INTRAVENOUS (IV) VITAMIN THERAPY OVER ORAL SUPPLEMENTS- A TREND IN HEALTHCARE
- Prof. (Dr) Usha
- Apr 24, 2023
- 5 min read
In modern times, IV vitamin therapy is publicized by many celebrities and is available at many medical centers, IV bars, drip bars, and IV lounges. In Ontario, medical doctors and naturopathic doctors with a license to prescribe and administer IV substances within their scope can perform IV therapy. Nurses and nurse practitioners can also perform IV therapy under the delegation of a medical doctor. IV Vitamin formula generally may consist of high doses of vitamins B. vitamin C, and minerals (magnesium and calcium) mixed with sterile water. Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are typically received from oral routes like food and dietary supplements. IV therapy is also another route of administering fluids, vitamins and nutrients into the body via the blood vessels. It is the fastest way to deliver essential nutrients to the body.
Both oral and intravenous supplements provide the body with important nutrients, however, there are a few significant differences, namely the way they are administered. Oral supplements include the tablets, capsules, and liquids that are taken by simply swallowing. Intravenous supplements are given through intravenous infusion which goes directly into the bloodstream.
Vitamins that are commonly given via IV include vitamins B and vitamin C. Calcium, magnesium, electrolytes, and other extras like amino acids and antioxidants are also commonly added. 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.
Typical Vitamin B additives present in some of the IV Vitamin therapy cocktail include:
B-Complex (Mixture of B Vitamins) – for well-being and energy
Dexpanthenol (Vitamin B5) –for building hemoglobin, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. Important in the breakdown of fatty acids and carbohydrates.
Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12) –useful in neurological conditions. It helps to keep the integrity of myelin sheath on nerves by converting homocysteine to methionine.
Additionally, other components such as glutathione, selenium, and minerals are also added.
Glutathione – is a powerful antioxidant.
Selenium – makes antioxidant enzymes when combined with proteins and modulates the immune system and thyroid function.
Multitrace Minerals – provides well-being and immune support.
Vitamin C IV Therapy is believed to effectively treat followings:
Fatigue- can help to provide an energy boost especially in combination with B Vitamins.
Depression - Vitamin C helps raise neurotransmitter levels.
Wounds - can help faster healing.
Allergies - Vitamin C has antihistamine properties. Antihistamines have recently been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that are more extensive than simply the blocking of histamine receptors.
Side effects or risks from IV vitamin C
IV vitamin C has caused very few side effects in clinical trials. However, IV vitamin C may be harmful in people with certain risk factors. In people with a history of kidney disease, kidney failure has been reported after treatment with IV vitamin C. People who are likely to develop kidney stones should not be treated with IV vitamin C.
One study reported too much fluid in the body (fluid overload) related to IV vitamin C. This may have been caused by the IV delivery method and not the vitamin C. Case reports have shown that people with an inherited disorder called G6PD deficiency should not be given high doses of vitamin C because it may cause hemolysis. G6PD deficiency is an inherited condition. It is when the body doesn't have enough of an enzyme called G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase). This enzyme helps red blood cells work properly. A lack of this enzyme can cause hemolytic anemia.
Because vitamin C may make iron more easily absorbed and used by the body, high doses of vitamin C are not recommended for people with hemochromatosis (a condition in which the body takes up and stores more iron than it needs).
Possible side effects of IV vitamin therapy
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
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)
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
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
The safety of IV vitamin therapy in pregnant and breastfeeding women may need further study
Many drug interactions can occur with IV vitamin therapy such as Magnesium may interact with antihypertensives, resulting in low BP. Some of antibiotics used to treat infection in the body may bind together with infused calcium in the blood, which may damage kidneys, lungs, or gallbladder.
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:
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, IV Vitamins 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, IV Vitamins, 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-
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