Vitamin C is one of the most well known vitamins, famed for its myriad health benefits. This potent antioxidant has been recognized as a health powerhouse for decades, gaining popularity in its various forms – from supplements to skincare. But what if there was an even more effective way to reap its benefits? At Effect Doctors Retreat, we firmly believe that the most efficient way for your body to receive vitamin C is intravenously, reaping the maximum benefits quickly and efficiently.

Why Vitamin C?

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that aids in various body functions:

1. Boosting the Immune System: It supports cellular functions involved in both innate and adaptive immunity and can enhance the skin’s defense system.
2. Absorption of Iron: Vitamin C enhances the absorption of non-heme iron (the type of iron found in plant-based foods) in the digestive tract. This is particularly important for individuals who follow vegetarian or vegan diets, as they may have a lower intake of heme iron from animal sources. Low iron levels can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath and low mood, but without vitamin C, your body is unable to absorb it. ^[1]
3. Antioxidant Properties: Protects cells from harmful molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can contribute to the aging process and the development of various diseases, including cancer. ^[2]
4. Brain Health: Supports neurotransmitter synthesis and cognitive function and protecting against age-related cognitive decline. It is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and may have antioxidant effects in the brain. ^[3]
5. Collagen Boosting: Vitamin C is a crucial ingredient in collagen and elastin production. Essential for skin health, wound healing, and maintaining the health of bones and cartilage, as well as benefiting skin, hair and nails. ^[4]

Benefits of IV Vitamin C

However, the challenge lies in achieving optimal bioavailability. When we consume Vitamin C orally, only a fraction is absorbed by our gastrointestinal tract. This is where a IV drip steps in to bridge the gap. An IV drip containing vitamin C has the following benefits over oral administration:

1. Higher Plasma Levels: IV administration allows for much higher concentrations of vitamin C in the bloodstream compared to oral intake. This can result in significantly higher plasma levels of vitamin C, potentially reaching levels that are not achievable with oral supplementation alone.
2. Rapid Delivery: IV administration provides a faster delivery of vitamin C to the tissues and cells. This rapid delivery is particularly useful in situations where high concentrations of vitamin C are needed quickly, such as in certain medical treatments or recovery from illness.
3. Bypassing the Digestive System: IV administration bypasses the digestive system, which can be beneficial for individuals who may have gastrointestinal issues or conditions that affect the absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract.
4. Immune Support: IV vitamin C has been explored for its potential immune-boosting effects, especially in critically ill patients. Some studies suggest that high-dose vitamin C may modulate the immune response. ^[2]
5. Therapeutic Applications: High-dose IV vitamin C can be used as part of complementary medicine approaches for certain health conditions, such as cancer, under supervision of your healthcare team. ^[5]

Vitamin C is found in many of our drips, such as Under the Weather, Immunity, Deluxe Recovery and Drip and Glow, and can also be added to any bespoke drip. To book an IV Drip our find out more please get in touch with our team of doctors.

Citations

1. Hunt, J. R. (2003). Bioavailability of iron, zinc, and other trace minerals from vegetarian diets. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 78(3), 633S–639S
2. Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017 Nov 3;9(11):1211. doi: 10.3390/nu9111211. PMID: 29099763; PMCID: PMC5707683.
3. Harrison FE, May JM. Vitamin C function in the brain: vital role of the ascorbate transporter SVCT2. Free Radic Biol Med. 2009 Mar 15;46(6):719-30. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2008.12.018. Epub 2009 Jan 6. PMID: 19162177; PMCID: PMC2649700.
4. Pullar, J. M., Carr, A. C., & Vissers, M. (2017). The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients, 9(8), 866
5. Padayatty, S. J., Sun, H., Wang, Y., Riordan, H. D., Hewitt, S. M., Katz, A., … & Levine, M. (2004). Vitamin C pharmacokinetics: implications for oral and intravenous use. Annals of Internal Medicine, 140(7), 533–537.