What happens if your vitamin D is low? This is something we frequently answer in our IV therapy Toronto lounge – and if you keep reading, you’ll understand why vitamin D is a necessity!

According to medical journals, this nutritional deficiency is an international concern; but people living in the northern hemisphere, including Canadians, are at risk due to seasonal changes. We may not even be aware that a deficiency is occurring, as this health concern can be asymptomatic. “However, even mild chronic vitamin D deficiency can lead to chronic hypocalcemia and hyperparathyroidism, which can contribute risk of osteoporosis, falls, and fractures, especially in older individuals,” confirms StatPearls. 

Due to genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors, everyone has a distinct expression of health. So, what exactly are the signs of a vitamin D inadequacy? And how do clinicians at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre (TFMC) address this? We explain below. 

Looking Out for Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms 

There are cases in which this deficiency is misdiagnosed as another condition, such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, a mood-related condition or an age-related health issue. This is because symptoms from these conditions are similar to the symptoms of a vitamin D shortage.

Next to weakening the health of bones, lacking vitamin D can impact immune health, reduce hair growth, and contribute to weight gain. If you’re concerned about the vitamin D deficiency symptoms listed below, please speak to functional medicine-based medical doctor or naturopathic doctor to explore underlying issues: 

• • Muscle pain, weakness or spasms
  • Heightened sensitivity to pain
  • Bone pain
  • Pale appearance of skin
  • Tingling in the hands and feet
  • A medical history of broken bones
  • Joint abnormalities
  • Mood swings
  • Fatigue/lack of energy 
  • Appetite loss
  • Frequently getting sick

When this deficiency is left untreated, it can trigger additional health concerns in the human body, such as depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, and possibly neurodegenerative issues (i.e. Alzheimer’s). The International Journal of Health Sciences has reported that this deficiency is thought to contribute to prostate, colon, and breast cancers, and research suggests it may have a part in forming heart and autoimmune diseases, as well as periodontal disease. Thus, consultations with a functional health provider can help scrutinize nutrient levels, including vitamin D, to sustain optimal functioning. 

Treating This with a Personalized Approach to Wellness

At the TFMC, we would address vitamin D concerns by conducting lab tests. For instance, an organic acids test (OAT) may be used to measure organic acids from your urine, helping us detect whether you’re lacking amounts of nutrients and major minerals, as well noting imbalances in your cellular health. After we analyze lab results and other key components of your health status (i.e. family history, health goals), we may potentially proceed with:  

• • Prescribing a vitamin D injection: Concentrations of nutrients, such as vitamin D, may be prescribed as intramuscular injections. These booster shots may promote efficient absorption, as some patients have trouble with their absorption of nutrients due to a chronic illness (i.e. Crohn’s). This is dispensed in the TFMC’s IV Lounge, which is where we administer IV therapy drips. 

• • Recommending oral supplementation: A daily vitamin D supplement can help support optimal nutrients. Oral supplementation is available as liquid, tablets or capsules, and we usually recommend taking vitamin D with a meal to maximize absorption. 
  • Adding vitamin D foods to your diet: Consuming vitamin D foods is valuable for sustaining vitamin D levels, especially if you’re on a restricted diet. We may discuss eating fortified foods, such as oatmeal or almond milk; or if you’re not on a vegan or vegetarian diet, we may recommend consuming egg yolks, salmon, or tuna. 

Understanding your personal levels of vitamins can reveal details about your health, potentially opening the doors to improving cognitive function, liver detoxification, sleep, and physical performances. Start your wellness path today with a tailored treatment service from the TFMC. 

Embark on Your Health Journey with the TFMC

With 50 years of experience combined, our wellness team is dedicated to modifying your health care with a custom-made IV drip, lifestyle modifications, lab testing, hormone optimization programs, and more. 

It takes different health strategies to help different types of people. We tailor your treatment service to target your biological needs only! Our experienced TFMC clinicians can adapt treatments for various health conditions, including whole-body inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease, food sensitivity concerns, low immune function, hormonal imbalances, mineral deficiencies, blood pressure regulation, autoimmune conditions, chronic fatigue syndrome, poor nail and hair growth, and more. 

Integrative functional medicine therapies can tackle the root of your health concerns and promote chronic illness prevention. By combining treatment modalities, you can access diverse strategies for treating/managing symptoms. Your custom treatment plan may contain a wide range of therapies, such as allopathic medicine, naturopathic medicine, herbal remedies, holistic nutrition, nutraceutical support, among others. Intravenous therapy and vitamin booster shots can also be prescribed for supportive measures.

Our IV Lounge is available for intravenous infusion treatments, which may potentially help improve hydration, energy levels, mental clarity, and athletic performance. Our menu boasts an impressive blend of vitamins and nutrients, such as amino acids, ascorbic acid/vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, alpha lipoic acid, glutamic acid, mistletoe, and major antioxidants (i.e. glutathione). In fact, our previous blog post discussed the different types of nutritional IV drips at our IV therapy Toronto lounge. When an intravenous treatment is administered with regular healthy living and additional health interventions (i.e. conventional medicine), it can contribute to optimal function. 

Do you need guidance on how to take a vitamin D supplement? Call us now to book your initial consult for integrative strategies and IV therapy with the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

 

References

Kennel KA, Drake MT, Hurley DL. Vitamin D deficiency in adults: when to test and how to treat. Mayo Clin Proc. 2010 Aug;85(8):752-7; quiz 757-8. doi: 10.4065/mcp.2010.0138. PMID: 20675513; PMCID: PMC2912737.

Naeem Z. Vitamin d deficiency- an ignored epidemic. Int J Health Sci (Qassim). 2010 Jan;4(1):V-VI. PMID: 21475519; PMCID: PMC3068797.

Sizar O, Khare S, Goyal A, et al. Vitamin D Deficiency. [Updated 2023 Jul 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532266/