These days, there are many different forms of vitamin supplements available to choose from, but it comes time to make a decision how often have you asked: Is one method of vitamin usage better for your body than another?
It just might be!
Vitamins are considered “essential” because the body either doesn’t produce them or produces them in small quantities. Being responsible for many bodily functions like growth, hormonal balance, and immunity, many dietitians recommend most vitamins be obtained through food sources; but that isn’t always possible. This is where supplementation can help fill the missing gaps in your vitamin needs.
So, whether you’re looking to safeguard your immune health, quell a nutrient deficiency, or give your energy levels a boost, investing in vitamins can help meet those goals.
Here are some great (and convenient) ways to up your vitamin levels today!
Speaking of convenience, you can now triple your vitamin D levels (within 90 days) with a few pea-sized drops of lotion from a new product from Amp Human known as D+. Since the skin is the biggest organ in the body, applying vitamin topicals is a great way to get some D.
Currently 42 percent of Americans are deficient in vitamin D, and it’s been reported that over that over 80 percent of COVID-19 patients are low in D as well?
Why has vitamin D been hailed as one of the most beneficial vitamins our body needs. The benefits of vitamin D are endless; from boosting the immune, warding off depression, and lowering your risk for infections, this essential vitamin is a must for your nutrition routine.
Dr. Bill Cole, Functional Medicine Expert, recommends topical use for those who may have sensitive stomachs. “Topical application of vitamins can be beneficial for individuals that have sensitive stomachs or cannot take vitamins orally either due to swallowing issues or a compromised digestive tract.” He says.
Some essential vitamins, like D, also require a fat source when taken orally to be properly absorbed. Applying D+ to your forearm once-a-day provides a much easier and effective way to get your vitamin D.
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Intravenous Nutrition Therapy
Known as the fastest way to give your body the nutrients it needs, vitamin injections bypass the digestion process, sending the vitamins straight into the bloodstream, producing faster absorption and results. Although it’s not an at-home treatment, IV therapy saves time and money as it ensures your body will better absorb needed vitamins under medical supervision.
“IV supplementation is sometimes necessary to address severe vitamin or mineral deficiencies that occur in acute or chronic conditions,” Cole says. But it’s not limited to a medical emergency such as dehydration, as many are using IV therapy as a way to boost their immune system and energy levels with high levels of vitamins such as vitamin C.
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Africa Studio
Oral Consumption
Although not a new way to take your vitamins, oral supplementation is still shown to be a fantastic way to achieve your vitamin needs. “Oral supplementation allows vitamins to be broken down and assimilated in a way that works with our body’s natural processes,” says Cole. That’s if you are taking them correctly. “Overall, taking vitamins with food is most beneficial as there are synergistic nutrients in foods that can increase vitamin absorption,” Cole continues.
But some vitamins pair better with an empty stomach. Certain vitamins are best taken with fatty meals like the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Other vitamins are best taken on an empty stomach such as water-soluble vitamins like B and C. To know what vitamins that need to be paired with food or on an empty stomach consult your doctor and RD.
If you’re wondering what the best way for you to supplement your vitamins may be, it’s best to consult your doctor and/or dietician first. “We are all bio-individually unique and our nutritional needs and physiology may require a different approach when it comes to taking vitamins,” Cole says. Not every individual is the same, he says. “Some individuals do incredibly well with oral supplementation while others see real and valid results using topicals or with intravenous solutions.” Case in point, there are many beneficial ways to get your vitamins for overall increased health, and consulting your doctor is a great place to start!
