VITAMIN-D
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VITAMIN-D ︙
Vitamin D is essential for our health and wellbeing. Deficiency in the United Kingdom is common especially in the winter months. Due to the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency In the UK the Government and NHS advises all adults to consider supplementation during winter and autumn months.
What does Vitamin D do?
The essential role vitamin D has in ensuring normal growth, strong bones and teeth is well known. We also now know that vitamin D has a much larger role in health and well being, not only in helping prevent disease but in mood and even weight loss. Vitamin D plays vital roles in reducing inflammation, promoting cell growth and repair, improves the function of our immune system, muscles, brain and nervous system.
What to expect at your appointment
A full consultation will take place including medical history. Concerns and expectations will be discussed and which vitamin boost is likely to best suit you. Questions can be answered and you will meet a doctor who will discuss your current medical requirements, and, if happy, consent and prescribe the relevant medication.
The treatment is then administered by Kate in the relaxing space where you will be encouraged to relax on the therapy couch. The treatment is quick and fairly painless, feeling much like a flu vaccination in the upper arm. You will be welcome to sit in the waiting area afterwards, however, you should be fine to leave and resume normal activities straight away.
Benefits of Vitamin D
Some examples of how vitamin D has been shown to influence certain disease processes include:
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Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Research has shown that low vitamin D is associated with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis.
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Heart Disease
Low vitamin D levels have been linked to increased risk of heart diseases such as hypertension, heart failure, and stroke.
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Illness
Those with good vitamin D levels are less likely to develop severe illnesses such as severe flu or covid-19.
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Immune function
Those with low vitamin D levels may be at a higher risk of some infections and developing autoimmune conditions such rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
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Weight
Overweight people are more likely to have lower vitamin D leading to speculation that correcting vitamin D levels can help promote weight loss and maintain a healthy weight.
FAQs
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Vitamin D is what we term a fat soluble vitamin that can be absorbed from certain foods. However the main way we get vitamin D is via direct exposure to sunlight to our skin. Commonly we do not get enough sunlight exposure for our needs. This may be as we may spend more time indoors than outdoors, use sunscreen, live in urban areas which block the sunlight or have darker skin.
Whilst we can absorb vitamin D from certain foods directly via our gut, not many foods contain adequate sources. Further more, as a fat soluble vitamin, those with a low fat diet or on weight loss medication may struggle to absorb vitamin D placing them further at risk.
Vitamin D is found in a small number of foods including:
oily fish, such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel
red meat
liver
egg yolks
fortified foods – such as breakfast cereals
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There are some signs and symptoms that can suggest a vitamin D deficiency:
Feeling generally unwell.
Regularly unwell with coughs and colds.
Tiredness
Unexplained aches and pains
Weakness, muscle and bone aches
Stress/minimal impact fractures
As part of our NHS clinical practice and leading role in the rapid diagnostic service, we even see low vitamin D very frequently in those presenting with symptoms that raise concern for an underlying cancer, such as difficulty with weight, tiredness and abdominal pain when no other underlying conditions can be identified. As a result we remain strong advocates of the importance of maintaining a healthy level of vitamin D.
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Some individuals may be less able to absorb vitamin D through their gut. A common cause for this is a low fat diet or weight loss medication. Especially in the winter, many in the UK are unable to receive enough sunshine for the body’s requirements. By injecting vitamin D these barriers can be overcome allowing a precise dose to be administered providing a quick and effective boost to vitamin D levels.
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It is not possible to have too much vitamin D from sunlight exposure. However too much vitamin D from other sources can result in too much calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia) which can lead to further health problems. Some people may be more vulnerable to this than others. This is why it is recommended vitamin D supplementation is taken with some care and after consultation with a medical professional. As part of our service at HG Revive you will receive a medical consultation prior to receiving any supplementation to be sure this is safe and appropriate.
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You could approach your GP to discuss your concerns and, if they feel appropriate, test your vitamin D via a blood test.
If you feel you have a vitamin D deficiency we can arrange a consultation and discuss supplementation.
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A consultation and vitamin D boost costs £50