The Versatility of Vitamin D Shots

In most states, during the winter season, most people lack an essential nutrient that during summer, is found every time you step outside. The sun supplies our bodies with vitamin D, but during the cold, snowy months, our bodies start to lack this vital nutrient because the sun is gone, and the cloudy, cold weather does not supply vitamin D. While we usually make it through the summer with enough vitamin D, supplementing with a yearly or bi-yearly injection would be a bonus to your health.

Vitamin D is a significant asset to our bodies, and more than 40% of Americans tested low. 

The lack of Vitamin D in our bodies is linked to:

• osteoporosis, 
• heart disease, 
• diabetes, 
• autoimmune disease, 
• high blood pressure, 
• poor pregnancy outcomes.

There are numerous early stage signs that tell you that you might be low on vitamin D: 

• Aches and pains, 
• tiredness, 
• joint pain, 
• restless legs, 
• bone pain, 
• constant respiratory problems, 
• depression, 
• chronic infections, 
• psoriasis, 
• chronic pain, 
• hypertension, 
• crankiness, 
• reduced endurance. 

If you have any of these symptoms, it could be a sign that your vitamin D is low, and we encourage you to reach out to our office.

If you think you might need to start taking vitamin D, there are two options besides eating foods high in vitamin D, to choose from, one being a pill form, and one is an injection. The pill form of vitamin D takes longer to absorb into the body and longer to start working efficiently.

The pill is taken daily, from the end of summer months to the beginning of the next summer. The injection, on the other hand, is given just once or twice a year. The injection absorbs more rapidly and starts to work faster than the oral pill doses. It releases enough vitamin D to sustain our bodies through the long winter months. People with depression or “winter blues,” prefer this method to help balance out their depression without having to remember to take a daily dose via pill form.

As with any injections, there may be side effects when not taken properly, or used when not under a doctor’s care. When taken under the experience of a doctor, the side effects can be more minimal than taking vitamin D in oral form, and the one to two injections per year can cause a lot fewer side effects than taking a daily oral pill.

For a new patient consultation and to discuss vitamin D injections farther, please do not hesitate to call us!