INTRAVENOUS (IV) VITAMIN THERAPY-A MODERN TREND IN HEALTHCARE
- Prof. (Dr) Usha
- Apr 6, 2022
- 4 min read
IV therapy is a method of administering fluids into the body via the blood vessels. It is the fastest way to deliver essential nutrients to the body. IV vitamin therapy is evidently best used for people who cannot get enough vitamins and minerals due to inability to eat food/inability to eat enough food, or an illness preventing them from absorbing nutrients. IV therapy is also known for its ability to hydrate the body and also to make a person feel good health wise. Vitamin IV therapy (also known as intravenous micronutrient therapy and hydration therapy) and IV infusions allow various vital nutrients to be administered to the body intravenously. The chief advantage of IV administration is that the vitamins and other essential nutrients are delivered directly into the bloodstream as the fastest route of medication administration. This also allows rapid absorption of higher doses of the vitamins and minerals than getting through food or supplements. IV therapy is also believed to be helpful in certain conditions affecting the digestive tract, including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, colon cancer, and cystic fibrosis.
In modern times, IV vitamin therapy is publicized by many celebrities and is available at many IV bars, drip bars, and IV lounges. IV Vitamin formula generally may consist of high doses of B vitamins, vitamin C, and minerals (magnesium and calcium) mixed with sterile water.
Typical claims made about IV vitamin therapy
Some of the common claims made by various IV vitamin formulations are:
Treat dehydration after extreme exercise or too much alcohol intake
Treat hangovers and headaches
Treat medical conditions such as high BP, chronic sinusitis, asthma, allergies, fibromyalgia etc.
Make skin healthier
Boost the immune system
Increase levels of energy and reduce fatigue
Relieve stress, anxiety, and depression
Eliminate toxins from the body
Possible side effects of IV vitamin therapy
As with any IV treatment, IV vitamin therapy can make the body more vulnerable to infection and can cause blood clots and burning sensations at the injection site if not administered properly
Fluid overload -In people with cardiac conditions or high BP, a high-dose vitamin infusion can lead to fluid overload, or may damage kidneys, brain, and/or heart Overload may also cause symptoms such as headache, high blood pressure, anxiety, and trouble breathing
Too rapid infusion may lead to complications related to the regulation of fluids including giving too much fluid too rapidly and fluid overload. Alternatively, not enough fluid may be given, or released too slowly. Some drugs can lower BP which can lead to light-headedness and fainting
Excess amounts of vitamins and minerals can be harmful and may lead to a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Also, high doses of vitamin B6 may cause damage to peripheral nerves (peripheral neuropathy)
Many drug interactions can occur with intravenous vitamin therapy such as Magnesium may interact with antihypertensives, resulting in low BP. Some of the antibiotics used to treat infection in the body may bind together with infused calcium in the blood, which may damage kidneys, lungs, or gallbladder
The safety of IV vitamin therapy in pregnant and breastfeeding women may need further study
Pros and Cons of Intravenous Therapy
IV therapy can contain minerals, amino acids and popular vitamins like B and C. Combining various vitamins and detoxifying agents has been shown to boost blood flow, help maintain vital organ function, increase cellular energy production, and more.
Pros of IV Therapy
IV therapy may help alleviate symptoms of illness and diseases such as common cold, immune system issues, PMS, asthma, diabetes, hepatitis, hypertension, and other prolonged illnesses
High-dose Vitamin C IV therapy is used in end-stage cancer patients to help improve quality of life
Claimed to help with conditions such as asthma, aging, pain, fibromyalgia allergies, Parkinson’s disease, and more
Fights sicknesses and dangerous vitamin deficiencies
Rapid increases in nutrient rich cells due to direct absorption through the IV
Increased cellular healing rates
Restores balance and aids in homeostasis
Increased energy levels
Helps to resolve and prevent illness by boosting the immune system
Cons of IV Therapy
There are risks of-
vitamin overdoses
Bruising,
infection,
vein inflammation,
Possible complications of IV Therapy
Infection
Phlebitis- Inflammation of the vein
Extravasation- IV fluid leaks to the tissue surrounding the vein
Air Embolism- An air bubble/bubbles enter the vein
Hypervolemia-Abnormal increase in blood volume
Experienced medical professional’s advice and assistance is always recommended for avoiding the complications and risks, and for the best practice of IV Therapy.
References:
You can also read:
B. https://www.springfieldcollege.ca/post/face-masks-versus-face-shields-protection- covid-19-pandemic
The IV Administration Certificate Programs- Regular program/Advanced program-
In-class/Online/Blended training/certificate/workshop at Springfield College helps prepare you get updated knowledge and skills needed for this challenging career in a Canadian Healthcare. This Intravenous administration (IV) program focuses upon the practice of IV fluid administration and IV fluid therapy management in a typical Canadian Health care setup including Hospitals, Nursing homes and acute and chronic healthcare. Students learn details and techniques of safe and efficient IV Administration, use of catheters, venipuncture and procedures for children, adults and geriatric patients, various techniques, patient communication and preparations related to IV therapy in healthcare.
For details of the IV Administration Certificate program and best training-
CONTACT:
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Brampton, ON, L6W 3T7
Tel: 905-216-1600; 416-456-6689
E-Mail: info@springfieldcollege.ca; admin@springfieldcollege.ca
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