From the Guidelines
Yes, vitamin D is available in injectable form, specifically vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), which may be administered intramuscularly, as recommended by the most recent and highest quality study 1.
Key Points
- Injectable vitamin D is typically prescribed for individuals with severe vitamin D deficiency, malabsorption disorders, or those who cannot take oral supplements effectively.
- The most common injectable form is vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), which may be administered intramuscularly, with dosages varying based on the severity of deficiency and individual needs, typically ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 IU per injection, with frequency determined by a healthcare provider 1.
- Injectable vitamin D works by rapidly increasing blood levels of vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption, bone health, immune function, and other bodily processes.
- However, for most people with mild to moderate vitamin D deficiency, oral supplements are the preferred treatment option due to their convenience, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
- A recent study 1 found that intramuscular supplementation may be considered an alternative to oral supplementation in patients undergoing malabsorptive surgery, as it results in higher 25(OH)D levels and lower rates of vitamin D insufficiency, especially at high-dose.
Important Considerations
- Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any vitamin D supplementation, especially injectable forms, as excessive vitamin D can lead to toxicity.
- The quality of evidence for the use of intramuscular vitamin D supplementation is rated as low, relying mainly on expert opinion 1.
- More research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of injectable vitamin D supplementation, but current evidence suggests it may be a useful option for certain individuals with severe vitamin D deficiency or malabsorption disorders.
From the Research
Vitamin D Administration
- Vitamin D can be administered through various methods, including oral supplements and intramuscular injections.
- According to a study published in 2017 2, high-dose intramuscular vitamin D injections can provide long-lasting moderate increases in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels.
Injectable Vitamin D
- The study 2 found that a single intramuscular injection of 600,000 IU of vitamin D3 can increase serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels for several weeks.
- Another study published in 2012 3 mentions that a cumulative dose of at least 600,000 IU of vitamin D administered over several weeks can replenish vitamin D stores in patients with documented deficiency.