IV Vitamin Therapy in Markham

The benefits of intravenous (IV) therapy are as varied as the vitamin and mineral cocktails that are readily available; they range from "boosting" the immune system and curing hangovers to assisting with weight loss and minimizing the signs of aging. Intravenous (IV) vitamin therapy, also known as intravenous micronutrient therapy or hydration therapy, involves delivering high concentrations of vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream, allowing for rapid absorption and higher doses compared to oral intake through food or supplements.

This therapy is administered through a small tube inserted into a vein, with infusions typically taking between 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the volume of the mixture and the size of the person's veins.

Popular among celebrities, IV vitamin therapy is offered at many IV bars, drip bars, lounges, and some naturopathic clinics (or integrative and alternative health clinics). A well-known formulation is the Myers' cocktail, which contains high doses of B vitamins, vitamin C, and minerals like magnesium and calcium, mixed with sterile water. This formula has been found to be effective against acute asthma attacks, migraines, fibromyalgia, acute muscle spasms, upper respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, cardiovascular disease, and other conditions. Developed by Dr. John Myers in Baltimore during the 1970s, this cocktail has seen various modifications to suit individual needs, including those of frail older adults and children.

Benefits of IV Vitamin Therapy

Claims about IV vitamin therapy suggest it is beneficial for individuals who cannot get sufficient vitamins and minerals from food due to poor intake or absorption issues. Some advocates also claim it enhances overall wellness, even in those without deficiencies. Providers assert that these infusions can:

• Rehydrate after intense exercise or excessive alcohol consumption
• Boost the immune system
• Increase energy and reduce fatigue
• Alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression
• Detoxify the body
• Improve skin health
• Treat various conditions such as asthma, allergies, chronic sinusitis, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, diabetes, heart disease, muscle spasms, and Parkinson's disease
• Address migraine and tension headaches

Proponents argue that IV infusions are superior to dietary sources because they bypass food sensitivities and deliver large amounts of vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream, purportedly leading to more effective cellular uptake.

Fatigue is one of the most prevalent and debilitating symptoms experienced by cancer patients, often impacting their quality of life more significantly than pain. For many decades, physicians have administered high-dose intravenous (IV) vitamin C as a complementary and alternative treatment for cancer patients. IV administration of vitamin C bypasses the body’s regulated intestinal absorption process, resulting in much higher plasma concentrations compared to oral intake.

Chemotherapy patients frequently suffer from fatigue, with over 75% reporting severe tiredness or loss of energy. This fatigue is persistent, intensifies with successive chemotherapy cycles, and can last for years after treatment ends. A retrospective cohort study in 2011 by Vollbracht et al. investigated the impact of IV vitamin C on the quality of life of breast cancer patients during and after chemo-/radiotherapy. In this study, 53 patients received 7.5 g of vitamin C once a week for at least four weeks (excluding chemo-/radiotherapy days) and were compared to 72 control patients. The severity of symptoms was rated on a scale where 0 indicated no complaints, 1 indicated mild complaints, and 2 indicated severe complaints. The treatment group showed significantly reduced fatigue, depression, sleep disorders, and loss of appetite compared to the control group during chemo-/radiotherapy.

What are the potential risks of IV vitamin therapy?

There are potential risks associated with IV vitamin therapy, particularly for people with certain medical conditions. For example:

• Abnormal heart rhythms or muscle weakness due to imbalances in blood magnesium or potassium levels
• Fluid overload in people with heart conditions or high blood pressure, potentially damaging kidneys, brain, or heart
• Light-headedness and fainting if the infusion is administered too quickly
• Symptoms such as depression, insomnia, and upset stomach
• Anaphylaxis from large doses of thiamine, and nerve damage from high doses of vitamin B6

Interactions with medications can vary depending on the vitamins and minerals infused. For instance, vitamin B6 can reduce the effectiveness of medications that stimulate blood cell production, while magnesium can lower blood pressure when taken with antihypertensives. Combining infused calcium with ceftriaxone can damage the kidneys, lungs, or gallbladder. IV vitamin therapy should also be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those with kidney disease, high blood pressure, or heart conditions.

To ensure that IV vitamin therapy is right for you, our experienced naturopath, Dr. Wendy Zhou, will need to review your most recent blood work results during your initial consultation and assess potential interactions with IV vitamins. In addition, be prepared to provide a comprehensive medical history, including any past or present medical conditions, surgeries, allergies, medications (including supplements and vitamins), and any relevant family medical history. It would also be helpful to make a list of all medications, supplements, and vitamins you are currently taking, including their dosages and frequencies. Schedule your initial IV consultation appointment today and let HealthyToDos support your journey to better health!

References

Carr, A. C., Vissers, M. C. M., & Cook, J. S. (2014). The effect of intravenous vitamin C on cancer- and chemotherapy-related fatigue and quality of life. Frontiers in Oncology, 4, 283–283. https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2014.00283

Gaby, A. R. (2002). Intravenous nutrient therapy: the “Myers’ cocktail.” Alternative Medicine Review, 7(5), 389-.

Shane-McWhorter, L. (2024). Intravenous vitamin therapy (Myers’ cocktail) - intravenous vitamin therapy (Myers’ cocktail). Merck Manual Consumer Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/en-ca/home/special-subjects/dietary-supplements-and-vitamins/intravenous-vitamin-therapy-myers-cocktail

Vollbracht, C., Schneider, B., Leendert, V., Weiss, G., Auerbach, L., & Beuth, J. (2011). Intravenous vitamin C administration improves quality of life in breast cancer patients during chemo-/radiotherapy and aftercare: Results of a retrospective, multicentre, epidemiological cohort study in Germany. In vivo (Athens, Greece), 25(6), 983–990. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22021693/