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NUTRIENT BIOMARKER

Vitamin D

25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D)

The storage form of vitamin D — core nutrient status marker, deficient in ~40% of adults.

STANDARD RANGE
30–100 ng/mL (sufficient by lab standards)
OPTIMAL (OPTIMIZATION)
50–80 ng/mL is a common optimization target

What Vitamin D Measures

25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) is the circulating storage form of vitamin D and the standard biomarker of vitamin D status. Values <20 ng/mL indicate deficiency; 20–29 insufficiency; 30+ is the standard sufficiency threshold. Optimization-focused practitioners typically target 50–80 ng/mL based on observational data linking higher levels with reduced CVD, cancer, and all-cause mortality.

Vitamin D is fat-soluble and status is driven primarily by sunlight exposure, dietary intake (fatty fish, fortified dairy), and supplementation. Deficiency is shockingly common — 30–50% of adults in temperate latitudes, higher in people with darker skin or limited sun exposure.

What Affects This Biomarker

Vitamin D status is influenced by: sun exposure (UVB), latitude + season, skin pigmentation (darker skin requires more sun), age (older skin makes less D per exposure), body fat (fat-soluble — high adiposity sequesters D), kidney function, and supplementation. Most people need 2000–5000 IU/day oral D3 + K2 to hit 50+ ng/mL.

In the Context of Peptide Protocols

Track at baseline on every protocol — D status affects testosterone, immune function, and bone health independent of any peptide. Re-test 8–12 weeks after starting supplementation to ensure dose is adequate. Pair with calcium, phosphorus, and PTH if values are extreme.

Related Reading

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Informational only — not medical advice. Reference ranges vary by lab and individual context. Work with a licensed provider to interpret your specific results.