When most people hear intravenous (IV) therapy, they likely think of chemotherapy for cancer, or perhaps treatment for rheumatological diseases with a “biologic” pharmaceutical drug.  But there is another side of IV therapy, equally relevant, if less well-known.  The IV treatment route, delivering therapy directly through the blood vessels, is useful in a number of other situations.

Low-dose vitamin C, the so called “Myers cocktail”, has been used for years as a tonic or a quick pick-me-up. Vitamin C is absorbed directly, without any of the GI upset associated with oral vitamin C. These IVs have become somewhat trendy at local IV “shops”.

But, the ability to achieve higher, even intensely high, levels of nutrients is one of the things that makes IVs stand out as a treatment modality.  Ultra-high dose C is a serious medical treatment, typically done in integrative medical offices. In treating immunological problems, ranging from infectious diseases to cancer to autoimmune conditions to adrenal exhaustion, the use of vitamin C in doses up to 75 or more grams delivered over several hours is enormously effective. The “Cathcart method” (several high dose C drips delivered one after another over the course of several hours) has been known to knock out cold/flu symptoms by the end of the day.

The effectiveness of high-dose IV C is in part due to its antioxidant effect and in part to its stimulating the production of hydrogen peroxide by the white blood cells, which in turn act to “kill” viruses, etc. This latter effect persists even after the C level itself has gone down post-treatment. This potent medical effect is not achieved by the use of oral C or lower dose IVs. IV treatment at these levels must be proceeded by and followed with careful monitoring of kidney function and other parameters; hence, it is not a good fit for a walk-in “express” type of facility.

Many ingredients can be added to IVs to create other desirable effects. These include B vitamins for energy and focus, NAD for anti-aging, magnesium for lowering blood pressure, asthma and stress, glutathione for detoxification and added immune support, and the list goes on. Occasionally, low-dose pain medication can be included, as in the popular “hangover cure”.

Another “side” of office IV therapy is known as “chelation therapy”, of which there are two major types. One entails infusion of EDTA to clear blood vessels of calcified, occlusive plaque. It takes about 3-4 hours per session and, done according to strict guidelines, it can extend the life of blood vessels by many years and obviate the need for premature stents and bypasses. It is equally effective in keeping already placed stents working properly.

The other type of IV chelation involves removal of toxic “heavy” metals from the body’s tissues, particularly the nervous system.  Metal levels are initially tested to determine quantities in the body, if any, and which metals are present (which in turn determines which chelating agents to use in treatment.)  The most commonly detected metals amenable to chelation are lead, mercury, arsenic, antimony and cadmium. Some industrially-used metals are NOT accessible to chelation with available chemical agents, so pre-testing before diving directly into treatment is a critical step. Again, kidney monitoring is essential to accurate dosing and safety.

Properly and safely done, IV therapies are effective, relatively low-cost, potentially life-changing medical interventions that can be done in the comfort and convenience of a physician’s office.  A knowledgeable physician trained in IV therapies can thoroughly explain the best options for you.

Trained at the side of Dr. Robert Atkins (the Atkins diet), and having taken specialized board certification courses in IV treatments and chelation, Robin Ellen Leder, M.D., has delivered hundreds of IV treatments at her Hackensack functional medical office. Since opening in 1990, the doctor has guided her patients one-on-one to achieve optimal health using minimal medication, focusing rather on diet, supplements, behavioral change, and the emotional roots of problems, and utilizing extensive lab testing to find answers. Conditions including thyroid and adrenal inadequacy, chronic fatigue, gut issues, inflammation, autoimmune disease, excessive weight, diabetes and psychological concerns are all addressed using the best of traditional and natural medicine to achieve positive, long-lasting results.