Your Health Starts At Home
How to Increase Your Vitamin D Levels: Why Testing Matters
Low vitamin D can affect your energy, immunity, and mood, but you might not know unless you test. Learn how to increase your vitamin D levels and why getting tested with Check My Wellbeing is the best place to start.
At Check My Wellbeing, we know that your body’s vitamin D levels play a critical role in your overall health and energy levels. While it’s easy to assume you’re getting enough from food or sunlight, the only way to know for sure is to take a simple vitamin D test.
Vitamin D helps support strong bones, immune function, and muscle strength, but low levels often go unnoticed until symptoms like fatigue, frequent illness, or low mood appear. That’s why testing matters.
Why Consider a Vitamin D Test?
Before changing your diet or taking supplements, it’s essential to understand what your body needs, because it might be more than just increasing your vitamin D levels. A vitamin D blood test provides a clear picture of your current levels, allowing you to make informed decisions about your health.
Benefits of getting tested include:
- Tailored advice: Understand whether you need to increase sun exposure, take supplements, or adjust your diet.
- Avoid overdosing: Taking too much vitamin D can be harmful; testing helps you supplement safely.
- Spot deficiencies early: Low vitamin D is linked to bone problems, weakened immunity, and low mood. Testing helps you take action before complications arise.
Ways to Naturally Increase Your Vitamin D Levels
While testing is your starting point, here are some practical ways to increase your vitamin D:
1. Get Out in the Sun
Your body naturally produces vitamin D when your skin is exposed to UV-B rays from sunlight. Just 10–30 minutes of sun exposure a few times a week may be enough for many people, depending on skin tone, age, and location.
However, sunscreen and protective clothing (while necessary for skin health) can reduce vitamin D production – another reason why testing is helpful.
2. Eat Fatty Fish and Seafood
Oily fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are excellent sources of vitamin D. A small portion of salmon alone can provide close to the daily recommended intake.
3. Add More Mushrooms to Your Diet
Mushrooms are the only plant-based food that naturally contains vitamin D, especially when they’ve been exposed to UV light. Just a few servings a week could make a difference.
4. Include Egg Yolks
Egg yolks contain modest amounts of vitamin D and can be an easy addition to your meals.
5. Choose Fortified Foods
Many everyday foods are now fortified with vitamin D, including:
- Plant-based milk alternatives (like oats, almonds, and soy)
- Cow’s milk
- Breakfast cereals
- Some yoghurts and juices
Always check the label to be sure vitamin D has been added.
6. Take a Supplement – If Needed
If your test results show you’re low in vitamin D, a supplement might be recommended. There are two types:
- Vitamin D2: Plant-based, often suitable for vegans
- Vitamin D3: More effective at raising blood levels, typically sourced from animals (but vegan options made from lichen are available)
We always advise testing first before taking high-dose supplements.
7. Consider a UV Lamp (with Caution)
If sunlight is limited, UV lamps can simulate sun exposure to help your body produce vitamin D. However, this approach should be used with care and ideally under the advice of a healthcare professional.
Why Start with a Vitamin D Test?
At Check My Wellbeing, we offer easy, reliable, at-home vitamin D testing kits. Accredited UK labs process your sample, and your personalised report explains whether your levels are optimal, insufficient, or deficient, along with advice on what to do next.
Quick finger-prick blood test
Results in days
No appointment needed
Helpful guidance based on your result
Take Control of Your Wellbeing
Whether you’re dealing with fatigue, frequent colds, or want peace of mind, checking your vitamin D levels is a smart first step. Get straightforward answers – and a clear plan to feel your best.
