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Vitamin D (25-OH)

Approximately 40% of US adults are vitamin D deficient. It affects bone density, immune function, mood, hormones, and muscle function — and most people don't know their level.

CreusLife Editorial Team
Evidence reviewed · Peer-reviewed sources cited
Last updated: May 2026 · Affiliate disclosure
ℹ️ Informational only — not medical advice. Some links are affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure.

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What the test measures

The 25-hydroxyvitamin D test (25-OH vitamin D) measures the storage form of vitamin D in your blood — the best indicator of overall vitamin D status. Vitamin D3 (from sunlight, food, or supplements) is converted in the liver to 25-OH vitamin D, which is then activated by the kidneys as needed.

Why deficiency is so common

Most people in the modern world spend insufficient time in direct sunlight, and the limited food sources of vitamin D (fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified foods) rarely provide enough without supplementation. Above 37° latitude — roughly the northern US and most of Europe — meaningful vitamin D synthesis from sunlight is impossible from October through March regardless of outdoor exposure.[1]

Quick Reference
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Unit

ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter)

🎯

Optimal

40–60 ng/mL

⚠️

Deficient

Under 30 ng/mL

🚨

Severely deficient

Under 20 ng/mL

Recheck

After 90 days of supplementation to confirm level correction


Reference ranges vary by lab, age, sex, medication status, and clinical context. Use these as discussion prompts with your clinician — not as diagnosis.

What vitamin D affects

🦴
Bone density
Essential for calcium absorption and bone mineralization. Deficiency is a major driver of osteoporosis.
🛡️
Immune function
Vitamin D receptors are present on immune cells. Deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to infection and autoimmune conditions.
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Muscle function
Low vitamin D is associated with muscle weakness, reduced power output, and higher fall risk in older adults.
Hormonal health
Low vitamin D correlates with lower testosterone in men and hormonal dysregulation in women.
🧠
Mood and cognitive function
Vitamin D receptors are present in the brain. Deficiency is associated with depression and cognitive decline.

How to supplement correctly

Form: D3 (cholecalciferol) only — not D2. D3 is the form produced by human skin from sunlight and is significantly more effective at raising serum levels.

With K2: Vitamin K2 (MK-7 form) ensures calcium is directed to bone rather than arteries. When supplementing D3 at higher doses, always pair with K2.

Dose: 2,000–5,000 IU/day is appropriate for most deficient adults. Retest after 90 days and adjust. Do not exceed 10,000 IU/day long-term without medical supervision.

With fat: Vitamin D is fat-soluble — take with a meal containing fat for best absorption.

Momentous Supplements →

Where to test


References

  1. Holick MF. Vitamin D deficiency. N Engl J Med. 2007. PMID: 17634462.
  2. Forrest KY, Stuhldreher WL. Prevalence and correlates of vitamin D deficiency in US adults. Nutr Res. 2011. PMID: 21310306.
Endocrine Society / clinical guidelines
1
Holick MF. Vitamin D deficiency — a worldwide problem
N Engl J Med, 2007. PMID: 17634462
PubMed →
2
Forrest KY, Stuhldreher WL. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in US adults
Nutr Res, 2011. PMID: 21310306
PubMed →
3
Holick MF et al. Evaluation, treatment of vitamin D deficiency — Endocrine Society guidelines
J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2011. PMID: 21646368
PubMed →
Next Step
Act on your vitamin D level

Deficiency is correctable. The longevity stack includes D3+K2 in the right dose.

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