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Dr Rory Dower

Home»Procedures»Health and Wellness»Vitamin IV Drips

Vitamin IV Drips

Vitamin Drips are a unique way to support your health and wellbeing and can be very effective for improving nutrient deficiencies inside the cells, (where DNA repair takes place). They comprise of any intravenous therapy that enhances a patient’s health or well-being. This may include the administration of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants and other essential micronutrients by intravenous infusion.

Although most vitamins can be taken orally, intestinal malabsorption can decrease their efficacy.
During an IV infusion, vitamins, trace elements and electrolytes are administered directly into your bloodstream, which offers higher bioavailability and quicker increases in plasma concentrations. To be most effective they should be administered on a regular and consistent basis.

Myer’s cocktail

Myer’s cocktail

The benchmark for nutritional therapy, this is the “all-rounder” that supports overall wellbeing. Consisting of high doses of B vitamins and magnesium, along with other nutrients, the ‘calm IV’ can result in immediate relaxation, lowering of blood pressure, and easing of anxiety.
This is a well-known and highly effective IV formulation for adrenal support and stress release. It has also been shown to be helpful in reducing migraine pain and muscle spasms, and in helping with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.
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Super Immune

Super Immune

A high dose vitamin C and multivitamin/mineral combination that is great for those who are worn down by stress or illness, or those just seeking to stay healthy and energized. A great IV to promote inner health and overall wellbeing, especially during times of stress.
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Detox and Glow drip

Detox and Glow drip

The ultimate detox infusion, this super antioxidant IV helps combat free radicals and promotes cell renewal within your body. The detoxification effect on the skin is commonly known as the “glutathione glow”
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Rapid Hydration

Rapid Hydration

Offers relief for jet lag and hangovers, whilst hydrating and restoring the body to their natural levels
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Performance Enhancement

Performance Enhancement

Some athletes choose IV therapy as a way of enhancing their training and recovery abilities. Vitamins and minerals are essential to a properly and efficiently functioning metabolism (as well as aiding in tissue repair and regeneration).
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Our quality nutrient infusions are directly sourced from South Africa’s expert leader in compounded preparations and intravenous therapy.

FAQs about Vitamin infusions

What to expect

During your first visit, our doctor will discuss your primary concerns and possible benefits of IV treatment. She will review your
health, medical and surgical history and any medications you are taking. If you have any complex medical conditions, our doctor may request you obtain blood work or further testing and/or your personal GP’s approval prior to administering any IV infusions. Intravenous Therapy (IV) supplements are delivered through a sterile fluid drip via a sterile cannula inserted into a vein in the arm. Depending on your IV cocktail, the infusion can be finished in as little as 30 minutes.

Are there side-effects to intravenous vitamin drips?

Severe side effects from vitamin drips are uncommon, however you may experience mild effects such as facial flushing, thirst, and mild dizziness. Our medical doctor is on hand to provide the best care to patients and offer support and advice.

What nutrients are administered intravenously?

Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
Intravenous Vitamin C is widely used by integrative medical practitioners and complementary medicine therapists worldwide. It is used as both an antioxidant and to boost the immune system (by stimulating the production of interferon). It is helpful in wound healing, immunotherapy and reducing oxidative stress loads. Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C), is a good example of a vitamin that can be taken orally but in relatively lower dosages to avoid stomach upset. In contrast, large doses of vitamin C, which can be very beneficial for the immune system, can be administered safely intravenously.

Gluthatione
Glutathione has been named one of the most amazing natural protective substances discovered, based on it’s efficacy in 5 areas

  1. It enhances the immune system by providing for the unimpeded multiplication of lymphocytes and antibodies
  2. It is an excellent antioxidant and free radical scavenger
  3. It maintains other antioxidants in the cells, like vitamin C and E, in their active forms
  4. It is a powerful detoxification agent and helps to remove toxic compounds from the cell. Like a chelator, it acts through direct conjugation to remove xenobotics in the cells like heavy metals
  5. It plays an important role in various metabolic and biochemical repair processes e.g. DNA synthesis and repair and protein synthesis

The detoxification effect on the skin is commonly known as the “glutathione glow"

Lipoic acid
Lipoic acid is present in many foods, but slightly more so in kidney, heart, liver, spinach, broccoli, and yeast extract. Naturally occurring ALA is always chemically bound and not readily available from dietary sources.  It is a cofactor for at least five enzyme systems (2 of which are in the citric acid cycle, which help cells turn nutrients into energy). ALA improves the antioxidant status of the cell, aiding scavenging activity for products that cause inflammation and tissue damage. It has a therapeutic and anti-aging effects due to gene transcription. Interestingly, in Japan, ALA is marketed primarily as a "weight loss" and "energy" supplement. In Germany, ALA is approved as a drug against diabetes complications since 1966 and is available by prescription for peripheral diabetic neuropathy, intravenous administration of alpha lipoic acid leads to a short-term improvement

Vitamin B mix
In combination, the B-vitamins help to provide optimal health. They are important in glucose metabolism, as well as stabilization of brain chemistry and thyroid function. Vitamin B replenishment can relieve leg cramps, treat insomnia and improve irritability. HRT and hormonal contraceptives may deplete vitamin B levels and supplementation should be given in these patients. When giving high vitamin C doses, increased cellular metabolism of vitamin B is induced, and intravenous vitamin B is necessary to counteract this.

Magnesium
As the fourth most abundant element in the human body, adequate magnesium levels maintain normal muscle tissue, support immune function and keep nerves functioning properly. Magnesium IV therapy results in relaxation of the heart and dilates blood vessels which allows the heart to work more efficiently. Reports suggest that magnesium may be helpful in ameliorating the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Zinc
An important trace element that is a component in over 100 enzymes including many involved in nucleic acid synthesis and energy production.

Selenium
A trace element which is a valuable component in glutathione peroxidase (an enzyme that helps protect cells from oxidation)

How much does a vitamin drip cost?

They range from R900 (when done as an add on to a skin treatment) – R1400 for some standalone treatments.