Vitamin D is an important vitamin that is essential for bone health and the immune system. It helps to regulate calcium and phosphate in the body, which supports strong bones and teeth. In Germany, vitamin D deficiency is a common problem, especially in at-risk groups such as older people or those with limited sun exposure. This article explains what vitamin D deficiency is, how it is diagnosed and what laboratory tests are carried out in Germany.

Causes and symptoms

Vitamin D deficiency can be caused by various factors, such as insufficient sun exposure, dark skin color, obesity, age, gastrointestinal diseases or liver and kidney diseases. In Germany, low sun exposure, especially in the winter months, is a major factor, as vitamin D is mainly produced by sunlight in the skin. Symptoms can be non-specific, such as fatigue, muscle weakness and bone pain, and in the long term it can lead to osteoporosis, osteomalacia in adults or rickets in children.

Diagnosis and laboratory tests

The diagnosis is made by a blood test that measures the 25-hydroxyvitamin D level (25(OH)D). This is the standard test as it reflects the overall status of vitamin D in the body. In Germany, this test is usually carried out using immunoassays, which are fast and reliable. The sample can be taken at any time of day, but it is important to know that levels can vary seasonally, with lower levels in winter. Testing is recommended for risk groups such as the elderly, pregnant women or patients with osteoporosis.

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