Vitamin D deficiency is the single most common vitamin deficiency in the US population. Most of the vitamins we need are supplied from our food source. Vitamin D is only found in a few foods, such as fatty fish oils and egg yolks. Most of our vitamin D is made by our own bodies in response to sunlight.
Vitamin D deficiencies cause osteoporosis and brittle bones, and there is a link between inflammatory markers and vitamin D levels.
Although many of our foods are vitamin D fortified (e.g. milk products), the US population as a whole exhibits low vitamin D levels, likely owing to insufficient sun exposure.
It is estimated almost one billion people worldwide have some form of Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. What are considered healthy levels of Vitamin D have continued to increase as we understand the difference between optimal levels and where our society stands.
Everlywell offers a Vitamin D test that you can take in your own home. If you prefer, an alternative test is available to test Vitamin D and an inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein (CRP).
Test Kit: Everlywell Vitamin D Test