Author: adminsf

B vitamins are a group of micronutrients that play many vital functions in your body. From boosting your energy levels and improving your metabolism to promoting good digestion, they are an indispensable group of nutrients. 

Nutritional supplements that contain all eight B vitamins are commonly referred to as B-complex vitamins and are available in multiple forms, including oral and intravenously (IV) preparations. 

Most people get the recommended amount of these vitamins through their diet. However, factors like age, genetics, dietary choices, pregnancy, certain medical conditions, and medication can increase your body’s demand for B vitamins. 

In these circumstances and a few others, supplementation may be necessary for you to look and feel your best. 

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll discover: 

• What is Vitamin B Complex? 
• The Benefits of B Complex Vitamins
• How Much Vitamin B Complex Do You Need?
• How Can You Tell If You’re Deficient?
• When to Get B Vitamins via IV

What is Vitamin B Complex?

Vitamin B complex refers to a group of eight essential water-soluble B vitamins which help the body make energy from food and keep it in good health. 

Occasionally, you’ll see them referred to by their scientific names, so it’s good to know them as well: 

• Thiamine = Vitamin B1
• Riboflavin = Vitamin B2
• Niacin = Vitamin B3 
• Pantothenic acid = Vitamin B5
• Pyridoxine = Vitamin B6
• Biotin= Vitamin B7
• Folic acid = Vitamin B9
• Cobalamin = Vitamin B12

Each of these essential vitamins contributes to your overall health and wellness as you’ll discover in more detail below. Of course, we’ll also let you know how to tell if you’re deficient and whether you might benefit from IV supplementation. 

Benefits of B Complex Vitamins

B vitamins help support many functions in the body, including proper nerve function, growth of red cells, normal digestion, and hormone production. 

When combined with other nutrients like magnesium and vitamin C, vitamin B complex reduces fatigue and tiredness, aids metabolism, and supports the proper physiological and nervous system functioning. 

Thiamine is vital for the function and development of cells, aids in muscle contraction, and helps the body metabolize protein and fats (1). 

Riboflavin supports the function of coenzymes which are involved in the breakdown of medications and fats. It aids energy and hormone production, and body growth. Vitamin B2 also helps maintain the skin, muscles, nerves, eyes, and liver health and is essential for fetal development (2). 

Niacin (sometimes referred to as niacinamide) is needed to turn food into energy and synthesize enzymes. It aids the healthy functioning of the digestive and nervous systems, supports DNA repair, and lowers cholesterol in the blood (3). 

Pantothenic acid is an essential nutrient that supports the nervous system and brain function and aids cholesterol and hormone production. Vitamin B5 is also needed for normal metabolism, aids wound healing, and supports the metabolism of toxins and drugs. Deficiency may cause a wide range of symptoms, including vomiting, irritability, depression, insomnia, and fatigue (4). 

Pyridoxine, another essential B vitamin, is involved in synthesizing neurotransmitters and the metabolism of important amino acids. It helps the body produce red blood cells, which transport oxygen from the lungs to all organs in the body. Additionally, vitamin B6 supports proper cell division, carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism and healthy immune function. It helps reduce symptoms of depression, promotes brain and eye health, and reduces the risk for heart disease (5). 

Biotin is also a B complex vitamin that supports fat and carbohydrate metabolism, promotes brain health, and is essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails. It plays a role in many cellular reactions, particularly in creating energy for the whole body. In addition, biotin supports liver and brain function, regulates blood glucose levels, and contributes to nervous system health (6). 

Folate, known as folic acid in supplement form, plays a crucial role in cell division and growth, the formation of white and red blood cells, and the metabolism of amino acids. It aids the synthesis and repair of DNA, supports the nervous system and brain functions, and speeds the healing of injuries and wounds. Vitamin B9 is crucial in early pregnancy and periods of rapid growth such as adolescence and childhood. Research suggests that it might help treat depression, heart disease, and dementia (7). 

Finally, cobalamin is needed for DNA synthesis, blood cell formation, and healthy bones. It helps prevent anemia and birth defects, reduces the risk for osteoporosis and eye diseases, and improves symptoms of depression (8). 

How Much Vitamin B Complex Do You Need?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides the following recommended daily intakes (RDI) for each of the eight B vitamins.

Recommended Daily Intakes (RDIs) for B Vitamins
	Men	Women
B1 (Thiamin)	1.2 mg	1.1 mg
B2 (Riboflavin)	1.3 mg	1.1 mg
B3 (Niacin)	16 mg	14 mg
B5 (Pantothenic acid)	5 mg	5 mg
B6 (Pyridoxine)	1.3 mg	1.3 mg
B7 (Biotin)	30 mcg	30 mcg
B9 (Folate)	400 mcg	400 mcg
B12 (Cobalamin)	2.4 mcg	2.4 mcg

 

Although most people who eat a varied diet get enough B vitamins from food, some people are at an increased risk of deficiency. You might be deficient if you are over the age of 50, take antacids or certain diabetes medications, or you have celiac or Crohn’s disease (9-11), you might be deficient.

If you’ve undergone weight loss surgery, drink alcohol regularly, or follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, you may also be more prone to deficiencies. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may need more B6, B12, and folate (12-14).

It’s also important to point out that those who regularly test the physical limits of their bodies via exercise and athletics may require more than the standard RDIs listed above. 

How Can You Tell If You’re Deficient?

As we just mentioned, most people can get the recommended amount of B vitamins through diet since they are found in a wide variety of foods. However, it’s still possible to be deficient despite eating healthy.

The following symptoms might indicate you’re not getting enough B vitamins:

• Abdominal Cramps
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Skin Rashes
• Cracks around the Mouth
• Swollen Tongue
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Confusion
• Irritability Or Depression
• Numbness or Tingling in Feet and Hands

If left untreated, deficiencies could increase your risk of developing:

• Anemia
• Anxiety / Depression
• Birth Defects 
• Digestive Issues
• Skin Conditions
• Infections
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Migraine Headaches

Make sure to consult your doctor if you think you may be deficient in B vitamins. They can help determine what’s causing your symptoms and, if needed, run the necessary tests as well as recommend ways to increase your B vitamin intake.

Important Info to Know Before Getting IV Vitamin B Complex 

High-dose vitamin B supplementation may cause minor side effects like diarrhea, headaches, abdominal cramps, and increased urination. It can also make your urine bright yellow. With that said, high-dose vitamin B is generally safe when administered by an experienced medical professional in a clinical setting. 

Before commencing an infusion, your physician should explain the entire process, answer all of your questions, and provide information regarding the risk of side effects and other matters that might make you nervous or anxious. 

Always follow your physician’s instructions. Some IV infusions require a particular diet or that you are well hydrated before your IV drip. Your physician will perform an exam, review your medical history, and recommend a treatment plan that improves your overall wellness, helps increase your energy, and reduces the symptoms of your condition. 

Also, make a list of all over-the-counter and prescription medications that you are taking. This is important to avoid any adverse reactions from mixing treatments. 

How quickly does a B-complex drip work?

IV therapy is the fastest way to deliver essential amino acids, vitamins, and fluids to the body, strengthen your immune system, and boost your energy levels. The intravenous infusion is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, and its effects are often felt almost immediately.

How often should you get B vitamins via iv therapy?

If you seek a boost to vitality and energy, a few vitamin B infusions followed by a bimonthly or once-a-month therapy are usually appropriate. The frequency of getting IV infusions depends on your individual requirements and the conditions that you have. Pre-diagnostic testing can help determine the frequency of therapy that will work best for you. 

How long does a vitamin B treatment last?

Vitamin B IV therapy typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour which makes it a quick and effective way to improve your overall wellness and immune health. 

There is plenty you can do while you receive IV therapy. You can watch a movie or listen to music, read a magazine or book, play a handheld game, or bring a friend or family member to pass the time. 

Final Thoughts

Without question, B vitamins are an important group of nutrients for your health and overall vitality. They have a wide variety of functions, and deficiencies can manifest in subtle and discrete ways. 

If you’re thinking about getting an infusion of B vitamins, make sure to work with an Integrative Medicine specialist and check your overall nutrient status to determine best how much and how often you might need this essential vitamin complex. 

To Life Enhanced, 

Dr. Will Haas, MD, MBA

 

Staying healthy and maximizing your performance is top of mind if you’re looking to live your best life. Fortunately, there are many new strategies and treatments available to help achieve these goals. 

One treatment that has been gaining popularity is intravenous therapy, commonly referred to as IV therapy. This modality has actually been used by integrative and functional medicine doctors for years. 

Before deciding if IV therapy is right for you, you should know exactly what this treatment strategy is all about and what it entails so you can find the right clinic and medical provider for you. 

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll discover: 

• What is IV Therapy? 
• What Nutrient Can You Get in an IV? 
• What Are the Pros & Cons of IV Therapy?
• Common Questions About IV Therapy

What is IV Therapy? 

Intravenous (IV) therapy is the process of administering fluids and/or nutrients into a vein so they can bypass the digestive system and directly enter the bloodstream. IV fluids can be administered on their own to rehydrate the body, or they can be given with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to allow for 100% absorption of these nutrients.

What Nutrients Can You Get in an IV? 

Commonly used ingredients in an IV are magnesium, B vitamins, and vitamin C. IV therapy may also include niacinamide (or NAD+), zinc, amino acids, and glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that plays a role in delaying and preventing cell damage.

Amino Acids via IV

Amino acids transport nutrients, aid digestion, and accelerate the synthesis of connective, skin, and muscle tissue, hormones, and enzymes. The use of hypocaloric solutions via IV is an effective, fast, and safe way to deliver amino acids into the circulation system, replenish reserves, and maintain optimal body function.

B Vitamins via IV

B vitamins support normal digestion, healthy brain function, red blood cell, cholesterol, and hormone production, and cell health. Delivering B vitamins through IV infusion therapy benefits individuals with anemia who have trouble absorbing vitamins from food. IV therapy also helps with anemia prevention, improves bone health, and boosts cognitive performance

Vitamin C via IV Drips

Vitamin C helps maintain healthy bones, cartilage, and skin, contributes to immune defense and prevents clots in the arteries and veins, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. Vitamin C given by infusion boosts collagen synthesis for healthy blood vessels and bones, protects cells from free radicals, and strengthens immunity.

Glutathione via IV Treatment 

A powerful antioxidant, glutathione supports the immune function, prevents inflammation, and can help reduce symptoms of health conditions like Parkinson’s disease, cystic fibrosis, and asthma. Administering glutathione via IV drips replenishes the body’s antioxidant capacity, eliminates free radicals, and strengthens immunity.

Magnesium via IV

Magnesium plays several key roles such as regulating blood pressure, supporting normal nerve and muscle function, and preventing chronic inflammation which is the main driver of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and aging. Magnesium sulfate administered by IV aids the management of conditions such as electrolyte disturbance, hypomagnesemia (magnesium deficiency), convulsions, and seizures in pregnant women with toxemia, eclampsia, and pre-eclampsia.

Niacinamide (NAD) via IV

An essential nutrient, niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 which has anti-inflammatory properties, boosts the immune system, and improves overall wellness. IV therapy can help significantly improve the body’s immune response and free fatty acid metabolism. Metabolic abnormalities contribute to conditions such as dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance that require medication intake.

Zinc via IV 

Administering zinc via IV drip therapy can help boost the metabolism and immune function and reduce the risk of age-related diseases. People with zinc deficiency also benefit from IV treatment which prevents depletion and deficiency symptoms.

What Are the Pros and Cons of IV Therapy? 

The main benefits of IV therapy are quick absorption, convenience, and better overall wellness. IV therapy can help with age management and is beneficial for patients looking to get their metabolism back on track. 

IV hydration therapy is also more effective than oral medications and offers immediate benefits. Those who need to feel better fast will find this method quite effective as the nutrients are delivered directly into the circulation system and are available for immediate use. An IV cocktail infusion of multiple vitamins helps improve wellness, fight dehydration, and maintain normal body function.

Potential risks are vein inflammation, vitamin overdose, and bruising around the IV catheter site. Experienced medical professionals will know how to prevent these complications.

Question: How long does a typical IV drip take?

The average IV therapy takes 45 minutes to an hour. Fluids that contain vitamins and amino acids are administered via IV so they can quickly move through a patient’s bloodstream. Be cautious if you encounter an IV drip taking less than 45 minutes – this could be dangerous for your health if the concentration of vitamins and nutrients has not been decreased within the fluids. 

Question: How long do the effects of an IV last?

While this varies by patient, the beneficial effects of IV vitamin therapy can last up to a few days after administering the treatment. 

Question: How often should you get an IV infusion?

This varies according to what your needs are and should be discussed with the medical doctor who develops your treatment plan. A lot of people who set up routine IV hydration therapy treatments choose once a week to once a month. If you’re suffering from something like morning sickness, you may want to make more frequent IV appointments.

Question: What are the side effects of IV drips?

Side effects are quite rare with IV therapy, and they are usually minor. The most common is a little bit of bruising and soreness in the injection area. Other side effects include a cool feeling in the arm, a somewhat metallic taste in the mouth, and feeling flushed. Most of these side effects are minimized with a skilled medical team who’s well trained in administering IV therapy. 

Question: How much does IV therapy cost?

IV therapy treatments typically cost between $100 and $200. Clinics run by medical doctors may cost more as they work to customize treatment to the patient’s unique needs. Some clinics will bill your insurance for an IV, which can be a major cost savings and allow you to receive more frequent IV treatments. 

Final Thoughts on IV Vitamin Therapy

IV treatment offers a number of benefits to patients who need an energy boost and hydration. The blend of vitamins, amino acids, and fluids the treatment delivers leaves patients feeling refreshed and energized. 

As IV therapy can be customized to provide individuals with the nutrients and vitamins their body needs, patients experience immediate improvement and a sudden boost in energy. Essentially, this eliminates the need for OTC medications, supplements, and energy enhancers like soda and coffee.

In addition to giving patients more energy, IV infusions can help improve allergies, symptoms of respiratory disease, anxiety and depression, and cognitive function. IV therapy can also combat dehydration, detoxify the body, and slow the aging process. 

Many people choose to get treatment simply because they don’t get all the essential nutrients they need. IV therapy is also a valuable option for chronic dehydration, migraines, and fatigue when provided by an experienced medical professional. 

To Life Enhanced, 

Dr. Will Haas, MD, MBA

 

Chances are you’ve heard or seen someone on social media talking about the benefits of intravenous therapy. 

It’s no longer a thing quietly whispered about among the inner circle of biohackers and longevity seekers.  

However, just because you saw a picture of someone relaxing in a chair with bright-colored vitamins dripped into their body doesn’t mean you should ask questions.

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll discover: 

• What is IV Therapy? 
• Why Choose IV Vitamin Therapy? 
• What Are the Benefits of IV Treatments?
• Vitamin IV Therapy Side Effects

What is IV Therapy? 

Intravenous (IV) therapy is the process of administering fluids and/or nutrients into a vein so that they can directly enter the bloodstream. Fluids can be administered on their own to rehydrate the body, or they can be given with the addition of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to allow for 100% absorption of these nutrients.

Why Choose IV Vitamin Therapy? 

With over-the-counter supplements and multivitamins readily available online, you might be wondering why you should choose IV nutrient therapy.  

One of the primary reasons to consider IV therapy has to do with something called bioavailability. This is just a fancy way of referring to the extent and rate at which something enters into your bloodstream, thereby accessing its intended site of action. 

Oral supplements (and medications for that matter) have a lower bioavailability than most IV nutrient drips because they must first pass through your digestive system. Unfortunately, things like age, activity level, illness, malabsorption issues, medication, stress, and gastrointestinal surgery can influence how well your body can absorb what you ingest. 

If you’ve taken our nutrient screening assessment, you also know many of the foods we eat today contain far fewer nutrients than they had just a few decades ago – meaning there are fewer vitamins and minerals to absorb in the first place.

Regardless of the whole nutrient density thing, the ingredients in an IV vitamin infusion are 100% absorbed by your body because they are administered directly into your bloodstream.  And because they bypass your digestive tract, the ingredients are more readily used by the cells in your body too. 

Best of all, IV infusions can be customized to your personalized needs and overall health and wellness goals.  

What Are the Benefits of IV Nutrition? 

As you just learned, IV treatments are administered directly into your bloodstream and circumvent the digestive system. 

That means they are perfect for individuals who have difficulty ingesting fluids or medications due to illness or severe nausea. IV therapy can also benefit individuals with malabsorption issues (e.g., celiac or Crohn’s disease), helping to ensure that vitamins are maintained at levels required for optimal health. 

Beyond the replacement of your body’s essential nutrients, there are a number of other potential benefits of IV infusion therapy one should consider.

Supports Healthy Aging

The body needs a certain level of vitamins and minerals to function at its best. But as you know, the demands of daily life can make it difficult to get these. Personalized IV vitamin treatments can deliver nutrients that the body can readily use to support healthy aging and prevent chronic medical conditions.

And as an added benefit, the right combination of vitamins and antioxidants such as vitamin C and glutathione can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, mend the damage caused by UV rays, and remove free radicals that contribute to tissue damage throughout your body. 

Enhances Athletic Performance 

Regardless of how you choose to test your physical limits, exercise quickly depletes your body’s nutrient stores and generates free radicals that can limit recovery time. IV vitamin therapy quickly adds back what your body needs to keep going.

Things like targeted amino acids can decrease muscle loss and muscle aches and improve metabolic efficiency, while the extra rehydration helps you recover at a much faster rate… And the quicker you can recover, the quicker you can set new personal records. 

Promotes & Maintains Weight Loss

Despite our best efforts, some of us struggle to maintain a healthy weight. Luckily there are IV nutrients that we can use to hack our metabolism and skip the endless calorie counting. Some of the key supplements we use at VYVE to aid in the weight loss process include carnitine, chromium, alpha-lipoic acid, and lipotropic injections. 

Combats Toxins & Oxidative Stress

Besides providing your body with essential nutrients, IV therapy can also help combat unwanted toxins and free radicals that damage your cells and DNA. 

Additionally, IV therapy can support your body’s natural detoxification processes that happen in the liver. One of the best nutrients to help combat toxins and oxidative stress is IV glutathione. 

Promotes Relaxation of Your Body & Mind

It can be tough to relax in today’s fast-paced world. And even though there are medications to help ease stress and anxiety, most of us would rather not become dependent on these pills. Magnesium supplementation along with other key amino acids and b-vitamins (e.g., vitamin B12) can be the perfect way to maintain your inner zen no matter what life throws your way. 

Boosts Immune Health & Prevents Illness

It goes without saying these days, but even those with perfect health can fall prey to pathogens that invade our bodies. Of course, mix in factors such as stress, and lack of sleep, and our natural immune defenses are weakened. 

High doses of nutrients such as zinc and vitamin C are just a few of the ways you can boost your immune system and prevent illness so you continue doing the things you love most. Because no one really wants to pop another 5-day course of antibiotics and wreck their gut health unless it’s actually needed, right? 

Alleviates and Prevents Headaches

Nothing stops you dead in your tracks like a throbbing headache. Beyond the pain and nausea, an intense headache can keep you from working, caring for your family, or spending time doing the things you love most. 

IV therapy can provide immediate relief from headaches with ingredients like magnesium, calcium, riboflavin, and N-acetyl-cysteine. More importantly, treatments can have long-term effects (sometimes lasting a full month) that can help those who suffer from chronic headaches.

Potential Side Effects of IV Nutrient Therapy 

Despite their many potential benefits, IV vitamin dips should be done under the supervision of a trained medical team. If they are not formulated and administered properly, IV drips can result in a number of preventable side effects. 

• Allergic Reactions
• Electrolyte Imbalances
• Skin Infections
• Headaches
• Nausea 

Ideally, the IV clinic you visit is run by medical doctors with advanced training in Integrative and Functional Medicine. This will ensure you are getting the best and safest treatments available. A board-certified integrative medicine physician will also be able to discuss how IV therapy fits into your overall plan for optimal health and wellness.

We know it probably goes without saying… But make sure to do your homework when searching for the “best IV clinic near me.”

Final Thoughts

IV therapy treatment can benefit many individuals. Whether it’s providing the essential nutrients they need, helping improve their energy levels and performance by addressing issues such as dehydration, or simply making people feel better. 

The list we discussed only scratches the surface of what personalized IV therapy can do for your body and overall well-being. Every day, we are discovering additional health benefits associated with intravenous nutrition therapy. 

To Life Enhanced, 

Dr. Will Haas, MD, MBA

 

Amino acids don’t get the same sort of attention as vitamin C or glutathione, but they are essential nutrients for your body. 

Supplementing with amino acids has been shown to address many unique needs of your health, including boosting athletic performance, improving sleep, aiding weight loss, and enhancing focus. Intravenous (IV) or injectable amino acids offer several benefits over pills or powders, especially for those at risk of being deficient – more on that below. 

If you’re curious how amino acids can help optimize your health and overall performance, then let’s dive in! 

Here’s an overview of what you’ll discover: 

• What Are Amino Acids? 
• Why Are Amino Acids Important? 
• Symptoms of Amino Acid Deficiency
• What’s In an Amino Acid Infusion?
• When to Consider IV Amino Acid Therapy? 

What Are Amino Acids? 

Amino acids (AA) are the building blocks of protein within our bodies. The presence of nitrogen in their chemical structure distinguishes them from fats and carbohydrates. They are essential for many bodily functions such as nutrient absorption, tissue repair, and protein synthesis. Amino acids are also required for cell building, the production of neurotransmitters and peptide hormones as well as tissue growth. 

Essential AA

Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and come from food such as fish, dairy, eggs, poultry, and meat. There are also plant-based sources such as soy milk, tofu, chia seeds, hemp seeds, buckwheat, and quinoa. 

The 9 essential AAs are valine, tryptophan, threonine, phenylalanine, methionine, lysine, leucine, isoleucine, and histidine. They are involved in a number of processes such as nutrient absorption, energy production, and tissue growth.

Nonessential AA

Nonessential amino acids support hormone synthesis, the production of red blood cells, and tissue repair and growth. Unlike essential AAs, our bodies can produce these proteins, which makes them nonessential to the human diet. The group of nonessential AAs includes tyrosine, serine, proline, glycine, glutamine, glutamic acid, alanine, asparagine, and alanine. 

Why Are Amino Acids Important? 

Essential amino acids play many important roles in the body. 

Valine, for example, is required for tissue regeneration, muscle growth, and growth hormone production. It is one of the essential AAs that aids in muscle repair and recovery, lowers blood sugar, and increases energy levels.

Tryptophan is also an amino acid with many different functions. It is essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, enzymes, and protein and for the normal growth and development of infants. It helps in the production of serotonin, a key hormone, and neurotransmitter that regulates sleep, appetite, and mood.

Threonine is another important amino acid used in the synthesis of proteins such as elastin and collagen. It is used in the treatment of a range of nervous system disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and spinal spasticity.

As an essential amino acid and a precursor for neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine, phenylalanine has been studied as a treatment for a number of conditions, including vitiligo, ADHD, depression, and chronic pain.

Methionine is an important sulfur-containing amino acid involved in the production of glutathione and cysteine. Glutathione plays a key role in tissue building and repair and is a powerful antioxidant. Cysteine helps in the production of collagen and is a key protein in hair, skin, and nails. 

Amino proteins also serve as intermediaries in metabolism. They play an important role in cancer cell metabolism, including the antioxidant system and redox status regulation. Several therapies are either currently in clinical trials or are already used for cancer treatment. 

Glycine, which plays a role in many metabolic reactions, has been shown to be effective in the treatment of metabolic disorders in those with diabetes, cancer, obesity, various inflammatory diseases, and cardiovascular disease. 

Symptoms of Amino Acid Deficiency

As you just learned, essential amino acids cannot be produced by our bodies and they must come from the food we eat. 

Although some of us simply don’t get enough amino acids from our diet, others have trouble properly breaking down and assimilating the amino acids that we do take in. Maldigestion and intestinal inflammation are two of the more common reasons that amino acids might not be absorbed in the digestive tract. Things like stress, intense exercise, infections, antibiotics, and antacids can contribute to these issues and affect your ability to absorb amino acids. 

For athletic and physically active people, amino acid deficiency can negatively affect physical performance. In older adults, loss of lean muscle mass from that lack of amino acids can cause debilitating conditions and increase the risk of injury.

Other symptoms of amino acid deficiency include: 

• Depression and anxiety
• Digestive issues
• Loss of muscle (sarcopenia)
• Lower immunity
• Reduced cognitive function

As you can see, insufficient amino acids can have a tremendous impact on your health and overall wellness. 

What’s in an Amino Acid Infusion?

Amino acid IV therapy involves the use of hypocaloric solutions administered through the peripheral veins. It can include amino acids such as L-carnosine, L-Arginine, L-Glutamine, and L-Lysine as well as B vitamins, and Vitamin C. 

L-Arginine:

L-Arginine is an amino acid that aids protein synthesis and helps in building muscle and rebuilding tissue. It is used for a range of conditions such as intestinal disease in premature babies, high blood pressure, peripheral arterial disease, and chest pain.

The intravenous administration of L-Arginine has been shown to regulate blood pressure and improve endothelial function in those with coronary heart disease. 

L-Carnitine:

L-Carnitine is a derivative of an amino group that the body produces naturally. It helps in breaking down fatty cells, supports the liver and kidney function in those with organ failure, and reduces weakness and fatigue in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Taking L-Carnitine via amino acid injection helps improve the red blood count and markers of inflammation and anemia. 

L-Citrulline:

L-Citrulline is a nonessential amino that stimulates nitric oxide production and improves blood flow. It is used for a number of conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, sickle cell disease, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. When administered through intravenous infusion, L-Citrulline helps reduce inflammation and lowers oxidative stress. 

L-Glutamine: 

Also a nonessential amino acid, L-Glutamine is a fuel source for the immune and intestinal cells. It is used to help recovery from chemotherapy, radiation, burns, injuries, and surgery. L-Glutamine can be administered intravenously to speed recovery after surgery, boost metabolism, and improve gastrointestinal health. It is also used in cellular detox therapies and helps improve focus and memory. 

L-Lysine:

L-Lysine is an amino acid that aids the synthesis of collagen, facilitates calcium absorption, and supports muscle turnover. People with L-Lysine deficiency experience symptoms such as loss of appetite, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and anemia.

Studies indicate that taking L-Lysine aids muscle tissue recovery prevents bone loss, and improves the healing of cold sores. When administered through an IV drip, L-Lysine promotes collagen synthesis, facilitates calcium and zinc absorption, improves immune function, and prevents bone loss and osteoporosis. 

L-Ornithine:

L-Ornithine plays a role in the excretion of excess nitrogen and is the precursor of amino acids such as arginine and citrulline. Given into a vein in an IV drip, it helps improve muscle protein synthesis and liver function.

When to Consider IV Amino Acid Therapy? 

Patients with a broad range of conditions benefit from amino acid therapy, including depression and anxiety, drug and alcohol addiction, sarcopenia or loss of muscle tissue, insomnia, and loss of memory. IV therapy is effective in alleviating the symptoms of all these conditions because amino acids support the brain’s neurotransmitters. Amino acid IV therapy is also beneficial for anyone whose consumption of animal protein is limited. 

Major benefits of amino IV therapy are improved metabolism of body fats, improved oxygen transfer, and muscle and nervous system regulation. 

Amino acid therapy also helps reduce oxidative damage, regulates blood pressure, reduces allergic response, and improves the utilization of iron and oxygen transfer in the blood circulation. 

Final Thoughts on IV Therapy & Amino Acid Treatment

No matter your body type or level of activity, keeping a steady supply of amino acids can support optimal health. Those who find themselves regularly feeling exhausted or experience reduced physical performance from their daily routine should consider trying amino acid IV treatments.

Remember, it’s always important to take a comprehensive and integrative approach when considering advanced nutrient replacement. That means partnering with certified integrative and functional medicine specialists who utilize advanced diagnostic testing to customize your infusions so you always achieve safe and effective results. 

To Life Enhanced, 

Dr. Will Haas, MD, MBA