Intravenous (IV) therapy, also known as IV micronutrient therapy and hydration therapy and IV infusions allow various vital nutrients to be administered to the body intravenously. IV therapy is the fastest way to deliver essential nutrients to the body. IV nutrition infusion therapy is a way to boost body’s vitamin, mineral and hydration levels back to an ideal state helping an individual feel energized, renewed and healthy. In modern times, IV vitamin therapy is acclaimed by many celebrities and is available at many medical centers, drip bars, and IV lounges. Typically, medical doctors, naturopathic doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners with license to prescribe and administer IV substances within their scope can perform IV therapy. In dental fields, IV sedation as sedative medicine administered directly into bloodstream intravenously (by IV). In dentistry, IV sedation, or anesthesia are used for patients with severe dental anxiety or those undergoing lengthy procedures.
IV vitamin therapy is evidently best used for people who cannot get enough vitamins and minerals due to inability to eat or illness preventing them from absorbing nutrients. 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. 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 the dental field, sedation dentistry uses medication or nitrous oxide to eliminate pain, reduce anxiety, and enhance relaxation during dental procedures.
Some of the conditions that may be improved with IV cocktail infusions:
Chronic fatigue
Chronic depression
Migraines
Senile dementia
Acute or chronic muscle spasm
Fibromyalgia
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, Asthma
Chronic sinusitis
Typical Vitamin B additives present in some of the IV Vitamin therapy blend include:
B-Complex– for well-being and energy. Contains Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacinamide (B3), Dexpanthanol (B5) and Pyridonine (B6). This cocktail assists in brain and nervous system function, RBC formation, DNA synthesis and repair and hormone production.
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 following are also added.
Glutathione – is a powerful antioxidant, very important to stay healthy and prevent disease. It's the secret to anti-aging, cancer, heart disease, dementia and more.
Selenium – makes antioxidant enzymes when combined with proteins and modulates the immune system and thyroid function.
Magnesium - Assists protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. Contributes to the structural development of bone and is required for the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and the antioxidant glutathione.
Multitrace Minerals – provides well-being and immune support.
Vitamin C IV Therapy is believed to effectively treat followings:
Supports skin health- improves collagen production, boosts immune system, helps fight infections, aids the absorption of iron.
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.
Side effects or risks from IV vitamin C
As such, IV vitamin C has caused few side effects in clinical trials. However, IV vitamin C may be harmful in people with certain risk factors. Fluid overload can also occur due to excessive IV vitamin C. 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.
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.
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/Advanced program-
training/certificate/workshop at Springfield College helps prepare you get updated knowledge and skills needed for this challenging career in a Canadian Healthcare. This IV program focuses upon the practice of IV fluid administration, IV Vitamins and IV fluid therapy management in a typical Canadian Healthcare setup.
For details of IV Administration Certificate program and best training-
CONTACT:
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(Across Shoppers World Brampton, Above Food Basics)
Brampton, ON, L6W 3T7
Tel: 905-216-1600; 416-456-6689
E-Mail: admin@springfieldcollege.ca
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