6 Vitamins that can Help Boost Your Metabolism
Are you looking for a way to kick your metabolism up a notch? From vitamin B12 to vitamin D, many vitamins can help promote a healthier metabolism.
This blog will explore six vitamins essential for metabolic wellness and how they can improve your overall health. We’ll also discuss the differences between oral supplements and IV vitamin treatments.
Vitamin B12
A water-soluble vitamin, B12 plays a vital role in maintaining metabolic health by assisting in regulated red blood cell production, nerve function, the production of DNA, and the breakdown of fats and carbohydrates.
Vitamins of animal origin, like those found in fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy, can efficiently restore B12 levels. Those following a vegan diet may be at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency since this diet does not include any animal products. Additionally, individuals with absorption issues may not be able to obtain enough vitamin B12 from food alone, requiring supplementation to meet their needs.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays an essential role in many body processes. It helps your body absorb and process calcium, which contributes to strong bones and teeth. This vitamin may also help reduce the risk of certain types of cancers and autoimmune diseases.
Getting enough vitamin D1 is essential for people of all ages, with direct exposure to sunlight remaining the most straightforward method to provide your body with vitamin D. However, this is only sometimes possible, depending on the time of year or where you live. Getting enough vitamin D from food sources or supplements is vital.
Foods like fatty fish, eggs, fortified milk, orange juice, and mushrooms are all great sources of vitamin D. If you cannot get enough vitamin D from food sources alone, consider taking a supplement.
Get IV Therapy
Whether you're at home, a hotel, or work, Drip Hydration will come to you - schedule your mobile IV treatment now.
Riboflavin
Riboflavin2 is an essential vitamin for maintaining a healthy metabolism. This vitamin, also known as vitamin B2, helps to convert food into energy. B2 is plentiful in beef liver, almonds, and spinach. A riboflavin supplement can help support your body’s ability to turn food into energy.
Vitamin B6
B6 is an essential vitamin for metabolism and maintaining optimum health, necessary for the proper functioning of over 100 enzymes that aid in the breakdown of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. B6 also helps to produce hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying pigment in red blood cells. The body also needs vitamin B6 to synthesize neurotransmitters and hormones and regulate homocysteine levels, an amino acid linked to heart disease.
Good sources of vitamin B6 include fortified cereal, beef liver, salmon, bananas, spinach, potatoes, and chickpeas.
Niacin
Niacin, or vitamin B3, is a crucial vitamin that helps to keep our metabolism functioning properly.3 Influential in energy production, niacin helps break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the body. It is also critical for healthy nerve and skin function and hormone production.
Thiamine
Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is directly involved in energy production4 and aids in the breakdown of carbohydrates, fatty acids, and amino acids, making it necessary for cellular metabolism. Additionally, thiamine is essential for proper brain and nerve function.
Oral Supplements vs. IV Treatments
Regarding the necessary vitamins for maintaining a functional metabolism, there are two primary options – oral supplements and intravenous (IV) treatments.
Oral supplements, such as pills and capsules, are typically more affordable and easier to take regularly. Many brands and formulations are available today for those who prefer to take supplements orally. Supplements also have the advantage of being available without a prescription.
However, IV treatments are more effective in delivering the vitamins directly into the bloodstream for immediate use. Rapid absorption into the body can be an excellent option for those who need quick relief from vitamin deficiencies or require higher doses of specific vitamins than with oral supplementation.
Summary
Overall, oral supplements and IV treatments can effectively deliver vitamins to the body to help improve your metabolism. Always consult your doctor before taking any supplements or beginning an IV treatment. You can discuss this with your doctor to determine which option is right for you based on your health and lifestyle.
In-Home IV Treatments With Drip Hydration
Drip Hydration offers mobile IV treatments in the comfort of your home. Once you book your appointment, a certified nurse will come to your desired location and administer the treatment, which usually takes less than an hour. During this time, you can do anything you’d like, such as relax under a warm blanket or watch TV. Drip Hydration will also go to hotels, worksites, or other locations upon request.
You can either browse our treatment options and decide which is best for you or speak to a representative who can help you choose what you need based on your health goals. To schedule your appointment or learn more, contact us today!
Learn MoreVitamin D Shots - Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take too much vitamin D?
Yes, it is possible to take too much vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that it can build up in the body and potentially lead to toxic levels if it is consumed in large amounts. Vitamin D toxicity can cause hypercalcemia, a buildup of calcium in your blood. This condition can cause symptoms such as weakness, nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, kidney problems, and more.
How often do you need vitamin D shots?
Frequency of treatment depends on individual circumstances such as the severity of vitamin D deficiency, medical history, and other factors. However, most people may receive 1 – 3 shots over the course of a year.
Are vitamin D shots better than oral supplements?
Yes. Because vitamin D shots are given intramuscularly, the ingredients bypass your digestive system so that the full dose is available to your body for maximum benefits. Vitamin D shots are rapidly available for your cells to use.
What happens if you don’t treat vitamin D deficiency?
Not treating vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets, a rare but treatable condition that causes fatigue, frequent illnesses, depression, and impacts bone and muscle health. In children, vitamin D deficiency can impact normal growth and development.
Who Should Take Vitamin D Shots?
Vitamin D injections may be recommended for people who have a deficiency of vitamin D, which can lead to conditions such as osteoporosis, rickets, and other bone disorders. Injections may also be recommended for people who have difficulty absorbing vitamin D from the gastrointestinal tract, such as those with inflammatory bowel disease or other conditions that affect nutrient absorption. In addition, vitamin D injections may be recommended for people who are at risk of deficiency due to factors such as a lack of sun exposure, a poor diet, or certain medications.
How do I know if I am vitamin D deficient?
The only way to know for sure if you are vitamin D deficient is to get your blood tested. Your doctor can order a blood test to measure your levels of vitamin D and determine if you have a deficiency and if positive increase vitamin d levels.
What are the Side Effects of Taking Too Much Vitamin D?
Taking too much vitamin D can lead to toxicity, which can cause a range of symptoms. These can include nausea, vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination. In severe cases, vitamin D toxicity can lead to damage to the kidneys and the heart. To avoid toxicity, it is important to not exceed the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D, which varies depending on your age and other factors.
So how much Vitamin D do I actually need to take?
The recommended daily allowance of vitamin D varies depending on a person's age, sex, and other factors. In general, the recommended daily allowance for adults is 600-800 IU per day. However, older adults, people with dark skin, and those who have limited sun exposure may need higher doses.
What foods are rich in vitamin D?
There are a few dietary sources of vitamin D, including fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna, and egg yolks. Some foods, such as milk, orange juice, and cereals, are also fortified with vitamin D. However, it can be difficult to get enough vitamin D from dietary sources alone, especially if you do not eat fatty fish or fortified foods regularly.
How does calcium interact with Vitamin D?
Calcium is an essential mineral that is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps your body absorb calcium. When your body doesn't get enough calcium, it can take calcium from your bones, which can lead to bone loss and osteoporosis. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium from the food you eat, so getting enough of both is important for maintaining healthy bones.
How much vitamin D should I take daily?
The daily recommended dosage of vitamin D for children under the age of 12 months is 400 international units (IU), 600 IU for individuals aged 1 to 70 years, and 800 IU for those over 70 years.
