IV Nutrient Therapy

What is IV nutrient therapy?

IV nutrient therapy is the process of giving high dose nutrients through the bloodstream by accessing a vein with a small needle. The nutrients are pushed in to the vein slowly from a syringe over 15-20 minutes. 

What are the benefits of IV nutrient therapy?

Nutrients delivered directly into the bloodstream reduce any issues of absorption, or digestive upset.  Many patients have a difficult time remembering to take or have an aversion to taking oral supplements. IV supplementation may be a good alternative for this population. IV therapy can also deliver nutrients in higher doses than can be delivered orally. As a result, there is much data on using IV nutrients for certain health conditions.

What types of nutrients can be given through IV?

While many nutrients can be given through IV, currently the Raby Institute offers IV glutathione and Meyer’s cocktails.

Glutathione in its reduced form is the body’s most powerful antioxidant. Many illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease, liver disease, diabetes, uremia, sepsis, inflammatory lung processes, coronary heart disease, cancer, and immunodeficiency states are associated with decreased levels of glutathione and show benefit from repletion. IV glutathione treatment is administered via a slow push from a syringe over 15-30 minutes, depending on the dosage.

IV Meyer’s cocktail was developed by John Myers, MD in the 1970’s. It consists of magnesium, calcium, selenium, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), dexpanthenol (vitamin B5), hydroxycobalamin (vitamin B12), B Complex, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). It has been found to be effective against asthma, migraines, fatigue (including chronic fatigue syndrome), fibromyalgia, acute muscle spasm, upper respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, cardiovascular disease, and other disorders. The Myers’ Cocktail is administered through a slow push over a 15-20 minute period.

How do I get a referral if I think IV nutrient treatments would benefit me?

If you are interested in finding out if IV nutrient therapy would be appropriate for you, you may schedule with one of our Doctors or Nurse Practitioners to learn more. Blood work may be ordered during this visit.

Are there any contra-indications to IV therapy?

The majority of people can tolerate most IV nutrient therapies. Occasionally, an individual may have a severe allergy to a nutrient and therefore should not receive that nutrient IV. If you suffer from kidney or heart disease or high blood pressure some of the nutrient IV’s may not be right for you.

Are there any complications from IV Therapy?

Generally, IV nutrition therapy is well tolerated with minimum occurrences of complications. However, local and systemic complications can occur.  

Local complications include pain and bruising at the site of injection. Swelling of the injection area can occur if the IV fluid has leaked into the surrounding tissue. Occasionally, a vein may become irritated or inflamed. Infection may occur and is characterized by pain, fever, or redness streaking up from the site of injection. If this occurs your physician should be notified immediately. Most local complications will resolve with little intervention.

Systemic complications include anaphylactic allergy, fainting spells, systemic infections, and increase stress on heart and kidneys in those with a previous history of kidney or heart conditions. 

Is IV Therapy covered by my medical insurance?

Medical insurances do not cover IV nutrients. Fees for IV nutrients are variable depending on the substance and amount of time involved in dispensing these therapies. Therefore, payment is due at time of service. 

Call 312.276.1212 to schedule an appointment with a Raby Institute provider to discuss this amazing option for healthy living.