Vitamin D3 Test vs. Vitamin D Test: Are They Actually the Same Thing?
Vitamin D3 Test vs. Vitamin D Test
Are they actually the same thing? The names can be confusing, but what the test measures matters.
First, What Is Vitamin D3?
Vitamin D3, also called cholecalciferol, is one form of vitamin D. Your body produces it when skin is exposed to sunlight, and it is also found in some foods and supplements.
So, What Does a Vitamin D Test Measure?
The commonly used blood test is 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. It measures the main circulating form of vitamin D, and it is the standard test for assessing vitamin D status.
Are a Vitamin D3 Test and Vitamin D Test the Same?
Not necessarily. “Vitamin D test” usually refers to a 25(OH)D test. In contrast, “Vitamin D3 test” can refer specifically to the D3 component or may be another name for a Vitamin D test.
Which Test Should You Get?
For assessing vitamin D status, ask for a 25(OH)D blood test. Your laboratory report should specify the test performed and its reference range.