VITAMIN INFUSIONS
Types of Infusions We Offer
Myer's Cocktail
Myers’ Cocktail is a formula of intravenous vitamins and minerals (magnesium, calcium, B-vitamins, and Vitamin C) that was developed by the late Dr. John Myers, MD. Dr. Alan Gaby, MD continued Dr. Myers’ work, as he found the “cocktail” was successful in treating a surprisingly large number of clinical conditions. In fact, Dr. Gaby’s clinical experience with over 15,000 infusions of Myers’ Cocktail has suggested that it can be clinically effective against migraines, fatigue (including chronic fatigue syndrome), fibromyalgia, muscle spasms, colds, chronic sinusitis, chronic depression/anxiety and other disorders. It can also be used as an adjunct therapy to support detoxification.
A recent randomized controlled study conducted by Yale investigators evaluated the effect of the Myers’ Cocktail on patients with fibromyalgia. They found that weekly infusions led to clinically significant improvement in tender points, pain, depression, and quality of life directly following treatment, with sustained improvement even after four weeks from the last infusion, but the results did not achieve statistical significance in this study.
Magnesium
Known as the “calming mineral,” magnesium infusions are ideal for patients with symptoms of fibromyalgia/chronic pain, migraine/headache, anxiety/depression, muscle spasms, and more. A typical magnesium infusion uses 2 grams of magnesium, a dosage which would cause severe diarrhea if taken by mouth. Therefore, using a high dose infusion to help rebuild the body while providing extra for storage is a potential way to reduce symptoms and restore health.
According to the American Migraine Foundation, “The strongest evidence for magnesium’s effectiveness is in patients who have, or have had, aura with their migraines. It is believed magnesium may prevent the wave of brain signaling, called cortical spreading depression, which produces the visual and sensory changes that are the common forms of aura. Other mechanisms of magnesium action include improved platelet function and decreased release or blocking of pain transmitting chemicals in the brain such as Substance P and glutamate. Magnesium may also prevent narrowing of brain blood vessels caused by the neurotransmitter serotonin.”
Vitamin C
Vitamin C (ascorbate, ascorbic acid) is a major water-soluble antioxidant that also increases extracellular collagen production and is important for proper immune cell functioning. High doses of vitamin C can be very irritating to the digestive system when taken orally, therefore, patients are able to achieve much higher doses through infusions. High dose vitamin C has been used to boost the immune system and reduce cold/flu symptoms, chronic fatigue symptoms, and more.
Glutathione
Glutathione is a natural substance that is present in all human cells. It functions as an antioxidant, protecting cells from free radicals. If glutathione is depleted in a cell, it will lead to cell death. Glutathione is also a cofactor in many bodily processes and is the foundation for the main detoxification pathway in the liver, kidneys, lungs, intestinal lining, and other organs.
Should I Get a Vitamin Infusion?
Vitamin infusions can play an important role in wellness and a positive role as part of treatment. The decision to receive vitamin infusions should be made with your nurse practitioner as part of a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan. While vitamin infusions can be a great additive treatment for numerous conditions, IV therapy is not for everyone. For example, extra fluids in the infusion can put more strain on the heart, and therefore may not be a good option for heart failure patients. Those taking certain medications (e.g., warfarin, chemotherapeutic agents) may also want to opt out of this form of treatment. Please disclose all of your medical conditions, as well as all medications and supplements that you take, to your healthcare provider to determine if IV therapy is right for you.
Therapy Information
Please refer to the Wellness Center and the New Patient page for information about the nature of our services. Therapies might include nutritional therapies, lifestyle improvement, detoxification, and innovative medical therapies commonly referred to as holistic, complementary, alternative, functional or integrative medicine. Some treatments may be controversial and considered useful only by a minority of physicians, nurse practitioners or other health professionals. Treatments may not be approved by the Food and Drug Administration for their intended use and may be an “off-label” use. While there is clinical evidence regarding these treatments, they may be taught at integrative medical seminars and constitute clinically useful therapy, they may not be considered sufficiently proven by clinical controlled trials for widespread acceptance by the medical community. Medical therapies listed on the site are only available to current patients as appropriate based upon practitioner evaluations.
REFERENCES
Gaby, A (2002). “Intravenous nutrient therapy: The ‘Myers’ Cocktail.’”. Alternative Medicine Review. 7 (5): 389–403.
Ali, A., Njike, V.Y., et al. (2009). “Intravenous Micronutrient Therapy (Myers’ Cocktail) for Fibromyalgia: A Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 15 (3): 247–25
Deans, E. (2011). “Magnesium and the Brain: The Original Chill Pill.” https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evolutionary-psychiatry/201106/magnesium-and-the-brain-the-original-chill-pill
Tepper, D. (2013). “Magnesium.” https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/understanding-migraine/magnesium