Vitamins & minerals

Vitamin D3

Also called Cholecalciferol

A fat-soluble vitamin that functions as a hormone, involved in normal immune function and calcium absorption. Given as a shot.

What it is

Vitamin D is unusual: it behaves less like a vitamin than like a hormone. The body makes it in skin exposed to sunlight, then converts it in the liver and kidney into its active form, which binds receptors present in nearly every tissue.

Low levels are common even in sunny places: sunscreen, indoor work, darker skin and age all reduce how much is produced. It is given here as an intramuscular shot.

What it is used for

A vitamin the body uses in normal immune system function*
Required for normal absorption and utilisation of calcium*
Contributes to the maintenance of normal bones, teeth and muscle function*
Has a role in the process of cell division*
Commonly requested by people who work indoors or who have been told their level is low*

How we give it

As an intramuscular shot into the deltoid or outer thigh, on its own or added to any drip visit.

Good to know

Should I get my level tested first?

It is the only way to know whether you need it, and it is a simple blood test your own physician can order. Vitamin D is fat-soluble, which means unlike the B vitamins it accumulates rather than being flushed out; so this is one where more is genuinely not better.

Others in vitamins & minerals

Magnesium

An essential mineral involved in normal muscle and nerve function, added to your bag and infused slowly.

B-Complex

A group of water-soluble vitamins the body uses in normal energy metabolism, added directly to your bag.

Vitamin B12

An essential vitamin involved in normal red blood cell formation and nervous system function. Available in your bag or as a shot.

Vitamin C

An essential vitamin and antioxidant involved in normal immune function and collagen formation.