IV Nutrient Therapy
The Basics. Intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy is more than just a hangover fad, it has actually been used for over 50 years! IV nutrient therapy is a method of administering nutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids) directly into the blood stream.
Nutrition at a Cellular Level. Refuelling and replenishing the body supports your ability to heal and prevent future illness. IV therapy delivers high doses of micronutrients that readily absorb into your blood, delivering fuel directly to your tissues.
A Therapeutic Level of Nutrients. Though the best way to nourish your body is to eat a wholesome diet, we all may need a little support from time to time. Oral supplements can play a valuable role in many treatment plans but it's important to recognize the limitations of these products, especially drugstore brands where the quality, purity and concentration can't always be accounted for. In addition, side effects of high oral doses of certain vitamins and minerals can cause unpleasant side effects like nausea, cramping or diarrhea. IV therapy avoids digestive disturbance and uses only pharmaceutical grade nutrients, the same kind used in hospitals all over the world. Vitamin and mineral therapy acts to improve the function of your cells and your immune system, helps protect cells from damage and works to decrease the inflammatory burden of oxidative stress in your body.
The Cocktail. Formulations vary based on the patient’s healthy history and goals of treatment, but the following nutrients are examples of what may be included:
Calcium
Magnesium
Trace minerals
Zinc
Selenium
B vitamins
Vitamin C
Amino acids
Anti-oxidants
Who Benefits? Many people can. Even those who are healthy over all but want an extra boost may benefit. It is especially useful for individuals with a higher need for specific nutrients, including athletes, in pregnancy, students, professionals under high levels of acute or chronic stress, and those with acute illness or lowered immune function
The Doctor. IV therapy is administered by nurses, medical doctors and licensed naturopathic doctors. Naturopathic doctors offering IV therapy must complete additional IV certification and advanced first aid training, as well as hold their prescriptive authority. A thorough health screen and blood work will determine if IV nutrient therapy is safe and indicated for you.
By Dr. Alaina
References:
Gaby, A. (2002). Intravenous Nutrient Therapy the ‘Myers Cocktail’. Alternate Medicine Review 7:5. http://www.altmedrev.com/publications/7/5/389.pdf.
Lemmo, W. (2013). Intravenous Vitamin C –the cocktail. Lemmo Integrated Cancer Care. http://www.lemmo.com/cancer-care/intravenous-vitamin-c/.
Padayatty, S. et.al. (2010). Vitamin C: Intravenous Use by Complementary Alternative Medicine Practitioners and Adverse Effects. PLoS ONE. 5:7. http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0011414.