Vitamin D is essential in the regulation of calcium and phosphate balance in your body.

About 10% of vitamin D is acquired from dietary sources such as oily fish, eggs, fortified fat spreads and cereals. However the majority of vitamin D comes from sunlight – synthesised by the skin on exposure to sunlight.

Vitamin D deficiency has long been known to cause rickets in children and osteomalacia or bone softening in adults. Rickets is characterised by bone deformity such as bowing of the legs. Features of osteomalacia include muscular or bone pains and weakness of the shoulders and hips. Symptoms of a deficiency can include tiredness, muscle weakness and muscle or bone pain. Vitamin D insufficiency has also been a hot topic in the medical press. It’s been theorised (but not proved) to be linked to a host of conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and certain types of cancer.

All our tests have been specially designed to be convenient and non-invasive. Once you’ve booked your appointment, full preparation instructions will be provided in your confirmation email or letter. You can continue to eat and drink normally before your appointment, and you’ll also remain fully clothed throughout.