IV vitamin therapy has taken a big leap in popularity. In just a few short years, what was once seen as a cringe-worthy unnecessary poke with a needle has evolved into a wellness regimen-must. That’s because the results speak for themselves. Many people are discovering how fast and effective IV Vitamin C therapy in Vaughan can be.

How Does IV Vitamin Therapy Work?

IV vitamin therapy may sound new and complicated, but variations of this effective treatment actually been used for over a century. And the process is very straightforward: IV vitamin therapy delivers vital vitamins and minerals directly into your bloodstream through a small tube inserted into a vein. This allows your body to receive a higher concentration of vitamins in a more efficient way than taking a pill by mouth. Consider this: About 50  percent of a vitamin pill is absorbed by the time it travels through your digestive tract. In contrast, 90 percent of an IV infusion is absorbed.

How does it work? An IV vitamin therapy treatment starts with a pharmacist creating a solution under a doctor’s direction. A nurse or other healthcare professional will administer the IV, including securing the needle into the vein. Then the vitamin infusion is carefully monitored to ensure the vitamins and minerals are being administered at the safest, most effective rate. It’s that simple! 

Who Should Administer IV Therapy?

Anyone who is interested in trying IV vitamin therapy should do their research and look for a reputable IV clinic where qualified Nurse Practitioners and Naturopathic Doctors will be monitoring and providing the infusions. In Ontario, IV clinics are strictly regulated. However that isn’t always the case in other locations.

Responsible doctors will always carry out a comprehensive medical history reflecting your health concerns and diagnosed conditions, as well as any medications or supplements you are currently taking. They will also ensure that recent blood work has been done before initiating IV therapy, or send a requisition for the appropriate tests if necessary. 

Is IV Therapy Effective? 

The use of IV therapy continues to grow as more patients experience positive results. Each ingredient used in an IV infusion for patients at the Marsden Centre has research evidence behind it. 

However, much research remains to be done regarding IV therapy’s long-term effectiveness. Many people are excited by the improvements they’ve experienced through our IV therapies, and we’re confident that as more studies are performed, we will see confirmation of this treatment’s benefits, especially when administered in tandem with other lifestyle changes. 

What Conditions Can IV Therapy Help?

IV therapy can provide:

  • Effective treatment for stress, anxiety, and depression

  • Relief from the disabling symptoms of fibromyalgia

  • Tissue and wound healing before and after surgery

  • Treatment for malnourishment or malabsorption due to chemo treatment or from inflammatory bowel disease

  • An end to fatigue due to chemo /radiation treatment

  • Better athletic performance or rehydration after a big event

  • Optimum skin health through beauty IVs

  • Relief from the pain of peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes or cancer treatment

What Ingredients Are Used In An IV Drip?

It is important to work with an integrative medical professional (such as a Nurse Practitioner or Naturopath) who can measure your current levels, or work with your existing diagnosis and prescribe your IV accordingly. Infusions usually contain either a single vitamin — such as vitamin C — or a cocktail of vitamins and minerals. The most commonly prescribed IV drips include:

  • Vitamin C

  • B vitamins

  • Magnesium

  • Amino acids 

  • Glutathione (an antioxidant)

Are There Any Risks Associated With IV Vitamin Therapy?

Any medical procedure that involves inserting a needle will have some degree of risk. Not only do you want to make sure the needle insertion is sterile, you also want to make sure the IV is being administered at a safe rate of speed to avoid fluid overload or embolisms. Of course, these risks are extremely unlikely when the IV is performed by a trained, licensed professional. 

Another reason why it’s important to work with a properly trained practitioner is that an IV drip must be carefully customized to reflect your unique health concerns. After all, vitamins and minerals are powerful substances, and for some people, it is actually possible to have “too much of a good thing.” That’s why the IV infusion has to reflect your diagnosis and health profile. 

At the Marsden Centre in Vaughan, IV’s are one of the modalities we’re best known for. Give us a call if you would like to find out more about our IV Clinic!

Resources

http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0011414