Since I am already having blood sucked out of me for other tests, is it worth adding a screen for vitamin D and zinc plasma levels?

Would those be helpful or different tests be better to indicate a higher risk for COVID-19 complications?

They didn't have a specific antibody screening.

Seems unnecessary. You already know your medical history. If you're concerned about your levels just supplement.

ttuhscaggie said:

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Seems unnecessary. You already know your medical history. If you're concerned about your levels just supplement.

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My medical history is actually pretty limited other than a recent development, so I don't know my levels.

I get plenty of sunshine, so I'm not as concerned about vitamin D. I was taking an occasional zinc supplement, but it seemed to add some side effects, so I would rather know if my level is safe.

What will you do with the data you receive? Do we know what blood levels have been associated to protect against COVID?

The lab will tell you if you're in the normal ranges, but most people are in the normal ranges because it's considered normal. If you're in the normal range, are you going to try and supplement till you get above normal and then retest? If so, why not just supplement?

If you're just curious and want to spend extra money, then sure. But part of the reason why healthcare in this country is so expensive is because we have an infatuation with unnecessary testing that doesn't change management.

I started taking vitamin D pills after my last blood test showed a deficiency

My doctor added the vitamin D screening at my request. She cautioned me to "expect to be deficient" because almost everyone is, but then I wasn't.

If I'm at the low, end, I would supplement. For zinc, it may mean enduring some side affects or reducing a dosage, but the possibility of those side effects may change for me soon.

If you want to talk about unnecessary testing, how about getting your brain tickled for COVID testing two days in a row?

I pretty much want to make sure that I am taking the right tests and seek more information on the topic.

Had my vitamin d level tested a few years. Fully expected it to be normal as I am out in the sun a fair amount and tend not to wear much sunscreen. I was significantly deficient. Now take vitamin d daily and get my levels tested yearly. Never had my zinc levels checked but might next time I get lab work.

DD88 said:

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If you want to talk about unnecessary testing, how about getting your brain tickled for COVID testing two days in a row?

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That is indeed unnecessary and the CDC says as much. Is someone saying otherwise?


Also, still don't know what levels of Vitamin D or zinc are supposedly protective. If they are.

The Covid testing issue was having the first negative at an private ER.

I was admitted w/o a test to another facility, based on the first test.
But then they insisted that I had to take another test on my procedure/surgery day, so I agreed to only one more test. They decided to do that today even after the procedure was canceled (with improved lab results).

Test was again negative with their promise for no additional COVID testing moving forward. We'll see...

Oh ok. I suspect it's because the surgeons don't want to get sick. Given the 7-8 days following exposure before maximum test sensitivity, a negative test today doesn't rule out COVID a few days later.

An Aggie surgeon on another thread said this what he has been doing and so far none of his surgical staff has gotten sick.

In this case I would say this repeat testing isn't completely unnecessary.

Still though, if you've having symptoms associated with possible zinc toxicity, then a test might be worth it for you as the answer will change how you manage your self-care. Lot's of people just want blood work for blood work's sake without any intention of using that data to make any changes to their diet/lifestyle/medications/etc.