Vitamin D Injections: Supplement vs Shot Effectiveness

Vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” is an essential nutrient that strengthens our bones, promotes calcium absorption, and boosts immune function. Natural sources are limited, but vitamin D injections and oral supplements can ensure you have optimal levels in your body.

Of course, shots and oral supplements both offer benefits and side effects you’ll want to consider. Today, we’re discussing the best ways to elevate your Vitamin D levels to achieve better overall health. 

Why do you need Vitamin D?

Your body requires certain amounts of Vitamin D to form and maintain strong bones, a thriving immune system, and optimal cognitive health. This nutrient can elevate your mood and help fight depression. It may even promote weight loss and protect against diabetes.

Unfortunately, many people struggle to obtain enough of this nutrient from sun exposure and dietary sources like liver and fortified foods, leading to a Vitamin D deficiency. In extreme cases, people lacking adequate levels of this vitamin can suffer from illnesses such as rickets.

However, modern medicine has come a long way. These days, you can choose from Vitamin D injections and oral supplements to meet your needs.

Understanding Vitamin D injections

Folks looking for an immediate boost of Vitamin D can fast-track the element to their system with quick and easy injections. Here’s a closer look at this functional medicine:

How do Vitamin D injections work?

Vitamin D shots are given intramuscularly, meaning they don’t need to be processed through your gut before entering your bloodstream. These vitamin injections supply a higher amount of the substance than oral supplements, delivering a fast-acting nutrient boost to your system. 

What are the benefits?

Some studies show that vitamin injections offer greater bioavailability than oral supplements. In other words, your body can access and utilize Vitamin D more easily when you opt for shots vs oral supplements.

Vitamin D injections allow for higher rates of absorption. The benefits of vitamin injections — such as protection against certain cancers, depression, and heart disease — begin right away. Additionally, most people only need one to three shots each year to maintain proper levels. 

What are the side effects?

Pain and redness at the injection site are some of the most common side effects of Vitamin D shots. Some people experience nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Finally, though rare, allergic reactions can occur. 

Understanding Vitamin D supplements

Oral supplements are a popular way to increase levels of Vitamin D, but they may not be the best option for everyone. Here’s a closer look at these over-the-counter products:

How do oral Vitamin D supplements work?

When you take an oral Vitamin D supplement, your digestive system will absorb it and then pass it through your liver and kidneys before restructuring it into a bioavailable form called calcitriol. These pills come in low doses that many people take daily. 

What are the benefits?

You can find Vitamin D supplements in just about every grocery store and pharmacy in the US. You don’t need a doctor’s appointment to get them, and they don’t require injections that some may find uncomfortable. 

What are the side effects?

Nausea and gastric discomfort can occur with oral vitamin supplements, especially when not taken as directed. Accidentally taking too much Vitamin D can cause kidney damage, bone pain, and other harmful effects.

It’s important to note that some people have medical conditions that interfere with nutrient absorption in the gut. In these cases, oral supplements may be ineffective. 

Vitamin D injections vs supplements

At the end of the day, the best solution will depend on your individual preferences. Here are a few things to consider when choosing between Vitamin D injections vs supplements: 

Convenience

Oral supplements are easy to find and take. However, the sheer number of options out there can make choosing the right one tricky. You’ll need to know exactly what you’re looking for and what the correct dosage is to ensure a safe and effective supplementation.

On the other hand, many people prefer annual injections that they don’t need to think about every day. If you’re comfortable with needles, the shot is an excellent option.

Cost

While oral supplements can be relatively inexpensive, it’s hard to know that you’re taking a high-quality product, especially if you grab a bottle off your supermarket shelf. With Vitamin D injections, you’ll pay more upfront but enjoy the benefits for up to a year.

Efficacy

There’s no question about which of these two options is more effective. Studies have shown that Vitamin D injections immediately boost the levels detected in the bloodstream. In fact, one study even found that Vitamin D levels continued to increase over 12 weeks after one injection. With oral supplements, you have to trust that your body will absorb the element properly.

Explore our vitamin therapies at Balanced Health and Wellness!

At Balanced Health and Wellness, vitamin injection therapy is an integral part of our functional medicine program. We take a holistic approach to overall health to treat the whole patient, not just symptoms.

Contact us today or schedule a consultation to learn more about Vitamin D injections and how our therapies can support optimum health!