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The Complete Guide to IV Vitamin Therapy

Medically reviewed by: Dr. Peck
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Reading Time: 11 minutes
IV Vitamin Therapy
Table of Contents
Table of Contents

What Is Vitamin Therapy?

Vitamin therapy is a natural health practice that involves the use of vitamins and minerals to replenish, restore and detoxify and treat diseases.

It has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine, but it was not until recently that scientists began to understand how vitamins work together with other nutrients to create an overall effect on our bodies.

There are two types of vitamin therapies: oral supplements Vs IV vitamins (intravenous) .

Oral vitamin therapy involves taking pills that contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, antioxidants, etc.

Oral vitamin therapy can be effective if you have a specific condition that requires supplementation, such as anemia, low energy levels, or other deficiencies.

However, there are many factors to consider when choosing which type of vitamin therapy will work best for you.

For example, oral vitamin therapy isn’t recommended for everyone because not all vitamins are absorbed by the body through this method. Also, oral vitamin therapy doesn’t provide the same level of support as IV vitamin therapy.

On the other hand, IV vitamin therapy provides a much higher absorption rate than oral vitamin therapy. Intravenous (IV) vitamin therapy is a treatment that involves delivering vitamins and other nutrients directly into the bloodstream.

Different types of IV vitamin therapy are available, each with its specific benefits.

However, all forms of IV vitamin therapy share one key advantage: they allow vitamins and other nutrients to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system entirely.

This means you’ll receive more nutrients from each dose, resulting in greater health benefits.

Types of Intravenous (IV) vitamin therapy

There are two main types of intravenous therapy, known as IV Push & IV Drip. These therapies administer vitamins into patients’ bloodstream via the vein. They both work similarly; however, there are some key differences between the two.

What Is An IV Drip?

IV drips are administered using a special infusion pump. This device pumps fluid continuously for up to 60 minutes. While the patient receives the drip, they can rest comfortably on the bed while reading, working or relaxing. 

An IV drip works by infusing a solution containing nutrients directly into the bloodstream. A small needle is inserted into a large vein in the arm. Once this has been done, a tube called an “infusion line” is attached to the needle.

The infusion line connects to a bag of nutrient-containing solutions. When the infusion line is connected to the bag, the solution flows from the bag into the patient’s vein.

What Is An IV Push?

An intravenous push (IV Push) is a procedure used to administer fluids to patients. This procedure involves inserting a needle into a patient’s vein and slowly pushing fluid into the bloodstream.

IV Pushes are usually administered over a period of 10-15 minutes, and up to 60ml of fluids are pushed into the body.

These procedures are performed under the supervision of medical professionals and are meant to bounce dehydration, prevent blood loss, increase oxygen levels, and reduce swelling.

The main difference is the duration of the treatment. IV Push allows for about 4 hours of continuous infusion, while IV drip lasts around 24 hours.

This makes IV push ideal for short-term use such as post-surgery recovery and an IV drip for long-term use.

The second major difference is the amount of fluid administered during each session. While IV push requires less fluid, it requires a longer time to complete compared to an IV drip.

In terms of volume, IV drip delivers up to 10 times more liquid than IV push.

Health Benefits of IV Therapy treatments

Here are some of the reasons why IV vitamin therapy is beneficial:

Increased Wellness

A person’s mental health is just as important as their physical health when it comes to their overall wellness. To function optimally, the body requires a particular amount of vitamins and minerals, yet meeting these needs can be challenging when faced with the pressures of daily life. 

Vitamins and minerals administered in an intravenous form are quickly absorbed and put to use by the body, improving the mental health of those who undergo the treatment.

By providing your body with the nutrients it needs to function at its peak, intravenous vitamin IV drips can boost not only your physical health but also your mental health in areas like despair and anxiety.

IV vitamin therapy can improve your immune system and make you feel more energetic and rejuvenated if you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, or even a respiratory disease like the common cold.

Our Myer’s Cocktail IV Drip is designed to alleviate a wide range of symptoms and can help enhance the quality of your life.

IV Drips Improve Athletic Performance

Intensive physical training is very challenging for the body, requiring greater amounts of nutrients and vitamins to maintain optimal health and performance. Many athletes supplement their diets with intravenous fluids (IV) to help keep up with the demands of intense workouts. 

These liquids are often delivered via an IV drip for performance and muscle recovery, which delivers fluid directly into the bloodstream. They’re commonly used to treat dehydration, replenish electrolytes lost during sweating, reduce inflammation, and boost athletic performance.

IV vitamin treatment for athletes can offer several benefits over oral supplementation, including faster absorption rates, increased bioavailability, better distribution throughout the body, and improved effectiveness.

In addition, IV vitamin therapy can be administered easily and quickly without worrying about swallowing pills or mixing liquid supplements. Athletes can receive fluids while resting comfortably in bed, eliminating the risk of stomach cramps and nausea associated with consuming large volumes of water orally.

Boosts Immune System Support

The immune system is responsible for protecting the body from bacteria, viruses, and other harmful organisms. When the immune system works properly, it can fight off infection quickly and effectively. Sometimes, however, the immune system can become overactive and cause problems like allergies or asthma.

Immune system support therapies can help to restore balance to the immune system and help it function at its best. These therapies may also help to reduce inflammation and promote overall wellness. Whether you’re looking for a short-term or long-term solution, there are plenty of options for immune system support therapy.

For example, naturally occurring chemicals called free radicals can trigger oxidative stress, which has been linked to everything from depression to cardiovascular disease and cancer. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, help neutralize these free radicals.

Furthermore, some antioxidants, such as vitamin C, and even some minerals, like zinc, aid in protecting the body against infection by bolstering the immune system.

Enhances Appearance and Beauty

IV vitamin therapies are formulated with a unique blend of vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants, and amino acids that work together to boost your overall wellness and beauty regimen. The therapies such as the beauty drip increase blood flow, improve blood circulation, and better oxygenation throughout the body. 

It helps your body produce collagen and elastin, making it easier to keep your skin looking young and healthy.

Other benefits include:

  • Regenerate damaged cells
  • Remove toxins from the liver.
  • Support your body’s natural defenses.
  • Reduce the impact of autoimmune disorders on your life.
  • Help the body break down harmful substances
  • Shield you from the harmful effects of free radicals

Improves Cardiovascular Health

IV therapy can significantly impact your cardiovascular health, but the exact nature of that impact will vary depending on the components of the drip bag you use.

Amino acids like arginine and ornithine can aid in blood vessel relaxation, which in turn can have a beneficial effect on blood pressure.

There is some evidence that minerals like magnesium and calcium can aid in controlling how your blood vessels constrict and relax.

Energy and Travel Support

There are a variety of IV therapies that offer support for people who are experiencing energy or travel fatigue.

These treatments help to restore balance and improve energy levels, which can make it easier for you to stay active and productive throughout the day.

IV therapies are often used to treat a wide range of conditions, including fatigue, anxiety, and depression. By restoring balance and improving energy levels, these treatments can help you feel more alert and focused during the day. 

People who fly regularly would know that airplane cabins have very low humidity levels asabout 50% of the air circulating in the cabin is pulled from the outside, and at high altitudes the air is almost completely devoid of moisture. This makes you susceptible to dehydration and might cause your throat, nose and skin to feel dry.

We recommend taking our hydration drip before the flight to avoid

Hangover Relief

Alcoholic drinks contain several chemicals that cause unpleasant side effects. When you drink too much, your brain sends signals to your stomach telling it to stop producing digestive juices.

This causes nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Your body doesn’t produce enough saliva to help wash out the mouth and throat, causing your tongue to dry up and crack. You might feel like you’re constantly thirsty, even though you haven’t drunk anything.

The next morning, your head feels heavy and sore. You probably wake up feeling groggy and tired. If you drank heavily, you could experience a headache, blurry vision, and poor coordination.

You might also notice some physical changes during a hangover. For example, blood vessels around your eyes dilate, making them look red and puffy. They become sensitive to light and pressure, and you may see light flashes while reading text.

A hangover can be “cured” in minutes with an IV hangover infusion to replace the fluid loss. It contains electrolytes, typically sodium chloride, which aid in alleviating weariness, dizziness, and thirst brought on by dehydration.

IV Therapy Supports Weight Loss

Even with regular exercise and a healthy diet, losing weight can sometimes seem impossible. By facilitating the conversion of fat into pure fuel at the cellular level, IV weight loss therapy can aid in expediting the weight reduction process.

Ingredients List: What’s in our IV treatments?

The human body requires many types of vitamins, minerals, and proteins to maintain optimal health.

The ingredients in IV treatments play an important role in how they work and what they can do.

They provide essential nutrients that help build strong bones, muscles, and organs. 

Below is a list of some of the ingredients in our IV treatments.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, commonly known as L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble antioxidant that has been demonstrated to regenerate other antioxidants in the body.

Your body needs vitamin C for the creation of collagen, an essential component of connective tissue that aids in wound healing. 

Studies have demonstrated that vitamin C can also replenish the body’s supply of other antioxidants. Other benefits of vitamin C include:

  • Aids the body’s natural defenses
  • Acts as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent
  • It’s necessary for the synthesis of serotonin and other neurotransmitters
  • Helps with certain neurological illnesses

Glutathione

Glutathione compound is found naturally within our bodies and is known to help fight free radicals and protect cells against damage caused by toxins. Made primarily of three important amino acids (cysteine, glutamate, and glycine), it is commonly referred to as the master detoxifier for its extraordinary capacity to boost skin health, body function, general mood, and well-being.

  • Glutathione is a super antioxidant necessary for virtually every bodily process.
  • Boosting the immune system and assisting in disease prevention
  • Lightening and lightening skin by eliminating hyper-pigmentation and suppressing melanin synthesis in cells
  • Reducing inflammation
  • Facilitating the breakdown and elimination of fat
  • Increasing energy and mental clarity
  • Improving the quality of sleep and managing stress 
  • Purifying the body and reducing oxidative stress

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

Biotin belongs to the vitamin B family and is sometimes known as vitamin B7. Vitamin B7 is one of the numerous B-complex vitamins that play a critical role in the conversion of food into energy during digestion.

Biotin also aids in the maintenance and preservation of other key bodily systems since it aids in the transport and delivery of other nutrients throughout the body.

Since biotin helps your body digest, retain, and use nutrients differently depending on its location, it follows that biotin is essential for optimal health. 

When paired with other vitamins, biotin has an anti-aging effect on your look, including reduced hair loss, increased skin elasticity and collagen, and increased energy. Other benefits include: 

  • Improves metabolism and increases metabolic rate, making weight loss simple
  • Improves digestion and nutrient absorption by lowering LDL cholesterol and preventing spikes in blood sugar
  • Promotes healthy skin and the reduction of psoriasis
  • Supports Thyroid and Adrenal Function
  • Boosts your mood and increases activity levels
  • It helps to lower inflammation and prevents arterial plaque buildup
  • It can also help with muscle and joint inflammation

NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)

NAD is a coenzyme that helps the body produce energy from food. It is found in all living cells and plays an important role in the body’s energy production. In healthy people, NAD IV therapy benefits can extend to reduce inflammation and improve cell function.

NAD is also necessary for the body to convert some vitamins into useful forms. For example, vitamin B12 needs NAD to be converted into its active form so it can work properly in the body.

Some drugs used to treat certain conditions require high levels of NAD for their effectiveness. That’s why most IV treatments that include NAD often have a list of ingredients on their packaging. You may want to check out our NAD Therapy to learn more about the it.

Hydroxo B12

Hydroxocobalamin is a synthetic injectable version of vitamin B12 used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is essential for the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates and the synthesis of proteins. Additionally, it is essential for maintaining healthy blood, cells, and neurons.

Calcium gluconate

Calcium gluconate is used to treat calcium deficiency-related disorders such as hypocalcemic tetany. It alleviates the discomfort associated with low calcium or excessive potassium levels.

Ondansetron 

When chemotherapy or surgery for cancer causes nausea and vomiting, an injection known as ondansetron is given to reduce or eliminate those symptoms.

Ondansetron also prevents the neurotransmitter serotonin from being released. Serotonin is found mostly in the gastrointestinal system, although its effects are felt throughout the body.

When serotonin levels rise, unpleasant foods are rapidly expelled from the digestive tract.

Zinc Chloride

Zinc’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a useful supplement. It helps to maintain the skin’s structural integrity and can increase energy levels and mental sharpness.

Zinc also boosts the immune system, making it more effective at fighting off infections. 

Magnesium Chloride

Magnesium chloride is a mineral supplement that can be taken to raise your magnesium levels. It is an essential mineral that helps to maintain nerve and muscle function, provide energy, and promote a healthy heart.

Magnesium deficiency can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms, some of which may be alleviated by taking a magnesium supplement. Some of the symptoms include muscle cramps, irregular heartbeats, and even seizures. 

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation of red blood cells, which transport oxygen in the blood throughout the body. The oxygen is taken up by the cells and used to generate energy.

Cyanocobalamin, or Vitamin B12, is your hero vitamin when it comes to cellular division. Your body needs this nutrient to make new cells every day. This includes skin cells, hair follicles, bone cells, intestinal lining cells, nerve cells, and even sperm cells.

Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) is important for the health of the nervous system and blood cells. It is also essential for energy production and helps to maintain a healthy weight.

If you’ve been feeling extremely fatigued, B12 IV therapy can help restore your body’s B12 levels and provide you with a much-needed energy boost. Other benefits of Vitamin B12 include:

  • Improves cardiovascular health
  • Fosters Brain Health
  • Strengthen Immune system
  • Enhance Sleep

What should I expect during and after my IV vitamin therapy treatment?

After your IV vitamin therapy treatment, you may experience some side effects. Some common side effects include tiredness, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and dizziness.

These side effects can vary depending on the type of IV vitamin therapy you’re receiving and the individual.

You should report any symptoms to your health care provider as soon as possible.

How often should I get intravenous (IV) treatments?

The recommended frequency of IV treatments varies depending on your health history, current lifestyle, and individual needs, but it generally ranges from once per week to twice per month.

We recommend getting an IV every 3–4 weeks during the warmer months and once per month during the colder months. During periods of illness or injury, we suggest getting an IV every 2–3 days.

Where can I find a reputable IV vitamin therapy provider?

There are many IV vitamin therapy providers in the market today.

However, it is important to find a reputable provider who will work with you to find the best treatment plan for your specific needs.

You’ll need to discuss your symptoms before starting any treatment so that they can determine which vitamins or supplements would be best suited for you.

At Nepenthe Wellness, our IV treatments are designed to meet the unique needs of every patient.

We offer both standard IV solutions and custom formulations developed specifically to address your personal medical conditions. Book an appointment with us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does The IV Therapy Effects Last?

While the full effects may not be seen until 12 to 24 hours following the injection, many patients experience immediate improvement. The effectiveness of IV Therapy typically lasts anywhere from 8 days to 3 weeks, however, this can vary widely depending on the ailment, cocktail, and modality used, while also keeping in mind how often should you get IV therapy.

Is IV Therapy Safe?

IV infusions are widespread and typically safe, but too much can increase the chance of unwanted effects. Warning: Always check in with your doctor before starting any new treatment, especially if you have a preexisting ailment.

There’s also a chance of infection from the needle puncturing your skin. Even though catching an infection through your skin or bloodstream is quite improbable during a vitamin infusion, it’s still best to seek the advice of a medical expert to make sure you’re in good health thereafter.

How do the ingredients work together to provide relief?

The ingredients in IV (intravenous) treatments work together to relieve various symptoms by interacting with the body’s cells and blood vessels. This interaction can help to restore balance, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. In some cases, the ingredients can even help to heal damaged tissue.