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Vitamin D3 (25-OH)

25-Hydroxyvitamin D · Calcidiol · Cholecalciferol · 25-OH-D3

Vitamine & NährstoffeZeitabhängig
Einheit:
nmol/L
Abbreviation
25(OH)D

The test quantifies the concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the blood, reflecting vitamin D status.

Reference Ranges

Reference
50–125nmol/L
50
75
100
125
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Optimal
Unit · nmol/L

Reference ranges may vary slightly by lab; consider seasonal and geographic factors.

Overview

Übersicht

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.

Dynamics

Trend Interpretation

Rising Values

Progressively rising values may suggest excessive supplementation or intake; consider re-testing in 3 months.

Falling Values

Progressively falling values may indicate inadequate intake or absorption issues.

Re-test Interval

4 weeks if outside optimal range

Etiology

Causes — High & Low

Cause

Elevated Levels

  • Excessive supplementation
  • High dietary intake
  • Granulomatous diseases
  • Certain lymphomas
Cause

Low Levels

  • Inadequate sun exposure
  • Poor dietary intake
  • Malabsorption syndromes
  • Chronic kidney disease
Protocol

How to Optimize

Lever

Lifestyle

  • Increase sun exposure
  • Engage in outdoor activities
Lever

Nutrition

  • Consume fatty fish
  • Include fortified foods
Lever

Supplementation

  • Vitamin D3 supplements
  • Cod liver oil

Note:

Consult a healthcare provider before starting supplementation, especially in cases of chronic conditions.

Testing Guidelines

✓Fasting Not Required
🕐Time-Sensitive

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.

Interfering Factors

  • Recent sun exposure
  • Certain medications

Related Peptides & Hormones

Parathyroid Hormone

Correlated with

hormone

Open Research Questions

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.

50 Research Publications

1,660

Total Citations

22

Human/RCT

2.7

Avg. Influence

2025

Latest

Sort
Filter
#01

Effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in men.

HumanInfluence14.0
317
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.
View on PubMed
#02

25-Hydroxyvitamin D as a Biomarker of Vitamin D Status and Its Modeling to Inform Strategies for Prevention of Vitamin D Deficiency within the Population.

ReviewInfluence2.0
133
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.
View on PubMed
#03

Calcium and Bone Metabolism Indices.

ReviewInfluence5.0
130
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.
View on PubMed
#04

Assessment of vitamin D status and definition of a normal circulating range of 25-hydroxyvitamin D.

ReviewInfluence3.0
103
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.
View on PubMed
#05

Epidemiology of vitamin D in health and disease.

ReviewInfluence2.0
91
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.
View on PubMed
#06

Vitamin D in Cardiovascular Disease.

ReviewInfluence1.0
67
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.
View on PubMed
#07

Measurement of vitamin D and its metabolites (calcidiol and calcitriol) and their clinical significance.

Schmidt-Gayk H, et al. · Scandinavian journal of clinical and laboratory investigation. Supplementum · 1997

Review
62
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

  1. 01Researchers observed that 25-hydroxyvitamin D is the best marker for assessing vitamin D deficiency.
  2. 02They found that many people in Europe and North America have suboptimal vitamin D levels from November to April.
  3. 03The study indicated that vitamin D metabolism is affected by kidney health and the body's calcium and phosphate supply.
View on PubMed
#08

The Vitamin D Standardization Program (VDSP) Manual for Retrospective Laboratory Standardization of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Data.

ReviewInfluence3.0
60
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.
View on PubMed
#09

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in Finnish children aged 2 to 17 years.

HumanInfluence6.0
55
View on PubMed
#10

Measurement of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D: A historical review.

ReviewInfluence1.0
53
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.
View on PubMed

Clinical Trials (23)

23

Total Trials

6,231

Total Enrolled

ALPCO 25(OH) Vitamin D CLIA Kit - Fresh Versus Frozen Serum and Plasma Stability Study

NCT07565064ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION
Sponsor

American Laboratory Products Company

Enrollment

80

Started

2026

Primary outcome

Equivalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] measurements between fresh and stored specimens

Vitamin D DeficiencyVitamin D InsufficiencyHealthy Volunteers

A Study of a Dietary Supplement on Serum Biomarkers in Children

NCT07385144RECRUITING
Sponsor

SF Research Institute, Inc.

Enrollment

30

Started

2026

Primary outcome

Change in Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D From Baseline to Week 4

Nutritional StatusSerum Biomarkers

Evaluation of 25(OH)D3 and LL-37 Levels in Periimplant Sulcus Fluid

NCT07280754NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Sponsor

Recep Tayyip Erdogan University

Enrollment

72

Started

2025

Primary outcome

Probing pocket depth (PPD)

Peri ImplantitisPeri Implant Mucositis

A Household-Based Dietary Intervention Study of Vitamin D Fortified Bread in Irish Families

NCT07481240COMPLETED
Sponsor

University College Cork

Enrollment

128

Started

2025

Primary outcome

Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D)

Vitamin D Deficiency

Investigating the Impact of Vitamin D Biofortified Tomatoes on Serum Levels of 25(OH)D

NCT07142759ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION
Sponsor

Quadram Institute Bioscience

Enrollment

76

Started

2025

Primary outcome

Change in plasma lycopene and beta carotene to assess adherence

Vitamin D Insufficiency

OASIS Study: Vitamin D Deficiency Prevention Among Older Adults in Ireland

NCT06705582COMPLETED
Sponsor

University College Cork

Enrollment

117

Started

2024

Primary outcome

Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D)

Vitamin D Deficiency

The High Initial Dose of Monitored Vitamin D Supplementation in Preterm Infants.

NCT06199102NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Sponsor

Princess Anna Mazowiecka Hospital, Warsaw, Poland

Enrollment

130

Started

2024

Primary outcome

The number of infants with deficient or suboptimal 25(OH)D levels.

Vitamin D DeficiencyOsteopenia of PrematurityNephrolithiasisMetabolic Bone DiseaseLate-Onset Neonatal Sepsis

High Dose Vitamin D Supplementation in Children With Sickle Cell Disease

NCT06274203COMPLETED
Sponsor

Zagazig University

Enrollment

75

Started

2023

Primary outcome

Serum 25(OH)D level

Sickle Cell DiseaseVitamin D DeficiencyHealth Related Quality of LifeHand Grip StrengthBone Mineral Density

25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in Patients With Periodontitis (Stage III)

NCT05343273COMPLETED
Sponsor

Ataturk University

Enrollment

83

Started

2022

Primary outcome

Measurements of 25(OH)D

Vitamin D DeficiencyPeriodontitis

Acute Effect of Vitamin D3 Supplementation

Sponsor

Bispebjerg Hospital

Enrollment

19

Started

2019

Primary outcome

Change in serum 25(OH)D

Healthy Volunteers

An Observational Study Assessing Effects in Patients With Combination Therapy With Raloxifene/Cholecalciferol

NCT04788290COMPLETED
Sponsor

Hanmi Pharmaceutical Company Limited

Enrollment

3,907

Started

2017

Primary outcome

The EuroQol EQ-5D

Osteoporosis

Change in Free 25(OH)D After High Dose in Vitamin D Deficient Postmenopausal Women

NCT02553044COMPLETED
Sponsor

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Enrollment

112

Started

2015

Primary outcome

Free 25(OH)D

Vitamin D DeficiencyOsteoporosis

Functional Yogurt Powder Effect on Bone Health Biomarkers

NCT02629341Phase 3COMPLETED
Sponsor

Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz

Enrollment

79

Started

2015

Primary outcome

changes in plasma 25(OH)D concentration

OSTEOPENIA

Maternal Vit D Supplements & Infant and Maternal Biomarkers & Outcomes in Southern Ethiopia

NCT02210884COMPLETED
Sponsor

Oklahoma State University

Enrollment

240

Started

2014

Primary outcome

Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations of lactating women

Vitamin D Deficiency

Measurement of the Free Fraction of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in Serum

NCT01771380COMPLETED
Sponsor

University of Tromso

Enrollment

78

Started

2013

Primary outcome

Free fraction of 25(OH)D

Impaired Glucose Tolerance

Cholecalciferol in Treating Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia Undergoing Intensive Induction Chemotherapy

NCT01521936Phase 2TERMINATED
Sponsor

Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Enrollment

4

Started

2011

Primary outcome

Changes in 25(OH)-D3 levels after supplementation

Adult Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemia (M7)Adult Acute Monoblastic Leukemia (M5a)Adult Acute Monocytic Leukemia (M5b)Adult Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia With Maturation (M2)Adult Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia Without Maturation (M1)Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia With 11q23 (MLL) AbnormalitiesAdult Acute Myeloid Leukemia With Del(5q)Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia With Inv(16)(p13;q22)Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia With t(16;16)(p13;q22)Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia With t(8;21)(q22;q22)Adult Acute Myelomonocytic Leukemia (M4)Adult Erythroleukemia (M6a)Adult Pure Erythroid Leukemia (M6b)Untreated Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Study of MK-217A/Alendronate Sodium 70-mg/Vitamin D3 5600 IU Combination Tablet (MK-0217A-329)

NCT01437111Phase 3COMPLETED
Sponsor

Organon and Co

Enrollment

200

Started

2011

Primary outcome

Number of Participants With Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D >=50 ng/mL at Week 26

Osteoporosis

Vitamin D Ancillary Study in 5 Populations of African Origin

NCT02111902WITHDRAWN
Sponsor

Loyola University

Enrollment

0

Started

2011

Primary outcome

25-Hydroxyvitamin D

Cardiovascular DiseaseObesity

Relationship Between Vitamin D Biomarkers and Survival in Blood Samples From Patients With Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

NCT01327794COMPLETED
Sponsor

Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology

Enrollment

265

Started

2011

Primary outcome

Association between 25(OH)D level and OS

Pancreatic Cancer

The Influence of Skin Pigmentation on UVB Induced Vitamin D Increase

NCT03409510COMPLETED
Sponsor

Bispebjerg Hospital

Enrollment

43

Started

2010

Primary outcome

Change in serum 25(OH)D

Healthy Volunteers

Defining Vitamin D Insufficiency in School Age Children: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial of Vitamin D3

NCT00732758Phase 1COMPLETED
Sponsor

University of Pittsburgh

Enrollment

157

Started

2008

Primary outcome

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D

Healthy

Vitamin D for Chemoprevention

NCT00585637Phase 1COMPLETED
Sponsor

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Enrollment

328

Started

2007

Primary outcome

Levels of Plasma 25(OH)D at Baseline, 3 Months and 6 Months.

Gastrointestinal CancersProstate CancerHypertension

Cholecalciferol and Calcium Carbonate in Treating Patients With Colon Cancer That Has Been Removed by Surgery

NCT00470353TERMINATED
Sponsor

Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Enrollment

8

Started

2006

Primary outcome

Change in proliferative labeling index of normal rectal mucosa as measured by Ki67 IHC staining

Colorectal Cancer

Publication Trend

Research publications about Vitamin D3 (25-OH) over time

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1
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1
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1
'09
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'17
2
'18
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'19
1
'21

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