What is vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which is critical in absorbing calcium and phosphate from the intestines. The first of the two forms is Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), which is normally found in plants. The second form is Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), which synthesised using sunlight at the level of the skin, or can be taken as a supplement or given as an injection.
What is a Vitamin D injection?
An intramuscular (IM) injection at the top of the arm. The injection consists of 300,000 IU of Vitamin D2.
What do we recommend?
3 injections per year, at divided intervals. This is dependent on the patient’s personal blood profile and circumstances, including medical history.
What are the requirements?
Blood tests are done prior and during the course of treatment. They are done routinely to monitor the requirement for injections and response of the patient. The practitioner will assess Vitamin D level, as well as related markers known as the ‘Bone profile’ (calcium, corrected calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase). Blood tests incur an additional cost.
What causes reduced levels of Vitamin D ?
- When the body’s requirements outweigh the amount Synthesised, particularly common in residents in the UK and Western Europe.
- Inadequate food intake or poor intestinal absorption
Why is it better to give Vitamin D intramuscularly vs orally?
- Vitamin D levels, if given IM, shows a sustained increase from baseline, unlike oral supplementation.
- Does not require strict regimen of oral intake.
- Benefits occur quicker compared to oral intake.
Are Vitamin D injections safe and what are the possible side effects?
Vitamin D supplementation is considered very safe and toxicity is uncommon. This is because a healthy person would need to take an extremely large doses of Vitamin D over time to reach toxic or dangerous levels in the body, too much Vitamin D can cause stomach discomfort, Kidney problems and very rarely unusual mental symptoms.
Below is a list of key functions of how Vitamin D can help us.
Strengthens Bones
Vitamin D helps in the absorption and use of calcium, which is needed for bone development and bone health, therefore reducing the risk of fractures.
Fights Infection
Vitamin D improves the function or the immune system to help fight against infection.
Helps cancer patients
For example, low levels of Vitamin Has shown to increase the risk of colon cancer and can have a negative impact on the survival of cancers.
Supports Heart Health
The Framingham Heart study found that patients with low Vitamin D have higher risk of heart conditions.
Reduces the risks associated with obesity
Low levels of Vitamin D are common in patients with obesity and may explain the increased risk of these patients and certain cancers.
Benefits in pre-diabetes
A study showed that those who took combined Calcium-Vitamin D supplements had a lower rise in glucose levels.
Reduced Symptoms of Depression
High dose Vitamin D have shown to reduce symptoms of depression
Cognition
The inCHIANTI study found low levels of Vitamin D were associated with cognitive decline in the elderly population.
Influenza
Vitamin D can reduce the risk of influenza A
Parkinson's
High Vitamin D levels provide protection against Parkinson’s disease.
Immunity
A good constant vitamin D level is good for gut health and therefore good for the immune system.
Cellular Health
Good levels of Vitamin D is needed for cell division and cellular health.
How often do I need it?
It depends on where your levels are and if you don’t know where your Vitamin D markers are, we can test you. We offer a number of courses which cater for every need.