Vitamin D is a crucial vitamin that aids the body in many processes, but Vitamin D deficiencies are prevalent in the United States. Fortunately, prioritizing vitamin D intake can help prevent deficiencies and maintain optimal health.
Continue reading to discover the therapeutic measures available for sufficient vitamin D daily.
Why is vitamin D important?
Vitamin D influences many critical bodily functions, including regulating calcium, which can support bone health. Vitamin D can also help strengthen your immune system, supporting how well your body can ward off infection and reduce inflammation.
What causes vitamin D deficiency?
As much as 50% of the population has vitamin D insufficiency. Deficiency may be caused due to lack of vitamin D in the diet, absorption issues, some medications, environmental factors, medical conditions, or a combination of factors.
Severe vitamin D deficiencies can result from kidney problems or poor intestinal absorption. The recommended daily amount of vitamin D for adults over 19 is 600 IU. Vitamin D deficiency can be corrected with dietary changes and/or supplementation.
Ways to get more Vitamin D
Try some of the following steps to ensure you are getting adequate vitamin D into your daily diet.
Taking a vitamin D supplement
Your doctor may suggest a supplement if your vitamin D levels are low. Oral vitamin D supplements can easily be purchased online or over the counter from a drug store. Sometimes, vitamin D supplements are prescribed by a doctor when blood levels are deficient.
Eating foods that contain vitamin D
The most common way that most people get vitamin D through food is by eating foods fortified with vitamin D, such as dairy products or orange juice with added vitamin D.
Some other foods rich in vitamin D include:
- Cod liver oil
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Beef liver
- Egg yolk
- Tuna
Going outside
Sun exposure is one of the most effective ways to increase vitamin D levels.1 Your body naturally forms Vitamin D with sunlight exposure to the skin. Going outside often and getting healthy sunlight is an easy and enjoyable way to increase your vitamin D levels naturally.
That said, excessive sunlight can damage your skin, so you should always exercise caution when going out in the sun for extended periods. Remember to wear sunscreen or protective clothing if you plan to spend extended periods in the sun.
Vitamin D shots and IV infusions
Sometimes vitamin D shots and infusions are recommended for patients with dangerously low vitamin D levels and need to increase them quickly.
- Vitamin D shots are intramuscular injections into a muscle (usually that of the upper arm or thigh), similar to a flu shot. Vitamin D injections may occur multiple times per year, but this amount can vary depending on specific needs.
- A vitamin D infusion requires intravenous administration with an IV line placed in the vein. The vitamin D is then infused through a small tube into this line, delivering the supplement directly to the bloodstream.
Generally, vitamin D infusions and shots are a quick, complete, and effective way to increase vitamin D levels compared to oral supplements because oral supplements have to pass through the digestive tract before absorption.
It’s important to speak to your doctor before choosing a vitamin D supplement to help avoid side effects or interactions with any medications you are taking.
Get an In-Home Vitamin D Shot
Vitamin D helps support healthy energy levels, mood, immune function, and more. Replenish low levels of this essential vitamin with in-home shots administered by one of our registered nurses.
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Vitamin 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.
