Vitamin D Injections: Your New Anti-Aging Superpower!
Having sufficient vitamin D levels in our system is crucial to not only feeling healthy and energetic – it’s also crucial for combating the signs of aging! But let’s start at the beginning – what is Vitamin D anyway??
Vitamin D is both a hormone and nutrient and It’s naturally produced by our bodies. Unlike water-soluble vitamins, which are excreted by your body, vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, so the body stores any excess vitamin it does not use. This means it is possible to top up your vitamin D levels, and the body will use it when needed.
There are two primary forms of vitamin D: D2 which is plant-based and D3 which is animal-based (including humans!). Some research indicates that vitamin D3 may raise the quantity of Vitamin D in the blood higher and for longer when compared to D2. At Chill, we exclusively offer Vitamin D3 in injectable form.
So why is Vitamin D so important for your health & beauty? Here are some of the biggest reasons to make sure you’re getting enough…
• Vitamin D has been shown to improve immunity – not only to the common cold and viruses, but also to age-related diseases like cancer! During the Covid pandemic, researchers found that individuals with low Vitamin D levels were much more likely to die from the virus compared to those with normal to high levels of the hormone. Similarly Vitamin D has been shown to reduce risk for developing Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS, cardiovascular disease and even high blood pressure.
• Reduces hair loss – Many people become self-conscious about their hair as they age. It is common for people to experience hair thinning or for their hair to fall out. Various causes include the body not processing nutrients as efficiently, reduced hormonal support, and nutritional deficiencies. Vitamin D has been shown to potentially stimulate hair growth by stimulating new and old hair follicles. When the vitamin levels are too low, it can lead to new hair growth being stunted.
• Helps regulate weight – There are a lot of theories around the connection between vitamin D and weight loss. Studies have shown that a higher body mass index and body fat percentage are associated with lower vitamin D levels in the blood. The argument around why this is the case is convoluted. Some say it is due to overweight people being less likely to eat healthy foods containing vitamin D, while others find the correlation between living a healthy lifestyle and spending lots of time outdoors. We understand that being overweight can result in ongoing health problems and can also lead to premature ageing, so it is best to maintain a healthy weight.
• Strengthen your bones – One of the best-known attributes vitamin D gives to the human body is its ability to support bone health. As you get older, your body can reabsorb calcium and phosphate from your bones instead of keeping these much-needed minerals in your bones. This results in your bones becoming weaker, a condition known as osteoporosis. Vitamin D assists your body in absorbing and making use of calcium, giving your bones their strength and hardness. If your vitamin levels are low, there is an increased risk of frailty, which many of us fear with old age. Keep your vitamin D levels at a healthy level to keep your skeleton moving for longer.
• Studies indicate that vitamin D plays a central role in skin protection and rejuvenation. It may also enhance your immune system and help fight off the free radicals which cause premature ageing.
What are the causes of low Vitamin D levels?
• Low consumption – Most natural sources of vitamin D are animal-based, and those who follow a vegan diet or have special dietary requirements may not be able to consume the recommended levels over time.
• Limited sunlight – The body makes vitamin D3 when your skin is exposed to sunlight. There are numerous explanations to why someone may not get the needed sun exposure – for example, those who are homebound, live in northern latitudes, wear long robes or have a job that prevents them from getting much sunlight.
• Kidney function – As you age, your kidneys are less able to convert vitamin D to its active form. This can result in a risk of vitamin D deficiency. It may be that vitamin supplements are needed to top up your levels.
• Overweight – Those who struggle with obesity can also have low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is extracted from your blood by fat cells, altering its release into circulation. People that have a body mass index of 30 or greater are more prone to low vitamin D blood levels.
Vitamin D is one of the best vitamins for skin health and provides anti-ageing properties. Vitamin D is understood to help with fine lines and wrinkles through its ability to work as an antioxidant. As you age, your telomeres (the part of human cells that affect how our cells age) shorten. Some research papers have reported that low vitamin D levels were associated with shorter telomeres.