Why Use IV Nutrients?
Food should provide the foundation for the nutrients our bodies need, with oral supplementation used when appropriate.
Nutrients taken by mouth, however, must pass through the gastrointestinal tract before they can enter the bloodstream. Digestive function, intestinal health, medications, age, illness, and other factors can influence how well nutrients are absorbed.
IV therapy takes a different route.
By delivering vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and other nutrients directly into the bloodstream, the digestive system is bypassed. The administered dose enters the circulation directly and can provide another option when additional nutritional or hydration support is appropriate.
Request an AppointmentA Little History — The Myers’ Cocktail
Although IV nutrient therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years, the concept is not new.
One of the best-known nutrient IV formulations is the Myers’ Cocktail, named after John Myers, MD, a Baltimore physician who used intravenous combinations of vitamins and minerals in his medical practice.
Following Dr. Myers’ death in 1984, Alan Gaby, MD, worked with some of his former patients and developed a modified version based upon what he learned about Dr. Myers’ approach. Dr. Gaby later published his clinical experience with the modified Myers’ Cocktail in Alternative Medicine Review in 2002, bringing greater attention to the use of intravenous nutritional therapy.
There has never been one universally standardized Myers’ formula. What is commonly called a Myers’ Cocktail generally contains combinations of nutrients such as:
- Magnesium
- Vitamin C
- B Vitamins
- Vitamin B12
Today, formulations may vary according to the practitioner and the needs of the individual.
What’s in an IV?
There is no single formulation that is appropriate for everyone.
Depending upon the purpose of the infusion and the individual’s needs, an IV may contain combinations of:
- Vitamin C
- B Vitamins
- Vitamin B12
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Electrolytes
- Glutathione
These nutrients perform many different functions within the body.
B vitamins participate in normal energy metabolism and nervous-system function. Magnesium is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions and contributes to normal muscle, nerve, and cardiovascular function. Vitamin C has important antioxidant and immune functions. Glutathione is one of the body’s major naturally occurring antioxidants and participates in normal cellular defense processes.
The formulation therefore matters.
Request an AppointmentWhat Types of Support Can IV Therapy Provide?
Hydration & Electrolyte Support
Fluids and electrolytes can provide additional hydration and help replenish electrolytes when appropriate.
Nutritional Support
Selected vitamins and minerals can provide additional nutritional support and help support normal metabolic and cellular functions.
Energy & Recovery Support
Nutrients involved in normal cellular energy production, muscle function, and recovery may be incorporated when appropriate.
Immune & Antioxidant Support
Nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc, and glutathione may be incorporated to support normal immune and antioxidant functions.
What About Glutathione?
Glutathione is an antioxidant produced naturally within the body and plays an important role in protecting cells from oxidative stress.
It also participates in the body’s normal processing and elimination of certain compounds.
Glutathione may be incorporated into an IV protocol when additional antioxidant support is considered appropriate.
Individualized to You
At Pivotal Health, we don’t believe everyone needs the same IV.
The choice of nutrients may take into consideration your:
- Health history
- Current health concerns and goals
- Diet and digestive function
- Medications and supplements
- Nutritional status
- Laboratory findings when appropriate
- Kidney, cardiovascular, and other relevant medical considerations
- Previous response to IV therapy
Our IV program is offered in collaboration with Chin Cheng Tai (Cliff), APRN, providing appropriate medical screening and oversight while allowing IV nutritional therapy to complement a broader individualized health plan.
What Happens During an IV Session?
Before beginning IV therapy, your health history and the appropriateness of the proposed infusion are reviewed.
A small intravenous catheter is placed into a vein, and the selected solution is administered gradually. During the infusion, you can sit comfortably, read, work, listen to music, or simply relax.
The length of the session varies according to the formulation and amount of fluid being administered.
Is IV Therapy Appropriate for Everyone?
No.
Medical history, medications, allergies, kidney function, cardiovascular health, fluid balance, and other factors may influence whether IV therapy—or a particular nutrient—is appropriate.
Certain nutrients and higher-dose protocols may require additional laboratory testing or screening before they are administered.
This is one of the reasons our IV services are provided in collaboration with an experienced APRN and with appropriate medical screening and oversight.
Another Level of Nutritional Support
IV therapy doesn’t replace good nutrition, healthy digestion, adequate sleep, movement, or appropriate medical care.
Instead, it provides another route for delivering selected nutrients when additional support may be useful.
For the appropriate individual, IV therapy can become one component of a broader health or recovery protocol.