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25-Hydroxyvitamin D · Calcidiol · Cholecalciferol · 25-OH-D3
The test quantifies the concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the blood, reflecting vitamin D status.
Reference ranges may vary slightly by lab; consider seasonal and geographic factors.
Vitamin D3 (25-OH), also known as 25-hydroxyvitamin D or calcidiol, is a crucial biomarker that measures the concentration of vitamin D3 in the bloodstream. It is the primary circulating form of vitamin D and is considered the best indicator of vitamin D status in the body. This metabolite is produced in the liver from vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and reflects the vitamin D synthesized in the skin from sunlight exposure or obtained from dietary sources. Clinically, 25(OH)D levels are significant for assessing vitamin D deficiency or sufficiency, which can impact bone health, immune function, and cardiovascular health. Researchers have found that low levels are associated with conditions such as osteoporosis, rickets, and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. In athletes and biohackers, maintaining optimal 25(OH)D levels is linked to improved muscle function, reduced inflammation, and enhanced recovery. For longevity, adequate levels may contribute to reduced risk of chronic diseases. However, researchers observed that factors such as time of day, season, and individual differences in vitamin D binding protein levels can confound measurements. Therefore, standardized testing conditions and consideration of free versus total 25(OH)D may improve accuracy.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated 25(OH)D levels may indicate excessive vitamin D intake, while reduced levels suggest vitamin D deficiency, potentially leading to bone disorders and increased cardiovascular risk.
Progressively rising values may suggest excessive supplementation or intake; consider re-testing in 3 months.
Progressively falling values may indicate inadequate intake or absorption issues.
Re-test Interval
4 weeks if outside optimal range
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider before starting supplementation, especially in cases of chronic conditions.
Levels may vary with time of day; morning samples are preferred for consistency.
Testing Frequency
Annually for healthy adults, more frequently if deficient or during supplementation.
Correlated with
Current research suggests that the optimal reference ranges for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels remain debated, particularly regarding the impact of vitamin D binding protein (DBP) levels as a confounder. Researchers have not yet established definitive causal relationships between 25(OH)D levels and cardiovascular disease risk, leaving unanswered questions about its role as a biomarker for predicting postoperative complications in elderly patients. Emerging research directions include the measurement of free 25(OH)D concentrations and their clinical implications.
1,660
Total Citations
22
Human/RCT
2.7
Avg. Influence
2025
Latest
This study examined the effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in healthy overweight men. Researchers found that participants receiving vitamin D showed a significant increase in total testosterone levels, bioactive testosterone, and free testosterone compared to the placebo group. The findings suggest that vitamin D supplementation may positively influence testosterone levels.
Researchers observed that 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) is a reliable marker for assessing vitamin D status in populations. They emphasized the need for standardization in measuring 25(OH)D levels to better understand vitamin D deficiency and inform public health strategies. The study also discussed how dietary intake and UVB exposure affect population vitamin D levels.
Researchers observed that calcium and phosphate levels are tightly regulated in the body, with 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) playing a crucial role in diagnosing metabolic bone diseases. They noted that abnormalities in calcium and phosphate metabolism can lead to conditions like osteomalacia and rickets. The study emphasizes the importance of laboratory tests, including 25(OH)D, in diagnosing these disorders.
Researchers reviewed the increasing importance of measuring circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) for clinical diagnosis. They noted that 25(OH)D levels are linked to various health conditions, including cancer and autoimmune diseases. The study emphasized the need for standardized reference ranges and improved assay methods for accurate measurement.
This review focused on the role of vitamin D in health and disease, highlighting its association with reduced risks of various conditions including bone fractures and autoimmune diseases. Researchers found significant vitamin D insufficiency, particularly in individuals with dark skin or living at high latitudes. The study emphasized the need for standardization of vitamin D assays due to disparities in measurement results.
This study reviewed the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular disease. Researchers found that low levels of vitamin D are associated with increased inflammation and atherogenesis. However, they noted that the role of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D as a biomarker for future cardiovascular disease remains unclear.
Schmidt-Gayk H, et al. · Scandinavian journal of clinical and laboratory investigation. Supplementum · 1997
This study examined the significance of measuring plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) as a marker for vitamin D deficiency. Researchers found that low levels of 25(OH)D are common in Europe and North America during winter months, and supplementation is recommended for those below 50 nmol/L. They also noted that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol) levels depend on renal function and other factors.
Key findings
This paper introduced methodologies for the retrospective standardization of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D data. Researchers described approaches to reanalyze banked samples to improve comparability of vitamin D measurements across studies, addressing variability in assay results.
Researchers reviewed the historical development of methods for measuring serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. The study highlighted the introduction of liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS2) as a promising approach but noted the need for harmonization among different methods to ensure consistent results across laboratories.
23
Total Trials
6,231
Total Enrolled
American Laboratory Products Company
80
2026
Equivalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] measurements between fresh and stored specimens
SF Research Institute, Inc.
30
2026
Change in Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D From Baseline to Week 4
Recep Tayyip Erdogan University
72
2025
Probing pocket depth (PPD)
University College Cork
128
2025
Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D)
Quadram Institute Bioscience
76
2025
Change in plasma lycopene and beta carotene to assess adherence
University College Cork
117
2024
Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D)
Princess Anna Mazowiecka Hospital, Warsaw, Poland
130
2024
The number of infants with deficient or suboptimal 25(OH)D levels.
Zagazig University
75
2023
Serum 25(OH)D level
Ataturk University
83
2022
Measurements of 25(OH)D
Bispebjerg Hospital
19
2019
Change in serum 25(OH)D
Hanmi Pharmaceutical Company Limited
3,907
2017
The EuroQol EQ-5D
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
112
2015
Free 25(OH)D
Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz
79
2015
changes in plasma 25(OH)D concentration
Oklahoma State University
240
2014
Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations of lactating women
University of Tromso
78
2013
Free fraction of 25(OH)D
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
4
2011
Changes in 25(OH)-D3 levels after supplementation
Organon and Co
200
2011
Number of Participants With Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D >=50 ng/mL at Week 26
Loyola University
0
2011
25-Hydroxyvitamin D
Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology
265
2011
Association between 25(OH)D level and OS
Bispebjerg Hospital
43
2010
Change in serum 25(OH)D
University of Pittsburgh
157
2008
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
328
2007
Levels of Plasma 25(OH)D at Baseline, 3 Months and 6 Months.
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
8
2006
Change in proliferative labeling index of normal rectal mucosa as measured by Ki67 IHC staining
Research publications about Vitamin D3 (25-OH) over time
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