What is Intravenous Vitamin (IV) therapy?
Vitamin and mineral infusions have been used for decades and are popular with many professional athletes to help boost performance. However, they are now gaining much popularity from patients looking for integrative treatments for chronic conditions and prevention.
For many people with chronic conditions or severe digestive disorders, diet and oral supplementation may not be enough to achieve and maintain optimal nutrient levels in the body. When vitamins and minerals are taken in pill form, the amount that is available to the cells is approximately 10-30% of the amount ingested. By giving nutrients intravenously, we can achieve blood level concentrations not possible through oral supplementation. In the case of many nutrients, this is 10-100 times greater than what is achievable orally since IV nutrients are 100% bioavailable. This is because when given IV, nutrients do not have to be digested, absorbed through the wall of the intestines and are not immediately subject to metabolisation by the liver, known as the first pass effect. Rather, vitamins, minerals and amino acids are delivered directly to the bloodstream for the most intact and quickest system absorption.
For many people with chronic conditions or severe digestive disorders, diet and oral supplementation may not be enough to achieve and maintain optimal nutrient levels in the body. When vitamins and minerals are taken in pill form, the amount that is available to the cells is approximately 10-30% of the amount ingested. By giving nutrients intravenously, we can achieve blood level concentrations not possible through oral supplementation. In the case of many nutrients, this is 10-100 times greater than what is achievable orally since IV nutrients are 100% bioavailable. This is because when given IV, nutrients do not have to be digested, absorbed through the wall of the intestines and are not immediately subject to metabolisation by the liver, known as the first pass effect. Rather, vitamins, minerals and amino acids are delivered directly to the bloodstream for the most intact and quickest system absorption.
Who administers my IV and what is the process?
Before any IV is given, a consultation with an IV certified, specially trained naturopathic doctor is done to assess your concerns and personal health story. You may be subject to testing such as bloodwork to determine bioavailable nutrient and mineral levels in your system at your initial consultation. The ND will then assess your current health and test results and compound a specific vitamin& mineral "cocktail" for you to be given intravenously in our cosy IV lounge.
Does your clinic need to be certified in order to do Ivs?
Yes. Our clinic went through a 6 month process of certification and we have a sterile compounding room that is site licensed and it is closed off from the main spaces in our clinic. This is where our specially certified NDs compound IV drips to be administered to patients.
Will it hurt? Where does the needle go in?
Honestly? Not as much as you think it will. Although each person has a different pain threshold, many of our patients remark that they feel a vague pressure. The initial needle stings a bit but the effects wear off as time passes and the body gets used to it. Should you experience continued pain, we can offer you a heating pad to warm the area or we can stop the IV therapy entirely. IVs are administered into veins located typically on your arm or on your hand.
How long will it take?
Depending on what compound is prescribed for you, it can take anywhere from half an hour to an hour to complete your IV drip.
What conditions can IV therapy offer beneficial support to?
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