At our center for functional medicine, some patients opt for vitamin therapies at an IV therapy Toronto clinic to correct deficiencies, such as a vitamin B9 deficiency.

What is vitamin B9? To many people’s surprise, vitamin B9 is folate! Many patients are familiar with folate because pregnant females need folic acid – a supplemental form of vitamin B9 – to reduce the risks of neural tube defects.

Folate is an essential vitamin and micronutrient that the body needs for positive effects: for reducing the chances of spina bifida and anencephaly during pregnancy; for fetal brain development; for constructing DNA; for protein metabolism; and for building healthy blood cell production.

The beneficial effects of folate are plenty, which is why this vitamin is necessary for all genders. And since folate is a critical requirement for attaining optimal health, a B9 deficiency should be addressed. Here’s what you need to know about folate and how to help boost your B9 levels with vitamin therapies.

Folate Facts to Know in Toronto

• Folate’s therapeutic benefit may also include preventing Alzheimer’s disease. According to Frontiers in Neuroscience, “Sufficient daily intake of folate may reduce the risk of AD [Alzheimer’s disease] occurrence. Trials have already shown that folic acid supplementation can slow cognitive decline and brain atrophy in patients with mild cognitive impairment.” Folate can also assist with lowering blood pressure and reducing the chances of cardiovascular disease.
• What’s the difference between folate and folic acid? Folate is the biological form of vitamin B9; folic acid is a synthetic version of folate. Folic acid is frequently used to fortify foods.
• If you don’t consume enough folate, a deficiency can occur within a few weeks. Symptoms include fatigue, swollen tongue, weakness and the formation of mouth sores.
• A folate deficiency can also cause anemia. According to John Hopkins Medicine, “Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of your body. When you have anemia, your blood can’t bring enough oxygen to all your tissues and organs.” This is concerning because, without adequate oxygen in the blood, the body can’t promote optimal functioning and may have difficulty keeping blood cells healthy.

Sources of Folate for IV Therapy Toronto Patients

Thinking about replenishing your folate levels? Prior to trying any new vitamin treatment, speak to your health care practitioner to determine: a) what exactly you’re lacking; b) if sensitive reactions might occur from IV drip therapy ingredients; and c) to rule out interactions with current medications.

Folate-rich foods include whole foods, such as boiled spinach, asparagus, black-eyed peas and Brussels sprouts, medium-grain white rice and fortified breakfast cereals. Many oral vitamins are available with folic acid, such as multivitamins, prenatal vitamins, and vitamin B complex supplements. “About 85% of supplemental folic acid, when taken with food, is bioavailable. When consumed without food, nearly 100% of supplemental folic acid is bioavailable,” explains the National Institutes of Health (NIH). A functional medicine naturopathic doctor will likely recommend a high-quality brand and dosage that’s suitable for nutrient absorption and your health condition.

Another way to augment B9 levels is with an intramuscular shot or vitamin IV therapy/intravenous drip therapy. An intramuscular shot is inserted into a muscle; then therapeutic doses of folate are gradually released into the body. On the other hand, vitamin IV therapy directly releases an infusion of vitamins into the blood vessels through the vein, while bypassing the digestive tract. Folate injections and infusion therapy are suitable vitamin treatments if you prefer not to swallow oral vitamins or you have nutrient absorption issues.

How can folate improve your wellness? Do you need assistance in achieving optimal functioning with key vitamins? Let’s discuss how folate intravenous therapy could improve cellular function, blood cell production, energy levels, and more.

Reaching Us for Folate Supplements in Toronto

The Toronto Functional Medicine Centre team is passionate about integrative medicine. We practice this alongside functional medicine and naturopathy via in-person and virtual appointments. Conditions we help with include: chronic fatigue, tissue repair, cellular damage, DNA repair, athletic recovery, mineral deficiencies, thyroid conditions, infertility, immune function, skin rejuvenation, adrenal function, and other concerns.

We’re currently accepting new patients. Our patients have options for various vitamin drip treatments, including IV vitamin drip therapy with vitamin A, high-dose vitamin C/ascorbic acid, amino acids, vitamin D, and others. Functional medicine blood tests are available and are mandatory prior to your first vitamin IV drip appointment.

What’s stopping you from reaching optimal health? Click here to send us a message to learn about folate, additional B vitamins and IV therapy in Toronto.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.

References:

“Micronutrient Facts” by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, reviewed June 28, 2021, viewed on December 3, 2021.

“Folate” by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), updated March 29, 2021, viewed on December 8, 2021.

“Folate-deficiency anemia” by John Hopkins Medicine, viewed on December 8, 2021.

Zhang X, Bao G, Liu D, et al. The Association Between Folate and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Neurosci. 2021;15:661198. Published 2021 Apr 14. doi:10.3389/fnins.2021.661198