Vitamin D is a crucial, fat-soluble vitamin that your body synthesizes upon exposure to sunlight. Here at Simply Slim Medical in Bethesda, MD, we take Vitamin D deficiency very seriously because it can have a dramatic impact on your health. Unfortunately, many people are vitamin D deficient because they don’t get enough exposure to the sun. The good news is, vitamin D injections can help elevate those levels and restore your body’s health.
Injections may be beneficial to anyone who is at risk of a deficiency, especially those who need to avoid direct sunlight or live in the Northern hemisphere. Some signs of vitamin D deficiency include:
If you suspect you are deficient it’s important to visit a doctor. A simple blood test can confirm the level of deficiency and if injections are the best option for you.
Because vitamin D is such an essential nutrient for your health, there are many ways you can benefit from an injection. Here are some of the most common ways Vitamin D contributes to your overall health.
When your body is lacking Vitamin D can indirectly cause you to gain weight. This is because the vitamin helps regulate the hormones that affect your mood and energy levels. So if you are deficient, you may struggle with low moods and a lack of energy that makes it difficult to lose or maintain your weight.
Vitamin D plays a vital role in calcium absorption, which helps maintain strong bones and teeth. Conversely, a deficiency in vitamin D leads to weakened bones that may be more susceptible to fractures or breaks, which could lead to pain or disability later on down the line.
Vitamin D is vital for preserving a healthy immune system in the winter months. A lack of Vitamin D can lead to more frequent colds and flu and increased susceptibility to bacterial infections. For people with autoimmune diseases, getting enough vitamin D is essential for regulating T cells which can help manage inflammation and pain.
Getting enough vitamin D can help support your cardiovascular health. A 2016 study revealed that vitamin D supplementation helped improve cardiac function in those diagnosed with chronic heart conditions.
People who are deficient in vitamin D often have difficulty sleeping at night, and D injections can help to enhance sleep quality and duration. One clinical trial found that those with sleep disorders who took vitamin D experienced better sleep after 8 weeks.
Studies find found not getting enough vitamin D can result in mood disorders like depression and anxiety. One study also found that vitamin D deficiency is connected to a greater risk of developing seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. This may be because the brain contains many Vitamin D receptors, and deficiencies can alter neural activity.
In addition to mood, vitamin D can also affect cognitive function. Studies indicate that a lack of this nutrient is associated with an inability to focus and brain fog.
For some people, a vitamin D supplement taken orally is sufficient. However, injections are more suitable for many people because they are introduced directly into the bloodstream, making them much easier for the body to absorb. So those who cannot absorb the fat-soluble vitamin in their digestive systems or have conditions that affect their ability to metabolize vitamins may benefit more from the expediency of vitamin D injections.
In addition, people who have been diagnosed with a skin condition that is exacerbated by sunlight may require injections. These conditions may include atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and lupus erythematosus. People who are obese and have hypertension are also at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency, making them potential candidates for injections.
The injection schedule will vary depending on how deficient you are and your doctor’s recommendation, but they typically require 2-4 doses, administered every three to six months. After your first injection, a blood test is taken to check your vitamin D levels before receiving the second dose. Once you reach healthy levels of Vitamin D, you may need ongoing injections 1-2 times annually.
Because the vitamin is injected into the vein and absorbed by the bloodstream quickly, the effects are usually seen much sooner than with a vitamin D supplement. Many people will start to feel the positive effects within a few weeks of beginning an injection regimen. However, those who are very deficient may take a few months before they begin to feel the benefits.
Vitamin D is vital to the health and well-being of your body. So if you’re not getting enough vitamin D from the sun or your diet, it could be time for a dose or two of Vitamin D injections. Are you interested in getting Vitamin injections? Contact us today at Simply Slim Medical in Bethesda, MD, and we’d be happy to schedule you for a consultation!
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