Home / Health / Watchdog Warns: Your Vitamin D Test May Lie
Watchdog Warns: Your Vitamin D Test May Lie
30 Oct
Summary
- Home vitamin D tests show significant result variations.
- Consumer group found rapid tests less accurate than labs.
- Inaccurate results can cause worry or unnecessary supplements.
At-home vitamin D self-testing kits may be giving inaccurate results, a recent consumer watchdog investigation has revealed. Consumer group Which? found considerable discrepancies between rapid home tests and laboratory blood tests. They purchased five popular rapid vitamin D test kits, costing around £8 each, from various high street and online retailers.
When compared against a CQC-registered laboratory test, which indicated sufficient vitamin D levels, several rapid tests produced contradictory results. Some suggested insufficient levels, while others indicated deficient levels. Which? has alerted the MHRA to these findings, prompting a review of existing regulations for self-tests. The watchdog advises consumers to consult healthcare professionals for accurate vitamin D assessments rather than relying solely on home kits, especially before starting supplements.
