What is IV nutrition?
An IV or ‘Vitamin’ Infusion is often given to deliver large doses of nutrients to the blood. It is undertaken for a range of reasons including:
- Vitamin deficiency
- Hangover
- Wellness
- Immune therapy
- Fatigue
- Depression
An ‘IV’ or Intravenous is the infusion of liquid substances directly into a vein; this is quite
commonly called a drip. This method allows immediate access to the blood supply.
IV nutrient solutions contain liquid vitamins, minerals and amino acids mixed with saline (a sterile salt water solution).
What is the benefit of using IV nutrition instead of taking supplements?
There is a limit to how many vitamins our gut can absorb from supplementation. Often, transport receptors are overwhelmed. In other cases, other substances in the gut will bind to the nutrient and cause it to not be absorbed.
IV nutrition enables a much higher concentration of nutrient to hit the cell directly in the blood.
What is being given during IV nutrition?
IV nutrient protocols vary as per the practice and the patient’s needs. They may have…
- B Vitamins (B1 and B12) as B complex
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Zinc
- Vitamin C
Sometimes, a single nutrient will be infused based on clinical need
- Glutathione
- NAD+
- Iron
What is the procedure like?
The procedure involves having a small plastic tube inserted into a vein, and being seated for 30-45 minutes whilst the infusion takes place.
There may be some discomfort from inserting the needle similar to a blood test; numbing cream may be used.
During the infusion, most patients do not notice any changes however there is the rare possibility of dizziness, heart racing, a flushing sensation and the need to go to the toilet.
What are the risks of IV nutrition?
Very rarely, a patient can be allergic to a substance in the IV. This may cause redness of the skin and lips and potentially serious breathing issues called anaphylaxis. An anaphylaxis emergency kit is available in the highly rare event that this occurs.
Other potential side effects include…
- Temporary changes in taste (metallic)
- Shortness of breath, breathing tightness
- Itching, rash, hives
- Fever, flushing or shivering
- Changes to blood pressure or heart rate
- Burning or swelling at injection site
- Headaches/Dizziness
- Nausea
You must tell your doctor or nurse about any allergies, medications, reactions to IV nutrients such as iron or other medications prior to having the procedure.
Is IV nutrition safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
The use of IV nutrition is generally safe in pregnancy so long as thorough blood tests and clinical investigation have taken place and that infusion is appropriate for treating a deficiency.
In general, it is preferable to abstain from IV nutrition in pregnancy and breastfeeding unless clinically essential, as the effect has not been sufficiently studied.
