IV Vitamin C Therapy
When given intravenously, vitamin C reaches blood concentrations 50 times higher than oral supplements, enabling therapeutic effects impossible with pills alone. Support your immune system, recover faster and optimize your health.
higher blood levels than oral vitamin C
absorption (bypasses digestive limits)
minutes per treatment session
well-tolerated with minimal side effects
Why IV Instead of Oral Vitamin C?
No matter how much vitamin C you take orally, your body can only absorb so much. Intestinal absorption plateaus at around 200mg. Take more, and it simply passes through unabsorbed (often causing digestive upset).
IV administration completely bypasses this limitation. By delivering vitamin C directly into your bloodstream, we can achieve therapeutic concentrations that enable effects impossible with oral supplementation:
C Oral Vitamin C
- Absorption limited to ~200mg at a time
- Higher doses cause GI upset
- Peak blood levels: ~220 μmol/L
- Good for maintenance, not therapeutic
IV IV Vitamin C
- No absorption limit (100% bioavailable)
- Bypasses GI tract entirely
- Peak blood levels: 13,000+ μmol/L
- Therapeutic effects at high concentrations
Who Benefits from IV Vitamin C?
IV vitamin C supports multiple aspects of health through its antioxidant, immune-supporting and tissue-repair properties.
Immune Support
Vitamin C accumulates in immune cells and enhances their ability to fight infection. It supports both innate and adaptive immunity, including neutrophil function and antibody production.
Fighting Acute Illness
When you're fighting an infection, your vitamin C requirements increase dramatically. IV administration helps meet this increased demand when you need it most.
Post-Viral Recovery
Lingering fatigue after illness? IV vitamin C can help accelerate recovery by reducing oxidative stress and supporting tissue repair. Particularly helpful for post-COVID fatigue.
Fatigue Reduction
Research shows IV vitamin C can significantly reduce fatigue, particularly in people with low baseline vitamin C levels or chronic health conditions.
Stress & Adrenal Support
The adrenal glands have among the highest concentrations of vitamin C in the body. Chronic stress depletes these stores. IV vitamin C helps replenish them.
Skin & Collagen
Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis. High-dose IV vitamin C supports wound healing, skin health and connective tissue repair.
The Science of IV Vitamin C
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a potent antioxidant and essential cofactor for numerous enzymatic reactions in the body. It supports immune function through multiple mechanisms:
- Enhances neutrophil function, improving their ability to engulf and destroy pathogens
- Supports T and B cell development, critical for adaptive immunity
- Increases antibody production. Studies show higher IgA, IgG and IgM levels with supplementation
- Reduces oxidative stress, protecting cells from damage during infection
- Supports collagen synthesis, essential for tissue repair and wound healing
At high concentrations achievable only through IV administration, vitamin C may also have pro-oxidant effects that help fight certain pathogens while remaining protective to healthy cells.
Research Highlights
"Vitamin C contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system."
(Nutrients, 2017)
"IV vitamin C can enhance quality of life and alleviate symptoms in patients with various conditions compared to oral intake."
(Multiple clinical studies)
"High-dose IV vitamin C showed reduction in organ dysfunction scores and decreased vascular injury in sepsis patients."
(Fowler et al., Phase I Trial)
Treatment Options
Myers' Cocktail + Vitamin C
Our standard Myers' Cocktail contains vitamin C along with B vitamins, magnesium and calcium. Great for general wellness, fatigue and immune support.
Learn more about Myers' CocktailHigh-Dose Vitamin C
Higher concentrations of vitamin C for acute illness, post-viral recovery or when more intensive support is needed. Dose determined based on your needs.
G6PD screening required before first high-dose treatment
What to Expect
Initial Consultation
We'll review your health history, discuss your goals and determine the appropriate treatment protocol. For high-dose vitamin C, G6PD screening (a simple blood test) is required before your first treatment.
During Treatment
You'll relax in a comfortable chair while the IV infuses over 30-90 minutes depending on the dose. Many people read, work on their laptop or simply rest. You may feel a mild cooling sensation or taste vitamin C during the infusion, which is normal.
After Treatment
Most people feel energized after their infusion. You can drive and return to normal activities immediately. Stay well-hydrated for the rest of the day.
Preparation Tips
- Eat a light meal before your appointment
- Stay well-hydrated beforehand
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting sleeves
- Bring something to read or do during infusion
Safety & Considerations
IV vitamin C is generally very safe when administered by a trained practitioner. Thousands of treatments are given safely every year. However, there are some important considerations:
G6PD Deficiency Screening
People with G6PD deficiency (a genetic enzyme deficiency) should not receive high-dose vitamin C, as it can cause red blood cell breakdown. We require a simple blood test before your first high-dose treatment to ensure safety. This is a one-time test.
Kidney Considerations
High-dose vitamin C is processed by the kidneys. If you have kidney disease or a history of kidney stones, we'll discuss whether IV vitamin C is appropriate and may adjust the protocol accordingly.
Common Side Effects
Most people tolerate IV vitamin C very well. Some may experience mild thirst, temporary coolness at the IV site or need to urinate more frequently after treatment. These effects are temporary and resolve quickly.
Medication Interactions
Please inform us of all medications you're taking. Some medications may interact with high-dose vitamin C. We'll review your medications during your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get IV vitamin C?
This depends on your goals. For acute illness, treatments may be given daily or every other day until you recover. For general wellness and immune support, weekly or bi-weekly treatments are common. For maintenance, monthly treatments may be sufficient. We'll recommend a schedule based on your individual needs.
Can I get IV vitamin C while I'm sick?
Yes. In fact, this is often the best time to get it. Your body's vitamin C requirements increase significantly during infection. IV vitamin C can help support your immune response and may help you recover faster. Please let us know what symptoms you're experiencing when you book.
Is IV vitamin C the same as getting a vitamin C shot?
No. Intramuscular vitamin C "shots" deliver a much smaller amount. IV infusion allows us to deliver significantly higher doses over time, achieving the blood concentrations needed for therapeutic effects.
Should I stop taking oral vitamin C if I'm getting IVs?
Not necessarily. Oral vitamin C provides ongoing, low-level support between IV treatments. The two work well together: IV provides periodic high-dose therapy while oral maintains baseline levels. We can discuss the best approach for your situation.
Ready to Support Your Immune System?
Whether you're fighting off an illness, recovering from one or simply want to optimize your health, IV vitamin C can help. Book your treatment today.
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