Vit c drip. Intravenous Vitamin C: Benefits, Applications, and Clinical Insights
How does intravenous vitamin C differ from oral supplementation. What are the potential health benefits of high-dose vitamin C therapy. Can intravenous vitamin C support immune function and energy levels. Is high-dose vitamin C safe and effective for cancer patients.
The Crucial Role of Vitamin C in Human Health
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions. Our bodies cannot produce this vitamin on their own, making it crucial to obtain it through diet or supplementation. Severe vitamin C deficiency can lead to a condition called scurvy, which manifests with symptoms such as bleeding, hair and tooth loss, joint pain, and swelling. If left untreated, scurvy can be fatal.
While consuming vitamin C through foods like oranges and lemons can prevent scurvy, achieving optimal health often requires more than what diet alone can provide. This is where intravenous (IV) vitamin C therapy comes into play.
Oral vs. Intravenous Vitamin C Absorption
Is there a significant difference between oral and intravenous vitamin C absorption? Indeed, there is. When consumed orally, only about 18% of vitamin C is absorbed by the body. In contrast, intravenous administration ensures 100% bioavailability, allowing for higher concentrations to be achieved in the bloodstream and tissues.
The Power of High-Dose Vitamin C Therapy
High-dose vitamin C therapy, delivered intravenously, offers a range of potential health benefits. These include:
- Supporting adrenal gland function
- Maintaining energy levels
- Improving and protecting skin health
- Strengthening tendons and bones
- Boosting immune system function
- Combating side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy
When is high-dose vitamin C therapy particularly beneficial? This treatment can be especially useful in situations such as:
- Periods of increased stress
- Excessive fatigue
- Need for immune system support against acute or chronic infections
- Skin restoration after sun damage or surgery
- Managing side effects of cancer treatments
The Multifaceted Functions of Vitamin C in the Body
Why does vitamin C have such broad applications in health and wellness? The answer lies in its involvement in several crucial physiological processes:
- Collagen production
- Adrenaline and carnitine synthesis
- Immune system enhancement
- Potent antioxidant activity
Let’s explore each of these functions in more detail.
Collagen Production: The Foundation of Structural Integrity
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, serving as a crucial component of various tissues. What role does vitamin C play in collagen production? Vitamin C is an essential cofactor in the synthesis of collagen, working alongside amino acids like proline and lysine.
Inadequate collagen production can lead to several health issues, including:
- Thin, fragile skin
- Weakened blood vessel walls
- Reduced bone density
- Increased risk of tendon and ligament injuries
By providing high doses of vitamin C intravenously, it’s possible to support and enhance collagen production, potentially preventing these negative outcomes.
Energy Production: Vitamin C as a Metabolic Catalyst
How does vitamin C contribute to energy production in the body? This vital nutrient plays a key role in the synthesis of carnitine, a molecule that facilitates the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy production.
Can high-dose vitamin C therapy improve energy levels? Research suggests it can. A 2011 study demonstrated that intravenous administration of 10 grams of vitamin C reduced fatigue in office workers within two hours, with effects lasting up to 24 hours.
Immune System Support: Vitamin C as a Defensive Ally
Vitamin C has long been associated with immune system support, but how exactly does it bolster our defenses? This nutrient may have direct effects against infectious agents such as bacteria and viruses. At very high doses, vitamin C can generate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which may contribute to its antimicrobial properties.
Historically, high-dose intramuscular vitamin C injections were used to treat polio before the advent of vaccines. More recent research in mice has shown that vitamin C supplementation can enhance the production of anti-influenza cytokines, improving the ability to fight viral infections.
Antioxidant Properties: Protecting Cellular Integrity
What makes vitamin C such a potent antioxidant? Its molecular structure allows it to neutralize free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are harmful byproducts of cellular metabolism and environmental stressors.
This antioxidant activity is particularly beneficial in high-stress states, chronic illnesses, and during infections. Research has demonstrated that vitamin C’s antioxidant properties can reduce the severity of symptoms associated with H2N1 influenza virus infections, making it a valuable adjunct therapy.
Vitamin C in Cancer Treatment: Exploring the Potential
The role of vitamin C in cancer treatment remains a topic of ongoing research and debate. While large-scale studies are yet to provide definitive conclusions, what do we know about the potential benefits and safety of high-dose vitamin C for cancer patients?
Safety and Tolerability
Is high-dose vitamin C therapy safe for cancer patients? Current evidence suggests that even very high doses of intravenous vitamin C (up to 1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight, or over 100 grams) are generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
A common concern about high-dose vitamin C therapy has been the potential for kidney stone formation due to increased oxalic acid levels. However, recent studies have dispelled this myth, showing that oxalic acid levels remain well-controlled even with high doses of vitamin C.
Potential Mechanisms of Action
How might high-dose vitamin C affect cancer cells? At high concentrations, vitamin C can act as a pro-oxidant rather than an antioxidant. This is due to its interaction with oxygen and iron, which leads to the formation of high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in tissues.
Why is this significant? Hydrogen peroxide is used by immune cells to kill foreign invaders and may have similar effects on cancer cells. This pro-oxidant effect of high-dose vitamin C is one of the mechanisms being studied for its potential anti-cancer properties.
Clinical Applications and Considerations
While the potential benefits of high-dose vitamin C therapy are promising, it’s essential to approach this treatment with proper medical supervision. What should patients and healthcare providers consider before initiating intravenous vitamin C therapy?
Pre-treatment Testing
Before administering high-dose vitamin C, certain tests are typically recommended:
- G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) test
- Comprehensive chemistry panel blood tests
These tests help ensure that the patient can safely receive high doses of vitamin C and allow for proper dosing and monitoring of treatment effects.
Personalized Treatment Plans
How should high-dose vitamin C therapy be tailored to individual patients? The optimal dosage and frequency of treatments may vary depending on factors such as:
- The patient’s overall health status
- The specific condition being treated
- Any concurrent medical treatments or medications
- Individual response to therapy
Healthcare providers should work closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that maximize potential benefits while minimizing risks.
Future Directions in Vitamin C Research
As our understanding of vitamin C’s role in health and disease continues to evolve, what areas of research hold the most promise? Several exciting avenues are currently being explored:
Cancer Research
While the use of high-dose vitamin C in cancer treatment remains controversial, ongoing studies are investigating its potential as an adjunct therapy. Key areas of focus include:
- Synergistic effects with conventional cancer treatments
- Mechanisms of action against specific cancer types
- Optimal dosing strategies for maximum efficacy
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Can high-dose vitamin C therapy play a role in preventing or treating neurodegenerative conditions? Researchers are exploring its potential in diseases such as:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Cardiovascular Health
How might intravenous vitamin C therapy impact cardiovascular health? Studies are investigating its potential benefits for:
- Reducing inflammation in blood vessels
- Improving endothelial function
- Supporting heart health in patients with chronic conditions
Immune Function and Infectious Diseases
Building on existing research, scientists continue to explore the role of high-dose vitamin C in enhancing immune function and combating infectious diseases. Areas of interest include:
- Viral infections, including influenza and COVID-19
- Bacterial infections and sepsis
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
Integrating High-Dose Vitamin C Therapy into Holistic Health Approaches
While intravenous vitamin C therapy shows promise in various health applications, how can it be integrated into a comprehensive approach to wellness? Consider the following strategies:
Complementary Therapies
High-dose vitamin C therapy can be combined with other evidence-based treatments and lifestyle interventions, such as:
- Nutritional counseling and dietary modifications
- Stress reduction techniques (e.g., meditation, yoga)
- Regular exercise and physical activity
- Other targeted nutritional supplements
Preventive Health Strategies
How can high-dose vitamin C therapy be incorporated into preventive health measures? Some potential applications include:
- Seasonal immune system support
- Pre- and post-operative care to enhance healing
- Stress management and burnout prevention
- Anti-aging and longevity support
Personalized Medicine Approaches
As the field of personalized medicine continues to advance, how might high-dose vitamin C therapy be tailored to individual genetic profiles and health needs? Future research may explore:
- Genetic markers that influence vitamin C metabolism and efficacy
- Precision dosing based on individual biomarkers
- Combination therapies that synergize with vitamin C’s effects
Practical Considerations for Patients and Providers
For those considering high-dose vitamin C therapy, what practical factors should be taken into account? Here are some key considerations:
Treatment Logistics
How is high-dose vitamin C therapy typically administered? The process usually involves:
- Intravenous infusion in a clinical setting
- Treatment sessions lasting 1-3 hours
- Frequency of treatments tailored to individual needs
Cost and Insurance Coverage
What are the financial implications of high-dose vitamin C therapy? Patients should consider:
- Treatment costs, which can vary widely depending on location and provider
- Insurance coverage, which may be limited for this therapy
- Potential out-of-pocket expenses for testing and follow-up care
Finding Qualified Providers
How can patients find healthcare professionals experienced in administering high-dose vitamin C therapy? Consider the following strategies:
- Seek referrals from integrative or functional medicine practitioners
- Research clinics specializing in IV nutrient therapies
- Consult with naturopathic doctors or other holistic health providers
The Future of High-Dose Vitamin C Therapy: Challenges and Opportunities
As research into high-dose vitamin C therapy continues to evolve, what challenges and opportunities lie ahead? Consider the following aspects:
Standardization and Quality Control
How can the medical community ensure consistent quality and efficacy in high-dose vitamin C treatments? Key areas for improvement include:
- Developing standardized protocols for administration
- Establishing quality control measures for IV vitamin C preparations
- Creating guidelines for patient selection and monitoring
Education and Training
What steps are needed to enhance healthcare provider knowledge about high-dose vitamin C therapy? Consider the following initiatives:
- Incorporating IV nutrient therapy into medical and nursing curricula
- Offering continuing education courses for practicing clinicians
- Developing certification programs for specialists in IV nutrient therapies
Research Funding and Clinical Trials
How can the scientific community advance our understanding of high-dose vitamin C therapy? Priorities may include:
- Securing funding for large-scale, randomized controlled trials
- Investigating long-term effects and optimal treatment protocols
- Exploring potential applications in emerging health challenges
As we continue to unravel the complexities of vitamin C’s role in human health, high-dose intravenous therapy remains a promising area of study and clinical application. By addressing challenges and capitalizing on opportunities, the medical community can work towards optimizing this treatment modality for the benefit of patients across a wide range of health conditions.
High Dose Vitamin C IV
HIGH DOSE VITAMIN C IV
Vitamin C is essential to life itself. We can’t live without it, and our bodies can’t make any of it.
Deprived of vitamin C, your body falls apart at the very root. In extreme cases you end up with a condition called scurvy that involves bleeding, hair and tooth loss, joint pain and swelling, and eventually death.
Fortunately, even small amounts of vitamin C from foods like oranges and lemons prevents this condition. Unfortunately, food and oral supplements usually aren’t enough to achieve optimal health.
You see, only about 18% of the vitamin C we consume is absorbed by our bodies. However, when it’s delivered by IV, vitamin C is 100% bioavailable. That means you can support your adrenal glands, maintain energy levels, improve and protect your skin, strengthen tendons and bones, boost you immune system and fight chemotherapy / radiation side effects with the power of high dose vitamin C.
High dose vitamin C is especially useful any time you are under greater than usual amounts of stress, feeling excessive fatigue, when your immune system needs bolstering to fight acute or chronic viral and bacterial infections, when your skin needs to be restored to glowing conditions such as after sun damage or surgery and to help improve the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy like fatigue, nausea and vomiting.
Testing: G6PD, (Buy G6PD test $49) Chemistry panel blood tests required.
Vitamin C has such broad applications because it is a key factor in collagen production (skin, blood vessels, ligaments and bones), adrenalin and carnitine synthesis (energy), it directly boosts the immune system, and it has a potent antioxidant function. So let’s look at each of these in turn.
Collagen Production
Collagen is the structural protein found in all animal tissue. It holds our muscles to our bones, provides structural support for veins and arteries, and more.
Vitamin C is required for collagen synthesis along with the amino acids proline and lysine (1). When you don’t have enough collagen, you may have thin skin and weaker blood vessels, bones, tendons and ligaments. This can lead to aneurysms (blood vessel wall thinning), possible stroke, and even the ruptured ligaments and tendons commonly seen in sports injuries.
High doses of vitamin C when administered by IV can bolster skin and connective tissue and prevent these outcomes.
Energy Production
Vitamin C is required in the breakdown of fat for energy use. It takes part in the synthesis of a molecule called carnitine which serves as a shuttle bringing fats into the mitochondria in our cells for energy production.
This means it can have a powerful influence on our energy levels. For example, a 2011 scientific study showed high dose (10 grams) vitamin C given by IV reduced fatigue in office workers after 2 hours and continued its effect for 24 hours (2)
Immune Support
Vitamin C may have a direct effect against infectious agents like bacteria, viruses, and even cancer cells. (The use of Vitamin C in cancer is still controversial but is being studied and is promising… read more below.) At very high doses it can generate peroxide (h3O2) which may account for this effect.
Before the polio vaccine, vitamin C was used as a high dose intramuscular injection every 8 hours in the treatment of polio with some success. More recently in mice genetically modified to lose the ability to make vitamin C, external vitamin C was shown to increase the mice’s ability to increase anti-influenza cytokines (powerful immune system cells) and fight influenza virus infections (3).
Antioxidant Properties
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps protect cell structures like collagen, proteins, and DNA from damage by free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are common in high stress states, chronic illness and infections.
Research has shown that the antioxidant properties of vitamin C can reduce the severity of symptoms associated with h2N1 influenza virus and is considered an important add-on therapy in surviving the flu (4).
Cancer and Chemotherapy
The role of vitamin C as a therapy for cancer is very controversial. No large scale studies have been done to definitively conclude one way or another if vitamin C has a role in the treatment of cancer. Here is what we do know:
- Vitamin C even in high doses of 1.5 grams/ kg (over 100 grams) is safe and tolerated very well with very few side effects. Even the myth of kidney stones (oxalic acid) has been dispelled in recent studies which have shown that oxalic acid levels remain well controlled even with high doses of vitamin C. (5)
- IV vitamin C becomes an oxidant at high doses as opposed to its antioxidant function at lower doses. This is because vitamin C interacts with oxygen and iron to cause the formation of high concentrations of peroxide (h3O2) in tissues. Peroxide is used by immune cells to kill foreign invaders and cancer cells. Vitamin C also depletes ATP and causes DNA damage to cancer cells. (7)
- High dose IV vitamin C can be used safely in conjunction with chemotherapy (except methotrexate) and radiation in certain situations in which the patient’s oncological team is aware of and has agreed to incorporate vitamin C as a treatment modality. (5, 6)
- High dose IV vitamin C may improve mood and energy for patients undergoing cancer treatment using other modalities. (5)
- High dose IV vitamin C can be used safely in treatment of terminal cancers which have not responded to chemotherapy and radiation treatment even if it may be of limited use in further killing these cancer cells. (5)
Some of the most active treatment and research for the use of high dose IV vitamin C is coming out of The Riordan Clinic in Wichita, Kansas where they have been using it for decades. The clinic has published a well-known protocol that has become a standard for scientific studies on high dose IV vitamin C. This protocol is what we follow in our clinic, and can be accessed here.
In addition, the University of Kansas Medical Center is also actively researching the use of high dose IV vitamin C in cancer, and has a full time clinic with 10 chairs and 2 isolation rooms dedicated solely to the treatment of cancer patients with this therapy. You can read more about it here and here.
Lastly, the US Government NIH National Cancer Institute publishes updated information on the current state of research and knowledge on the use of high dose IV vitamin C in the treatment of cancer. This can be accessed here.
Vitamin C (ascorbate) is a powerful antioxidant and several critical enzymes require vitamin C in the synthesis of collagen from proline and lysine. Vitamin C is, therefore, required for the maintenance of normal connective tissue as well as for wound healing since synthesis of connective tissue is the first event in wound tissue remodeling. Vitamin C is also necessary for bone remodeling due to the presence of collagen in the organic matrix of bones.
Vitamin C is required for conversion of tyrosine to epinephrine (adrenalin), and the synthesis of the bile. It is present in high amounts in the adrenal gland cortex and these levels are depleted after adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation of the gland and synthesis of the stress hormone cortisol, which is why it’s important to replete vitamin C level during times of high stress.
References
- Mussini E, Hutton JJ, Udenfriend S. Collagen proline hydroxylase in wound healing, granuloma formation, scurvy, and growth. Science. 157:927-9.
- Suh SY, Bae WK, Ahn HY, Choi SE, Jung GC, Yeom, CH. Intravenous Vitamin C administration reduces fatigue in office workers: a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Nutr J, 11(7).
- Kim, Y, Kim H, Bae S, Choi J, Lim SY, Lee N, Lee, WJ. Vitamin C is an essential factor on the anti-viral immune responses through the production of interferon-α/β at the initial stage of influenza A virus (h4N2) infection. Immune network, 13(2), 70-74.
- Uchide N, Toyoda H. Antioxidant therapy as a potential approach to severe influenza-associated complications. Molecules, 16(3), 2032-2052.
- Hoffer LJ, Robitaille L, Zakarian R, Melnychuk D, Kavan P, Agulnik J, Miller Jr WH. High-Dose Intravenous Vitamin C Combined with Cytotoxic Chemotherapy in Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Phase I-II Clinical Trial.
- Ma Y, Chapman J, Levine M, Polireddy K, Drisko J, Chen Q. High-dose parenteral ascorbate enhanced chemosensitivity of ovarian cancer and reduced toxicity of chemotherapy. Science translational medicine, 6(222), 222ra18-222ra18.
- Tian W, Wang Y, Xu Y, Guo X, Wang B, Sun L, Esteban MA. The hypoxia-inducible factor renders cancer cells more sensitive to vitamin C-induced toxicity. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 289(6), 3339-3351.
Vitamin C Injection and Intravenous Vitamin C: Purpose and More
Vitamin C Injection and Intravenous Vitamin C: Purpose and More
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Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. D. — By the Healthline Medical Network — Updated on December 8, 2018
Overview
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient in our diet. It has many important roles our body’s immune function, including:
- wound healing
- preventing damage to cells
- building collagen
- producing chemical messengers called neurotransmitters
Vitamin C can be found in many healthy foods, especially:
- citrus fruits and juice
- red and green peppers
- broccoli
- strawberries
- Brussels sprouts
You can also get vitamin C from dietary supplements. Vitamin C supplements are available in many forms:
- oral tablets
- chewable tablets
- extended-release tablets
- extended-release capsules
Vitamin C is also available by prescription as an injection. The injectable vitamin C can be given into a vein (intravenously), into a muscle (intramuscularly), or under the skin (subcutaneously).
Many people take vitamin C for general health or to boost their immune system. It’s also taken to treat vitamin C deficiency.
Vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy. Characteristic symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include:
- swollen and bleeding gums
- fatigue
- poor wound healing
- joint pain
- loose teeth
- colored spots on the skin
In some cases, signs of scurvy can occur within a month of consuming less than 10 milligrams (mg) per day of vitamin C.
Today, scurvy is rare in developed countries. It’s most likely to occur in people who:
- smoke
- consume a limited variety of food
- have nutrient absorption problems
Vitamin C injections are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating vitamin C deficiency. They’re also approved for helping to treat serious wounds from trauma or burns.
However, vitamin C injections are typically only used when vitamin C levels need to be increased quickly or when oral supplements can’t be taken due to poor absorption or other reasons.
Off-label use
Vitamin C injections are sometimes used off-label for other conditions, including:
- cancer
- general health
- immune function
- weight loss
Off-label drug use means that a drug that’s been approved by the FDA for one purpose is used for a different purpose that has not been approved. However, a doctor can still use the drug for that purpose. This is because the FDA regulates the testing and approval of drugs, but not how doctors use drugs to treat their patients. So your doctor can prescribe a drug however they think is best for your care. Learn more about off-label prescription drug use.
Cancer
As early as the 1970s, some researchers were suggesting that using high doses of intravenous vitamin C along with cancer drugs could improve treatment of cancer. Intravenous vitamin C can produce very high levels of vitamin C in the body. Researchers believe that these high vitamin C levels can be toxic to cancer cells without harming the healthy cells of the body.
Some researchers also believe that vitamin C might be able to reduce the side effects of cancer drugs.
However, the potential benefits of intravenous vitamin C in cancer treatment remains controversial. In a systematic review, researchers found inadequate evidence to determine if intravenous vitamin C was beneficial for cancer treatment.
General health and immune function
Some people receive vitamin C injections for general health or to boost immune function and for convenience. The injection means they don’t have to remember to take a supplement pill each day.
It’s true that vitamin C has an important function in the body, but it’s controversial whether taking additional vitamin C — orally or by injection — offers any advantage for people who consume adequate vitamin C in their diet.
The research is inconclusive regarding whether vitamin C reduces the chance of developing cancer, prevents heart disease, prevents eye disease such as macular degeneration, or prevents the common cold.
Weight loss
Vitamin C injection is sometimes used for weight loss. Some research suggests that people who don’t have adequate vitamin C intake aren’t able to burn fat very well.
This means that it’s important to ensure adequate intake of vitamin C. However, there is no scientific research showing that taking vitamin C supplements orally or vitamin C injections causes weight loss.
For treating vitamin C deficiency, the typical vitamin C injection dose is 200 mg once daily for up to a week.
For wound healing, the typical vitamin C injection dose is 1 gram once daily for 5 to 21 days.
For off-label uses, a wide variety of vitamin C injection doses have been used. These typically range from 10 to 100 grams. Doses may be given daily or periodically at different intervals.
Vitamin C injections are safe when used for FDA-approved reasons at typical doses. The most common side effects are pain and swelling at the injection site.
Very high doses of vitamin C injections also seem to have few side effects. Some of these include nausea and pain at injection site. Learn more about vitamin C side effects.
If you’re thinking about getting high doses of vitamin C through injection, talk with your doctor about the potential risks.
Vitamin C increases iron absorption from the food you eat. If you take very high doses of vitamin C, your body might absorb too much iron. This could be a potential problem if you already have high levels of iron in your body.
If you have kidney disease, very high doses of vitamin C might result in kidney damage.
High-dose vitamin C injections might increase your chance of developing a kidney stone. People who’ve had kidney stones in the past may have a greater risk.
When any injection is given, there is also risk for infection.
Vitamin C can interact with some other medications.
Vitamin C can make your urine more acidic. In some cases, this can change how your body gets rid of certain medication. This in turn can change levels of some medications in your body and result in decreased effectiveness or increased side effects. Some of these medications include:
- fluphenazine (Prolixin)
- magnesium salicylate (Novasal)
- mexiletine (Mexitil)
- salsalate
There is some concern that high-dose vitamin C might make radiation therapy and some chemotherapy drugs less effective. However, this is controversial, and more evidence is needed.
If you’re taking other medications or being treated for cancer, talk with your doctor before taking high-dose vitamin C injections.
Vitamin C injections are typically only used for correcting a vitamin C deficiency when oral supplements can’t be taken.
High-dose vitamin C injections are used for off-label conditions, especially cancer. Some researchers think that vitamin C injections can make chemotherapy work better or prevent some chemotherapy side effects. There is some research that suggests vitamin C injections might help reduce side effects and improve quality of life. More research is needed to determine if vitamin C can help fight cancer.
Some people use vitamin C injections for weight loss. However, there’s no scientific support for this use.
Talk with your doctor before using vitamin C injections.
Last medically reviewed on June 28, 2018
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Ascorbic acid – ascorbic acid injection solution. (2018).
dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a1bd3cf4-bc9d-4c86-861c-7c708daab07f - Bazzan AJ, et al. (2018). Retrospective evaluation of clinical experience with intravenous ascorbic acid in patients with cancer [Abstract].
journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1534735418775809 - High-dose vitamin C (PDQ) – health professional version. (2017).
cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/vitamin-c-pdq - Jacobs C, et al. (2015). Is there a role for oral or intravenous ascorbate (vitamin C) in treating patients with cancer? DOI:
10.1634/theoncologist.2014-0381 - Johnston CS. (2005). Strategies for healthy weight loss: From vitamin C to the glycemic response. DOI:
10.1080/07315724.2005.10719460 - Padayatty S, et al. (2006). Intravenously administered vitamin C as a cancer therapy: Three cases. DOI:
10.1503/cmaj.050346 - Vitamin C. (2015).
lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-C - Vitamin C. (2018).
ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Dec 8, 2018
Written By
the Healthline Medical Network
Edited By
Phoebe Campbell
Jun 28, 2018
Medically Reviewed By
Alan Carter, PharmD
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Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. D. — By the Healthline Medical Network — Updated on December 8, 2018
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Vitamin C drips being tested against coronavirus
Vitamin C drips being tested against coronavirus – ivtherapy
Vitamin C drips being tested in the fight against coronavirus
With the onset of the coronavirus (2019-nCoV) pandemic in 2019, people are constantly looking for ways to protect themselves from the virus or mitigate its effects once it has been diagnosed. Vitamin C is one of such remedies that is advertised on the Internet and in the media. In Ukraine, it is popular in all forms – tablets, syrup, capsules, it is impossible to imagine the treatment of many diseases, especially outpatient treatment, without vitamin C in the home first aid kit. Recently, in countries with the rapid development of the coronavirus epidemic, another form is increasingly being used – intravenous drips.
Vitamin C intravenously in the early stages of illness
Vitamin C is best known for its antioxidant properties, it is able to neutralize damaging reactive oxygen species, thereby protecting the cells and tissues of the body from oxidative damage and dysfunction. However, vitamin C also has many other important functions in the body, many of which are known to be related to supporting the immune system. During infection, the level of vitamin C in the body decreases and the person’s need for it increases depending on the severity of the infection. The most effective is intravenous administration (https://ivtherapy.com.ua/goods/kapelnitsy-vnutrivennye/), since it allows you to compensate for the increased metabolism of vitamin C in the shortest possible time.
Previous clinical studies in the US in 167 patients with pneumonia showed that intravenous administration of 15 g of vitamin C per day significantly alleviates the course of the disease, prevents damage to the alveolar canals of the lungs and the accumulation of fluid in them.
At the same time, researchers also note that intravenous vitamin C therapy is most effective in the early stages of the disease.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2752063
There is also evidence from other studies proving the effectiveness of high doses of vitamin C in patients with lung infections and acute respiratory viral infections:
https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/136/10/2611/4746705
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Vitamin C against coronavirus
COVID-19 infection is associated with the development of secondary pulmonary infection, acute respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis. Using clinical trial data, medical clinics in the US and Europe are successfully administering IV vitamin C to patients with COVID-19.
Also in February 2020, one of the first randomized clinical trials was launched in Wuhan, China, to confirm the positive effect of intravenous vitamin C in patients infected with the COVID-19 virus. Completion of the study is expected in September 2020, but interim results have already been published that prove the effectiveness of intravenous vitamin C in patients with COVID-19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7137406/#CR3
Another study from the University of Palermo also aims to confirm the effectiveness of intravenous vitamin C in patients with COVID-19.
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04323514
Similar clinical trials are being conducted in many countries around the world and we are waiting for confirmed and published data.
Intravenous administration of vitamin C has shown itself well for the prevention and relief of the symptoms of many diseases, the correction of various problems of the body. And further study of this issue has many prospects.
04/22/2020
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prices for an energy dropper in Moscow City at the Skin Art clinic
Composition of the dropper Energy
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a strong antioxidant that supports the immune system, has an anti-inflammatory effect, and accelerates the regeneration of healthy cells. The vitamin is involved in the synthesis of collagen, which is necessary for the formation of healthy cartilage and bone tissue, maintaining skin elasticity and density. Ascorbic acid strengthens the walls of blood vessels, thins the blood, prevents the formation of blood clots.
Cocarnit (group B vitamins, cocarboxylase)
Cocarnit (group B vitamins, cocarboxylase) – substances included in the preparation are active participants in fat, protein, carbohydrate metabolism. Cocarnit helps to process amino acid residues, utilizes ballast cells, stimulates the activity of enzymes responsible for intracellular metabolism. The vitamin complex maintains a physiologically normal level of hemoglobin, which is the main oxygen carrier in the body. Cocarnit has a positive effect on the state of the cardiovascular, nervous, digestive systems.
Riboxin
Riboxin – (a drug based on inosine) supports the functionality of the cardiovascular system, participates in the synthesis of enzymes, has a positive effect on the condition of the skin and mucous membranes. Inosine prevents cardiac arrhythmias, helps to maintain the work of the heart in case of insufficient oxygen supply. Regular intake of Riboxin reduces the risk of developing coronary disease. The drug increases the force of contraction of the heart muscle, participates in the synthesis of AIF, strengthens blood vessels, and prevents the formation of blood clots.
How the procedure works
The doctor prescribes the Energiya intravenous drip after consultation and history taking. If, based on the results of the interview, a refined diagnosis is required, the specialist will write out referrals. During the procedure, the patient takes a comfortable position (reclining or lying down). The vitamin complex is administered intravenously. The duration of one session is 30 minutes.
The effect of the energy drop
The Energia drop first of all makes up for the lack of nutrients the body needs for full-fledged physical and mental activity. The components that make up the infusion therapy do not cause addiction and dependence. This is an effective help to the body, which supports the functioning of functional systems during the period of its weakening.
Infusion therapy quickly gives results. Already after the first session, fatigue decreases, a surge of strength is felt, cheerfulness appears. In the process of treatment, positive changes are fixed. Patients note an improvement in appearance, which is expressed in the disappearance of edema in the face, restoration of shine and strength of the hair, increased skin elasticity, and strengthening of nails. The emotional state stabilizes (people tolerate the effects of stress better), standard everyday situations do not cause strong irritation. Normal sleep is restored, the need for frequent use of stimulants (coffee, strong tea, energy drinks) disappears.
The Energy dropper enhances and consolidates the effect of cosmetic procedures, helps to quickly recover from viral infections.
Number of sessions
Number of sessions, from 5 to 10 (according to indications), the frequency of holding is once a week. Repetition of the course with the appointment of an energy dropper – on average, after six months.
Indications for prescription
- Fatigue.
- Apathy, melancholy or depression.
- Decrease in intellectual functions (it is difficult for a person to concentrate on solving work tasks, analyze the situation, make the right decision).
- Sleep disturbance (drowsiness or insomnia).
- Feeling constantly tired (increased use of coffee and other stimulants only aggravates the opening).
- Long-term drug therapy (impairs the speed and nature of metabolic processes).
- Avitaminosis.
- Physical fatigue.
- Mental stress.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to the components of the solution.
- Incompatibility with drugs that the patient takes constantly.
- All types of infectious diseases.
- The period of exacerbation of chronic diseases.
- Diseases of the hematopoietic organs, oncological pathologies.