Intravenous nutrient therapy is a form of IV treatment that supplies the body with necessary vitamins and minerals to replenish deficiencies and/or aid in healing. When nutrients are given intravenously they bypass the GI tract resulting in 100% absorption by the body. IV vitamin therapy is not a new concept; it has been in existence since the 1960s. One of the earliest types of IV vitamin therapy was developed by the late Baltimore physician Dr. John Myers; he came up with the Myers’ Cocktail which contained vitamin C, magnesium, calcium and multiple B vitamins. He developed the therapy to treat his patients who had chronic infections, fatigue, asthma and other symptoms. To this day many clinicians still administer his ground breaking intravenous therapy.

What Conditions Are Treated With IV Vitamin Therapy?

• Asthma
• Burns and Other Wounds
• Chronic Fatigue
• Chronic Pain
• Detoxification
• Fibromyalgia
• IBS/IBD
• Infections
• Low Functioning Immune System
• Migraine Headaches
• Pre and Post-Surgical Patients
• Recovery After Athletic Training

Who Should Receive IV Vitamin Therapy?

There are no definitive answers regarding who will benefit from intravenous vitamin therapy. A person may start IV vitamin therapy if their healthcare provider recommends it. Other considerations that may warrant the need for IV vitamin therapy are the following:

• Individuals suffering or recovering from illnesses; IV vitamins may help boost the immune system and speed up recovery
• Individuals may opt for IV nutrient therapy pre and post-surgery to improve the speed at which the body heals
• Individuals who feel run down and have chronic low energy
• Individuals with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety
• Athletes before and after major sporting activities

For the most part, anyone can receive IV vitamin therapy. The components are generally well-tolerated, and the risks of adverse effects, though present, are mild.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is available for infusion therapy as both ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate. The choice is a clinical judgement on the part of your healthcare provider factoring in your diagnosis and symptoms. Vitamin C is uniquely suited to kill pathogens, neutralize toxins and boost the activity of the immune system.

In doses under 25 grams Vitamin C is an antioxidant, an antibacterial, antiviral and has anti-histaminic properties. In higher doses, it becomes a pro-oxidant with anti-cancer actions and wound and burn healing capacity. High dose vitamin C was pioneered as an adjunctive cancer therapy by the late Dr. Hugh Riordan of the Riordan Clinic, in Wichita, Kansas.

To establish the proper intravenous nutrient therapy for your condition the healthcare providers at Wildwood Integrative Healthcare will spend time with you to discuss your individual needs and chart a course for your treatment.