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Skin & Laser Clinic at Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl, Southampton, SO30 3XH
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Vitamin D

Vitamin D

There are two forms of vitamin D, vitamin D3 and Vitamin D2 and to remain in good health it is important to ensure our bodies receive adequate levels of both.

It is thought that around 60% of the UK population is deficient in vitamin D, it is advised by the NHS that everyone should take vitamin D supplements during the period of October-March due to the lack of UVB radiation, it is impossible to achieve sufficient levels of vitamin D by diets alone.

Vitamin D can offer a boost for your health as it helps keep our bones, teeth and muscles strong, support our immune systems, and aid the function of our brains. 

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is most efficiently produced when our skin is exposed to the suns UVB radiation. But we know that overexposure of UV damages our skin cells and can lead to skin cancer, so it is important to strike the right balance. 

Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is found in plants and can be ingested from a healthy diet, derived from food such as egg yolks, fatty fish, fortified milk, juices and cereals.

What are the signs of low vitamin D levels?

There are a few different signs for a vitamin D deficiency that can include aching bones, nausea, confusion, fatigue and constipation. You do not need all of these to have a vitamin D deficiency, you may also not experience any of these but still class as deficient.

Vitamin D ingested orally can take weeks to have an impact on our health and much of the dose is lost when it is converted in the gut. However, Vitamin D injections have a much more immediate impact, with patients feeling effects right away. Because the vitamins are administered directly into the muscle, bypassing the gut,a much higher percentage of the vitamin can be utilised by the body. 

The benefits of having a Vitamin D injection

  • Supports immune system 
  • Maintains bone density and bone health 
  • Reduces inflammation 
  • Supports brain function
  • Helps prevent osteoporosis 
  • Protects against heart disease 
  • Aids the absorption of calcium and phosphate in the body (essential for muscles,teeth and bones)
  • May alleviate symptoms of arthritis (research is ongoing but shows promising results)

We recommend a course of between three to six injections, every 2 to 3 months. This will be discussed at your consultation.