What is it?
Vitamin D injections are intramuscular (into the muscle) injections that provide a large dose of Vitamin D. After the injection, the muscle gradually releases the Vitamin D into the blood stream.
Studies show that after one injection, Vitamin D levels continue to rise for several weeks, and will remain improved for several months.
Who benefits from Vitamin D injections?
Vitamin D injections are ideal for people with poor intestinal absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, who are low in vitamin D. They are also helpful for people with low Vitamin D levels who are finding it difficult to attain normal Vitamin D serum levels with oral supplementation.
What form of Vitamin D do you use in your injections?
We use Vitamin D3, also known as Cholecalciferol. This is the form of Vitamin D that the body can use right away.
What is the process?
In order to get Vitamin D injections your ND needs a recent lab test confirming low Vitamin D status.
Injections are typically given in a series of 2 to 4. The initial injection is followed by a second injection 3 months later. After the second injection, you may need another one in 3-6 months. It is ideal for your Vitamin D status to be checked (blood test) just before your second injection.
If you naturopathic doctor thinks you require regular injections to maintain adequate levels, they will advise you on a return schedule. Often 1-2 injections per year, ongoing, will be adequate after the initial injections.
Testing is important to ensure we are not over supplying you with this Vitamin, as it can become toxic at excessive levels.
Does it hurt?
Intramuscular Vitamin D3 can be uncomfortable during, and for a few hours after, the injection. Gently massaging the injection site can reduce discomfort.
Interested?
Existing patients can call the clinic and book a short, 15-minute visit with their ND to find out if Vitamin D3 injections are appropriate for them. Lab tests may be required before the ND will provide you with the injection.
New patients who are only interested in a Vitamin D3 injection are asked to have a short initial consultation with one of our NDs for at least 30 minutes to assess their needs and determine if this is appropriate and safe for them. We require a new patient form to be filled out prior to this appointment.
If the ND determines that it is safe and appropriate for you, and they have all the lab work they need to make this determination, then you may get your first shot in this visit. If further testing is needed, your ND may order that, and the injection can be given on a later date if deemed appropriate.
Questions?
Call 250-475-1522 (ext. 2) to reach our Acacia Health Dockside clinic. Our patient care coordinators can ensure all your questions are answered.
References:
1: Gupta N, Farooqui KJ, Batra CM, Marwaha RK, Mithal A. Effect of oral versus intramuscular Vitamin D replacement in apparently healthy adults with Vitamin D deficiency. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2017 Jan-Feb;21(1):131-136. doi: 10.4103/2230-8210.196007. PubMed PMID: 28217512; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5240054.
2: Wylon K, Drozdenko G, Krannich A, Heine G, Dölle S, Worm M. Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of a Single Intramuscular High Dose versus an Oral Long-Term Supplementation of Cholecalciferol. PLoS One. 2017 Jan 23;12(1):e0169620. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169620. eCollection 2017. PubMed PMID: 28114352; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5256876.
3: Nair P, Venkatesh B, Lee P, Kerr S, Hoechter DJ, Dimeski G, Grice J, Myburgh J, Center JR. A Randomized Study of a Single Dose of Intramuscular Cholecalciferol in Critically Ill Adults. Crit Care Med. 2015 Nov;43(11):2313-20. doi: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000001201. PubMed PMID: 26186566.
4: Wali S, Shukr A, Boudal A, Alsaiari A, Krayem A. The effect of vitamin D supplements on the severity of restless legs syndrome. Sleep Breath. 2015 May;19(2):579-83. doi: 10.1007/s11325-014-1049-y. Epub 2014 Aug 23. Erratum in: Sleep Breath. 2015 Dec;19(4):1483. PubMed PMID: 25148866.
5: Finamor DC, Sinigaglia-Coimbra R, Neves LC, Gutierrez M, Silva JJ, Torres LD, Surano F, Neto DJ, Novo NF, Juliano Y, Lopes AC, Coimbra CG. A pilot study assessing the effect of prolonged administration of high daily doses of vitamin D on the clinical course of vitiligo and psoriasis. Dermatoendocrinol. 2013 Jan 1;5(1):222-34. doi: 10.4161/derm.24808. PubMed PMID: 24494059; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3897595.
6: Mozaffari-Khosravi H, Nabizade L, Yassini-Ardakani SM, Hadinedoushan H, Barzegar K. The effect of 2 different single injections of high dose of vitamin D on improving the depression in depressed patients with vitamin D deficiency: a randomized clinical trial. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2013 Jun;33(3):378-85. doi: 10.1097/JCP.0b013e31828f619a. PubMed PMID: 23609390.
7: Kari JA, Baghdadi OT, El-Desoky S. Is high-dose cholecalciferol justified in children with chronic kidney disease who failed low-dose maintenance therapy? Pediatr Nephrol. 2013 Jun;28(6):933-7. doi: 10.1007/s00467-012-2407-2. Epub 2013 Jan 22. PubMed PMID: 23338053.
8: Zabihiyeganeh M, Jahed A, Nojomi M. Treatment of hypovitaminosis D with pharmacologic doses of cholecalciferol, oral vs intramuscular; an open labeled RCT. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2013 Feb;78(2):210-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2012.04518.x. PubMed PMID: 22882353.
9: Leventis P, Kiely PD. The tolerability and biochemical effects of high-dose bolus vitamin D2 and D3 supplementation in patients with vitamin D insufficiency. Scand J Rheumatol. 2009 Mar-Apr;38(2):149 53. doi: 10.1080/03009740802419081. PubMed PMID: 18991184.
