Common Conditions Treated With IV Therapy

IVs have been around for centuries, starting off with being most commonly used in life-or-death scenarios.1 As medical professionals started to explore its potential, it quickly become an essential component of medicine. Whether it’s because of its ability to deliver fluids and medications efficiently or the fact that it can treat such a wide range of conditions, IV therapy has proven its worth. 

Over time, it even broke free of its formerly clinical reputation and made its way into the wellness industry. Treatments that can adapt typically find longevity in healthcare, staying relevant in many spheres. That’s why today, IV supplements and therapy have become an easy pick to treat a variety of common ailments. In this post, we’ll be going over several conditions that can be treated with IV therapy.

Dehydration

The original fluid used in IV bags was saline solution, which helped immediately sustain patients in medical emergencies. This solution alone can restore electrolyte balance, replenish extracellular fluids, balance the body’s pH, and more, making it a go-to solution for symptoms of dehydration. As it can only be administered intravenously, IV therapy is an ideal choice for quick rehydration and correction of any imbalances.2

Nutrient Deficiencies

While nutrient deficiencies are most commonly addressed through changes in diet or oral supplementation, these methods typically take time to produce results. Oral digestion of nutrients requires breakdown in the stomach and passage through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which can take a matter of hours. As well, the first pass effect can often metabolize some of the nutrients and decrease their overall effectiveness.3 Factor in the bioavailability of the drug and patient-specific absorption efficacy, and the oral route may not be powerful enough to address more severe nutrient deficiencies. 

Acting as an alternative solution, IV therapy can bypass the GI system and administer a much greater dose of nutrients directly into the bloodstream. Thus, these IV supplements can be readily available to use by the body and there will be no loss through the metabolism process.

Weakened Immune System

Immunocompromisation can be temporary or chronic and minor or more severe, all depending on whether the patient is living with a chronic illness or experiencing temporary condition. Perhaps it’s flu season, simply a period of severe stress, or a case of poor lifestyle habits—any of these scenarios can contribute to a weakened immune system. 

General symptoms include digestive issues, fatigue, frequent infections, and headaches, which ideally should be attended to with lifestyle changes.4 Again, just like oral supplementation, these changes can take time to manifest. Hence why, specialized IV bags that include a mixture of relevant medications and vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D are often used for more immediate effects.5

Skin Health

Skin health is particularly relevant to wellness applications. Patients may be concerned about specific skin conditions such as eczema or have more general worries about skin texture, hydration, inflammation, redness, or even free radicals. While age, diet, and topical cleansing play significant roles in dermal health, some research suggests that supplementation can improve both skin quality and appearance.

In one study, researchers looked at 14 nutritional compounds used in food and pharmaceuticals and determined that adding them to a day-to-day routine could improve many aspects of skin health.6 While micronutrient compounds like these have been well-studied, the more potent volume of nutrients such as biotin (B7 vitamin shot) and vitamin C could be even more effective when administered intravenously.

Chronic Fatigue

While the exact cause of chronic fatigue is unknown, the condition can be described as a much more intense variation of regular fatigue. If even doctors’ checkups and lifestyle changes haven’t helped, patients can look to more drastic measures as an alternative treatment. With IVs being fully customizable, patients can find relief and a boost of energy through a mix of vitamins and minerals that have restorative properties.

For example, glutathione is a common antioxidant and antiviral used to help with muscle fatigue, playing a role in many important cellular processes that protect us from environmental toxins. As glutathione depletes as we age and we can deprive our bodies of it with the more demand we place on them, it’s a worthwhile component of IV treatment for fatigue.7 

Migraines

Severe migraines can be extremely debilitating, interfering with everyday activities and usually leaving people bedridden for hours or days at a time. The good thing about migraines, if anything at all, is that there are stages of migraines, which means it’s possible to alleviate symptoms in the early prodrome and aura stages and prevent a migraine from developing further.8

IV therapy can address several migraine symptoms, including loss of fluids with frequent urination and vomiting, fatigue, and mood changes, by using a combination of medications and vitamins. Examples include dopamine antagonists, diphenhydramine, and magnesium.9

Muscle Soreness and Strain (Athletic Recovery)

Recovery is just as important for athletics performance as dedicated training, as it is important in the muscle repair process and to replenish energy stores. Oftentimes, athletes will turn to methods that accelerate and enhance that recovery process to optimize their performance, one of which being IV therapy. 

IV bags specifically made for athletic recovery usually include substances dedicated to restoring electrolyte balance like sodium, chloride, and potassium, as well as antioxidants to lessen inflammation and amino acids and other minerals to repair muscles and minimize cramping and fatigue.

IV Therapy as a Modern Solution for Health and Wellness

IV is no longer a one-trick pony in the world of medicine—it can be used in wellness and clinical settings to deliver all kinds of nutrients and medicines directly into the bloodstream as a more efficient and effective treatment option. As more people continue to look for personalized healthcare solutions, custom IV therapy can open up opportunities for private label supplement manufacturers to create even more specialized concoctions for specific needs.10