Creekside Family Health Clinic / Quality Health Care, Ketchikan, Alaska

VITAMIN D25 HYDROXY $120.00

What is it?

Vitamin D supports the function of all cells most notable skin, bone, muscle, and blood cells. Vitamin D, also known as the “Sunshine Vitamin”, is responsible for the processing of calcium for strong bones. It can be found in fortified foods such as milk, cheese, grains and in food such as eggs, wild Alaskan salmon, fish and fish liver oil. Supplements can provide additional vitamin D but the sun is required to activate Vitamin D functions. Symptoms of low Vitamin D levels are more common northern or non-sunny climates.

Why do I need it?

Symptoms of low Vitamin D levels are more common northern or non-sunny climates. Symptoms of low vitamin D may include fatigue, depression, muscle pain, or spasm, joint pain, delayed healing and numbness or tingling sensations. Vitamin D insufficiency may also contribute to developing conditions such as diabetes and osteoporosis. Researchers are increasingly recommending a year-round level of 50 ng/ml as the minimum acceptable level in children and adults especially during non-sunny seasons or climates.

What do I do with the results?

If your results are ‘abnormal’ or ‘out-of-range’ from the normal, please contact a health care provider to discuss prescription of a Vitamin D supplement. The interpretation of any laboratory test should be made only by a licensed nurse practitioner or physician.