If I’ve had a sunny weekend will that disguise low vit d levels?

[BonApp]

I’m going for a check up at the docs and want to get my levels (iron, ferritin, vit d, thyroid etc) tested. If I’ve been in the sun a lot this weekend and have the test tomorrow will be vit d levels look higher? Or does it not work like that??

[BonApp]

Basically I don’t want them to look fine when really they are low but they are temporarily raised??

[Walkingthroughawall]

It won't disguise anything - it'll actually help fix the problem if your levels are low!

[9amTrain]

I can't imagine one sunny weekend would be enough to 'mask' otherwise low Vitamin D levels. It takes months of supplementation to correct a deficiency usually.

[9amTrain]

See what the results are. But if you're concerned you can order the Vitamin D test yourself in future direct from the NHS. It's a finger prick sample for about £29.

[BonApp]

Yes I know it would help but I was concerned it would “mask” things!

[Heratnumber7]

But if sunlight improves your vit D, and so when you get tested your vit D is ok, doesn't that mean there is no problem that needs to be fixed?

[Walkingthroughawall]

It isn't masking anything - it's a completely normal physiology! Would you really prefer to stay indoors & covered up to keep your Vit d levels artificially low so you have to take medication?!

[9amTrain]

There would be no masking. As I said, it takes a LOT more than a weekend for a deficiency to either develop or be corrected.

[wtftodo]

No if you are deficient sunlight is not enough to boost your levels up to normal. Speaking from experience / consultant advice

[9amTrain]

It's not like a B12 test where if you take supplements your actual results are skewed.

[SpoonBlender]

I did a fingerprick test (Thriva) a couple of days after coming back from a week in Greece where I spent most of the days outdoors. I was right on the lowest acceptable level...

I'm taking "2000 IU" of the stuff daily now (which is 50micrograms, stupid made up units). A little later I had a cold which did not debilitate me for the first time in perhaps a decade, so it might even be working!

[BonApp]

Thanks all!