelines.
Among these, individuals with limited sun exposure, darker skin tones, or restrictive diets are particularly at risk.
What does this mean?
Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread issue in the UK, especially during the winter months or for those who spend most of their time indoors.
At Randox Health, our data shows that Vitamin D deficiency is common in both younger adults and older age groups—especially those living in northern regions or working long hours indoors.
If you often feel fatigued, achy, or catch colds frequently, it could be more than just a busy lifestyle—it might be a sign your Vitamin D levels are low.
Why should I try a Vitamin D test?
A Randox Health Vitamin D home test is a convenient and accurate way to check if you’re getting enough of this essential vitamin. It’s ideal if:
- You rarely get sun exposure
- You wear full skin covering for cultural or personal reasons
- You have darker skin (which naturally produces less Vitamin D from sunlight)
- You’re vegan or follow a restricted diet
- You’re experiencing unexplained fatigue or muscle aches
- You want to monitor your levels as part of a proactive health routine
With a quick and simple finger-prick blood sample, the test gives you precise results and personalised insights from the comfort of your home.
Should I supplement Vitamin D?
During autumn and winter months in the UK, it’s almost impossible to get enough Vitamin D from sunlight alone. That’s why the NHS recommends everyone consider taking a daily supplement.
While some foods are fortified with Vitamin D, these are often not enough to meet the body’s needs—especially for those with dietary restrictions or reduced sun exposure.
If your Randox Health test shows that your Vitamin D levels are low, supplementation can be an easy and effective way to support your immune system, bones, and energy levels.
Your next step?
Knowing your Vitamin D status is the first step toward better health.
With the Randox Health Vitamin D Home Test, you’ll get trusted results quickly, along with the option to explore further health markers through our broader testing packages.
Start your journey toward healthier living—test, understand, and take control with Randox Health.