NUTRITION

Vitamin D Intramuscular Injection

Vitamin D Injections are an effective and easy way to boost your vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D and B12 are the most common vitamin deficiencies in the UK and globally as they are difficult to get from the diet, which is why they are the only vitamin supplements provided in this clinic.

Price:

£40 per dose of Ergocalciferol 300,000 IU

Vitamin D deficiency is high in the general population especially during the winter months as our best source of vitamin D comes from the sun.

Intramuscular vitamin injections are highly effective, easily absorbed and lasts for 6 months.

It is the best treatment for those with deficiency, poor absorption or who forget to take supplements.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a very important vitamin that functions as a steroid hormone affecting all the cells in your body. It is involved in calcium absorption, immune function, and protecting bone, muscle and heart health.
It is often called the sunshine vitamin because it is made from cholesterol when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Most people do not get enough sun exposure to make adequate Vitamin D.
Diet is a poor source to maintain levels, small amounts can be found in fatty fish and some wild mushrooms.

What if I don’t get enough Vitamin D?

Deficiency is very high (40 – 80% depending on your skin colour and where you live) and can cause a wide range of subtle problems:

  • Regular illness or infections
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Bone and lower back pain
  • Bone loss (rickets, osteomalacia)
  • Low mood and depression
  • Poor wound healing
  • Hair loss and alopecia

Am I at risk of Vitamin D deficiency?

Risk factors for deficiency include:

  • Age
  • Overweight
  • Liver or kidney disease
  • Cold climates
  • Using sunscreen
  • Dark skin tones

How much Vitamin D should I take?

The recommended daily intake (RDI) is 400-800 IU per day but many experts say this should be higher, more like 2000 IU daily. Do not exceed the safe upper intake level of 4000 IU (100 mcg) daily. To prevent deficiency supplementation is recommended for everyone through either fortified foods, oral supplements, or intramuscular injections.
Eat fortified foods daily, including fortified orange juice, soy products, and cereals.

Vitamin D2 is found in plants, while D3 is found in animals.

Oral supplements may be unreliable if the body cannot absorb it.

Intramuscular vitamin D injections are the best treatment for those at risk of deficiency or a diagnosed deficiency. Blood levels rise better with intramuscular injections compared with oral tablets. A dose of 300,000 IU every 6 months will keep your stores topped up and prevent deficiency.

Please note, these doses will not adequately treat a diagnosed deficiency. If you have symptoms or signs, you will need a review with your GP and a full set of bloods, as dosing in these instances can be much higher and will be guided by your blood profile.

What are the benefits of Vitamin D?

  • Improved menstrual pain and fibromyalgia
  • Reduced respiratory infections
  • Normal growth of teeth and bones
  • Improves mood, anxiety and depression
  • Improves metabolism, appetite suppressant, may help weight loss

What to expect

Consultation

At consultation, we will discuss your dietary concerns and the treatment options available, including common side effects and possible complications. After checking your medical health history, if treatment is safe for you, we will sign a consent form and go ahead with planned treatment.

Treatment
At treatment, a needle is used to inject the vitamin solution intramuscularly into the top of the bum cheek or arm. It can be sore for a couple of days.
Treatment can be repeated every 6 months to prevent vitamin D deficiency.

Are vitamin injections safe?

Vitamin D is fat-soluble. This means that high doses can build up in the body to produce toxic effects. Avoid excessive doses and consider monitoring your blood levels.

TREATMENT SHOULD BE AVOIDED IF:

Hypercalcaemia, hyperparathyroidism (exacerbates hypercalcaemia), malignancy
Hypoparathyroidism (inhibits PTH production, may lower calcium levels)
Renal stones
Renal failure/dialysis (hypermagnasemia)
Digoxin, verapamil, thiazide diuretics
Previous allergic reaction

SIDE EFFECTS

All medicines can cause side effects in some people but not everyone gets them.
Common side effects include redness, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site.
Uncommon side effects include hypercalcaemia and hypercalciuria.
Adverse reactions include infection, allergic hypersensitivity reactions, and toxicity caused by high calcium levels (confusion, drowsiness, depression, constipation, high blood pressure).

 

Precare & aftercare advice

Keep injection site clean and dry
No additional supplements required for 3 months
Call 999 or attend A&E if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction :
Skin rash with itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
Tightness in the throat or chest, wheezing
Trouble breathing or talking
Swelling of mouth, lips, tongue, throat