In the pursuit of optimal health, many of us are mindful of our nutrition. This often leads us to taking nutritional supplements and getting as-needed vaccines and booster shots. The newest trend for bolstering the immune system is injectable vitamin boosters. There are a variety of reasons to consider injections over traditional supplements. At the top of this list are improved absorption and personalizing our health and wellness routines.
Let’s dive into the benefits of this growing trend.
The Role of Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals work synergistically in the body to maintain optimal health. The nutrients in foods and supplements (including vitamin injections) minimize the risk of chronic disease. They also help the body regulate the functions it performs on autopilot.
This includes:
- Regulating weight
- Balancing hormones
- Energy levels
- Physical endurance
- Mood
- Quality of sleep
- Cognitive performance
- Absorption of other vitamins
- Regulation of other vitamins
- The rate at which cells repair
Common Nutrient Gaps
Surprisingly, the CDC reports, that vitamin deficiencies are a common issue in the United States. It’s estimated that between 10% and 30% of Americans are deficient or near-deficient in at least one vitamin. The most common deficiencies in America are vitamin D, vitamin B12, and vitamin C. This is due to a combination of the depleted nutrient value of soil and increased consumption of processed foods.
While there are generic nutritional guidelines, what our body requires to thrive is unique to the individual. Nutrient needs can also vary greatly from one season in life to the next. For example, we all need more calcium as we age.
According to the Mayo Clinic, women should increase their calcium intake by an average of 200 milligrams per day (to a total of 1,200 milligrams) around menopause. Men should also increase from 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams per day around the age of 71 years old.
Other factors that influence the individual need for nutrition, supplements, and vitamin boosters include:
- Gender
- Age
- Genetics
- Reproductive state
- Level of physical activity
- Current medical health
- Physical inflammation/injury
- Mental and emotional stress
- Prescription medications
- Health and wellness goals
- Time of the year
- And more
Synchronizing Supplements with Diet
Daily and as-needed supplementation can bridge nutritional gaps and personalize nutrition, but it’s not something we should go alone. Physicians, fitness experts, nutritionists, weight loss teams, and other professionals can help determine what you need. Beyond an annual physical, they may suggest genetic testing and vitamin deficiency testing.
Also:
- Prioritize Whole Foods: Begin with a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods, and low in processed foods.
- Assess Initial Nutritional Needs: Adjust supplements and vitamin injections based on current needs, not general guidelines.
- Monitor and Modify Nutritional Needs: Regularly reevaluate your diet and supplement regimen to match changes in nutritional needs. For example, you might only need to supplement vitamin D in the winter.
Non-Essential Minerals
Another reason to consider supplementation is to access non-essential minerals. WebMD has a detailed list of the 31 essential vitamins and minerals, and the roles they perform in the body. There are, however, a variety of powerful trace minerals that can optimize health and wellness when taken regularly. This is one of the reasons herbal teas and supplements are so popular.
Some of the most common sources of herbs and minerals include:
- Algae and sea moss
- Arnica
- Ashwagandha
- Echinacea
- Ginko Biloba
- Ginseng
- Goldenseal
- Valerian root
In addition to herbs and non-essential herbs and minerals, amino acids, Omega fatty acids, collagen, protein powders, and a variety of supplemental products are available.
Quality and Bioavailability Considerations
Not all supplements and vitamin boosters are created equally. While easy to access online, in pharmacies, and in grocery stores—some are more bioavailable than others. This isn’t a sheer matter of price, so don’t just pay more with the expectation of receiving a higher-quality product.
Bioavailability refers to how quickly the nutrients or medications are absorbed and utilized in the body. Injections are the fastest means of delivery as they are injected directly into the bloodstream. Topical products are also absorbed quickly through the skin into the bloodstream. However, many capsules pass through the digestive tract without being absorbed, or only being partially absorbed. Taking them with a meal may help to break them down.
When selecting supplements of any kind, consider:
- Purity of Ingredients: Many supplements contain non-essential fillers and additives.
- Form of the Vitamin: It depends on the vitamin or mineral, but some are easier to absorb as a liquid, topical, or injectable.
- Manufacturing Standards: Ensure supplements are produced in facilities that adhere to strict manufacturing practices such as cGMP.
- Third-Party Testing: Prioritize products that have been independently tested and verified for their purity and ingredient content.
- Synergistic Combinations: Some vitamins are better absorbed when taken in combination with other nutrients.
Too Much of a Good Thing
Another factor we don’t hear enough about is what happens when we take too much of a vitamin. In an effort to bolster the immune system, personalize health, and benefit from the latest wellness trend—we can unknowingly take too much of a supplement. Another reason why we shouldn’t take vitamin boosters without supervision.
It’s not uncommon to buy or order a new product without checking to see how many milligrams are suggested per day. Even the suggested serving on the bottle isn’t a one-size-fits-all equation. In addition to the fact that we all have unique nutrient needs, not all nutrients are required daily. We may already be getting enough through food or supplementation.
Although extremely rare, taking too much of some supplements can lead to side effects or toxicity. For example, vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants, but consuming too much can cause nausea or diarrhea.
Eating Well details some of the most common side effects of taking too much of the vitamins below:
- A
- D
- E
- K
- B6
- Iron
- Zinc
How to Know What Vitamin Boosters You Need?
The first step is getting a vitamin deficiency test, and if you haven’t yet this year, an annual physical with full stool and fluid samples. This will provide you with a baseline.
Once what you need to personalize your health is identified, you need to identify the best means of delivery and a reliable source. Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa has you covered!
We offer bioavailable vitamin boosters, as well as a wide range of premium supplements. You may be surprised by the results, as unexplainable symptoms may be your body’s way of telling you it needs more of a vitamin or mineral.
Reach out today to schedule your one-on-one wellness consultation with our naturopathic doctor!
