IV nutritional therapy has taken the world by storm. Proponents have come up with endless lists of their benefits. But are they really what they are said to be? We will look at the benefits of this approach of supplementation and also explore the shortcomings if they exist. The most important thing to know is that these supplements should be done with a qualified healthcare provider whenever they feel that there is a proper need to do so.
IV nutrients have been used for many years in hospitals for patients that are too sick to eat through the normal route. To stay alive, they have food delivered to them intravenously. In this group of patients, there is really no additional benefit of the intravenous route. In another group of patients, the route is used for nutrient supplementation.
Nutritional therapy is currently used widely as supportive therapy for cancer patients. Cancer patients are usually exposed to chemotherapy, radiotherapy or both. These treatments are associated with obliteration of the normal immunity component of the body since the treatments do not differentiate between the normal and abnormal cells. Having proper nutritional supplementation helps in the restoration of the immune system even after undesired destruction takes place.
IV therapies have been shown to be more effective in the correction of intracellular deficiencies when compared to oral supplementation. The main reason for this is that they are delivered directly to their intended targets. The digestive tract which frequently lowers the bioavailability of oral supplements is bypassed. This is particularly important to persons that have low hydrochloric acid production.
There are very many varied types of nutrients that can be administered via the intravenous route. Calcium is one of the most important of them. Calcium has been established to have very important functions both in the structure and the physiology of human beings and animals. It is one of the main constituents of bone and teeth. It also plays a central role in the transmission of nerve impulses and contraction of muscles. Its deficiency leads to conditions such as osteomalacia, osteoporosis, muscle cramps and irritability.
Zinc and magnesium are the other elements that are frequently supplemented intravenously. These two share some of their functions with calcium. Magnesium is said to take part in at least 300 biological reactions. It is required for maintenance of muscle and nerve function as well proper functioning of the immune system. Zinc helps in a number of areas that include wound healing, immune function and proper development of pregnancy. Others include vitamins B1, B2, B6, E, C and folate.
Getting the treatment is quite easy. There may be a small amount of pain when the vein is punctured but this may be eliminated completely by the use of analgesic medication. One does not usually need to prepare. In most centres, all that is required is to call the day before. On average the whole process lasts between 1 and 2 hours. The nutrients go in at a slow, controlled rate to avoid overwhelming the body.
There are a number of side effects that are associated with IV Nutritional Therapy. For example, some people have been reported to react to the supplements. Most nutrients have preservatives and these may act as allergens in some patients. It is important that you enquire on whether preservatives have been used or not. Newer products without preservatives have now been developed. The other smaller risks that may occur include bleeding, formation of clots and infection.
IV nutrients have been used for many years in hospitals for patients that are too sick to eat through the normal route. To stay alive, they have food delivered to them intravenously. In this group of patients, there is really no additional benefit of the intravenous route. In another group of patients, the route is used for nutrient supplementation.
Nutritional therapy is currently used widely as supportive therapy for cancer patients. Cancer patients are usually exposed to chemotherapy, radiotherapy or both. These treatments are associated with obliteration of the normal immunity component of the body since the treatments do not differentiate between the normal and abnormal cells. Having proper nutritional supplementation helps in the restoration of the immune system even after undesired destruction takes place.
IV therapies have been shown to be more effective in the correction of intracellular deficiencies when compared to oral supplementation. The main reason for this is that they are delivered directly to their intended targets. The digestive tract which frequently lowers the bioavailability of oral supplements is bypassed. This is particularly important to persons that have low hydrochloric acid production.
There are very many varied types of nutrients that can be administered via the intravenous route. Calcium is one of the most important of them. Calcium has been established to have very important functions both in the structure and the physiology of human beings and animals. It is one of the main constituents of bone and teeth. It also plays a central role in the transmission of nerve impulses and contraction of muscles. Its deficiency leads to conditions such as osteomalacia, osteoporosis, muscle cramps and irritability.
Zinc and magnesium are the other elements that are frequently supplemented intravenously. These two share some of their functions with calcium. Magnesium is said to take part in at least 300 biological reactions. It is required for maintenance of muscle and nerve function as well proper functioning of the immune system. Zinc helps in a number of areas that include wound healing, immune function and proper development of pregnancy. Others include vitamins B1, B2, B6, E, C and folate.
Getting the treatment is quite easy. There may be a small amount of pain when the vein is punctured but this may be eliminated completely by the use of analgesic medication. One does not usually need to prepare. In most centres, all that is required is to call the day before. On average the whole process lasts between 1 and 2 hours. The nutrients go in at a slow, controlled rate to avoid overwhelming the body.
There are a number of side effects that are associated with IV Nutritional Therapy. For example, some people have been reported to react to the supplements. Most nutrients have preservatives and these may act as allergens in some patients. It is important that you enquire on whether preservatives have been used or not. Newer products without preservatives have now been developed. The other smaller risks that may occur include bleeding, formation of clots and infection.
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