IV Nutritional Therapy

Description

The direct administration of vitamins and minerals into the bloodstream via butterfly needle. Intravenous (IV) therapy may either be administered slowly via a "drip" or more quickly via a "push." IV drips usually contain a much higher amount of total fluid (up to 250 mL) and total nutrient intake. IV drips are administered slowly over 1-2 hours.

The IV push contains at most 60 mL of total fluid and a slightly lower amount of total nutrients. Some nutrients are best administered as a drip because they need to be well-diluted to avoid irritation. For most nutrients and conditions, the IV drip is an excellent choice of treatment.

Pros of IV Therapy

IV administration of nutrients achieves a much higher blood concentration of these nutrients than either oral or intramuscular (IM) administration. High blood concentrations are necessary to push nutrients into the body's cells where they're needed most. The lower blood concentrations achieved with oral and IM administration do not correct intracellular nutrient deficiencies as effectively as IV.

IV therapy does not depend on the ability of the stomach to digest the nutrients or on the intestines to absorb them. All of the nutrients administered via IV are available to the body immediately. Unlike oral intake of nutrients, IV therapy is not diminished by stomach or intestinal disease. Nutrients needed for healing become available to the body much quicker with IV therapy than other routes of administration.

Cons of IV Therapy

Because IV therapy requires direct access to the bloodstream some risks exist. Possible negative effects include inflammation, bruising, and pain at the site of injection, venous pain during and after administration and allergic reactions to the nutrients used. The nutrients used resemble oral nutrients and so allergic reaction is rare. If pain, inflammation, and bruising occur symptoms generally resolve quickly.

Conditions Indicated for IV

The following conditions respond well to IV therapy:

• Fibromyalgia
• Post-Chemotherapy
• Depression
• Migraines
• Fatigue
• Asthma
• Cardiovascular disease
• Allergies and Hives
• Nicotine withdrawal
• Nutrient deficiencies including anemia, hypocalcaemia

In addition, individuals with compromised digestion and/or intestinal tracts will benefit enormously from IV therapy. Individuals with a past history of surgical resection/removal of intestine and/or inflammatory bowel disease would benefit enormously from IV therapy. Oftentimes, these individuals suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiency.

Finally, IV therapy would benefit those recovering from chemotherapy. Chemotherapy often destroys the intestinal lining and so decreases nutrient absorption at least temporarily. IV therapy increases recovery from the lingering effects of chemotherapy.

Treatment

Treatment frequency depends on the individual, the condition treated, and the severity of symptoms. Weekly treatments may be needed for a period of time. After which, the treatments may be prescribed once a month or once a year, depending on the individual's specific needs. Sometimes one treatment suffices.