IV Drops

What is IV nutrient therapy?

Intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy delivers vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other micronutrients directly into your bloodstream through an infusion. Unlike oral supplements that must pass through your digestive system, IV delivery achieves complete bioavailability. Your body can use 100% of the nutrients rather than the smaller fraction absorbed through your gut. This method originated in hospitals to treat acute deficiencies and chronic diseases, but has expanded into wellness clinics and functional medicine practices.

How IV therapy differs from oral supplements

The key advantage is bypassing your digestive tract entirely. Oral vitamin C, for instance, typically maxes out at 200-400 mg absorption per dose. IV administration can deliver 50-100 times that amount, achieving blood concentrations impossible through pills or powders alone. This matters because certain therapeutic effects, such as antioxidant and immune-modulating activity, only appear at higher plasma levels.

People with digestive disorders, malabsorption syndromes, or chronic illnesses often benefit most. Those with inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, or post-surgical digestive changes may struggle to absorb oral nutrients effectively. IV therapy offers an alternative route that does not depend on gut health.

Common IV formulations and their uses

High-dose vitamin C

Used widely in integrative oncology settings, high-dose vitamin C infusions (typically 25-100 grams) aim to support immune function and may work alongside conventional cancer treatments ^[1]. Research suggests it can act as a pro-oxidant at these concentrations, potentially targeting cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue.

Myers' cocktail

This classic blend combines B vitamins, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin C. Practitioners use it for fatigue, fibromyalgia, migraines, and general wellness support ^[2]. The original formula was developed by Dr. John Myers in the 1960s and has been modified by various clinics since.

NAD+ infusions

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme essential for cellular energy production. IV NAD+ has gained popularity for claims around anti-aging, addiction recovery, and cognitive enhancement, though clinical evidence remains limited.

Glutathione and amino acid blends

Glutathione, your body's master antioxidant, is often added to IV protocols to support detoxification pathways. Amino acid mixtures target muscle recovery, immune support, and protein synthesis.

What the research shows

Evidence supporting IV nutrient therapy varies considerably by nutrient and condition. Established medical uses include correcting documented deficiencies, managing acute illness, and supporting chemotherapy patients ^[3]. A 2018 review in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that while vitamin C infusions show promise for certain conditions, many wellness claims lack rigorous clinical support.

For healthy individuals with adequate diets, the benefits are less certain. Your body typically excretes excess water-soluble vitamins through urine. IV therapy cannot overcome fundamental lifestyle factors like poor sleep, inactivity, or chronic stress. The Federal Trade Commission has warned several IV clinics about unsupported health claims.

Safety considerations

IV therapy is generally safe when administered by trained medical professionals using sterile equipment. Common side effects include bruising at the injection site, vein irritation, and rare allergic reactions. High-dose vitamin C can cause oxalate kidney stones in susceptible individuals. People with kidney disease, heart failure, or certain genetic conditions should avoid specific formulations.

Always ensure treatments happen in licensed medical facilities with proper emergency equipment. Ask about the provider's credentials, the pharmacy sourcing their nutrients, and their protocol for handling adverse reactions.