as with many blood tests (such as hormone levels) there can be considerable variation in results from lab to lab time of day or season since vitamin d levels tend to be best at the end of summer. perhaps the best indicator of general vitamin d levels is [the] 25(oh)d blood test for it measures vitamin d from both sun and dietary sources. this form of vitamin d also lasts in the body for around 30 days. . so who should push for blood testing? bearing in mind that the 25(oh)d blood test can cost upwards of $200 many primary care providers have chosen to just recommend an increased intake of vitamin d. the dose is based upon the person's specific health history. until there are studies set specifically to establish optimal dosage and blood levels the primary care model makes sense. among healthy adult women without excessive sun contact consuming 800 iu per day of vitamin d is a reasonable choice. for your specific vitamin d recommendation check with your gynecologist or primary care provider.
should i get my blood level of vitamin d checked?