2023-10-17 03:32:53
A vitamin D deficiency can have serious health consequences. If in doubt, a test is advisable. We explain where and what the costs are.
Vitamin D is essential for the good well-being of the human body: it keeps you healthy, regulates the calcium and phosphate balance and thus strengthens metabolism and bone structure. However, many people – whether adults or children – struggle with a vitamin D deficiency, which has health consequences such as fatigue, moodiness and often infections.
According to scientists, many people find it difficult to develop enough vitamin D, especially in the cold season, mainly due to reduced exposure to sunlight. Diet can also play an important role.
To determine whether you are suffering from a deficiency, a vitamin D test is recommended. It can be done in different ways: using a (self-)test purchased from a pharmacy or online. A person’s condition in this regard can also be determined by a doctor. We explain the differences, how the vitamin D test works and whether health insurance covers the costs.
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Vitamin D test at the doctor: Blood test is evaluated in the laboratory
As an alternative to the self-test, which you can get for a fee at the pharmacy or elsewhere in a medical retailer, you can go to a doctor. The explains the process Stiftung Warentest: After a blood sample, the 25-hydroxy vitamin D is determined in the serum; the value provides information regarding the body’s own production of the vitamin D portion (sunlight) and the lower factor from food intake.
The units of measurement for determining the vitamin D balance are nanomoles (nmol) or nanograms (ng). The German Nutrition Society (DGE) speaks of a deficiency below 30 nmol per liter, and two other values are of great importance:
50 nanomoles: good supply of vitamin D (in relation to bones, editor). 400 nanomoles: excess supply of vitamin D.
If the laboratory value determined by the vitamin D test does not correspond to expectations, doctors decide on specific measures on an individual basis. According to the consumer portal, this is related to the health status (illnesses, complaints, possibly high-risk patients).
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Some people can compensate for their vitamin D deficiency by spending time outdoors, while others need vitamin D supplements.
Testing for vitamin D: Does health insurance cover the costs?
Does health insurance cover the costs of a vitamin D test? In principle, yes, if there is suspicion of a deficiency. However, this assessment is at the discretion of the respective doctor: health insurance companies do not pay for the laboratory test for vitamin D as part of a routine check. Like the nutrition portal vegpool.de As described, costs are rarely covered by health insurance companies these days. Instead, practical examples would show that it is usually an “individual health service” (IGeL), which you also pay privately as a statutory health insurance patient. If in doubt, it is helpful to consult a doctor beforehand (by telephone).
And how much does a vitamin D test cost on your own?
If you want to have your vitamin D status determined yourself, you have to expect different costs depending on the service provider: For an evaluation with regard to 25-hydroxyvitamin D, you will reportedly pay between 20 and 30 euros for a blood test, depending on the provider or But more than that, a doctor.
The determination of dihydroxyl cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is more expensive than the “conventional” vitamin D test. However, many experts would not consider this to be meaningful Stiftung Warentest out of.
Vitamin D test in the pharmacy? Similar costs to the doctor
Home self-tests are also already available in pharmacies nationwide. The medical trading companies promise reliable results, sometimes in as little as 30 minutes. However, the deviation rate is, unsurprisingly, much higher compared to laboratory tests. If you have any questions, pharmacies offer individual advice; the costs are between 10 and 35 euros, depending on the provider and test method.
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