Did you know that some IV therapy in Toronto patients might need to be treated for a micronutrient deficiency?

Micronutrients are a group of essential vitamins and minerals that the body relies on for optimal health. Some people lack zinc, a micronutrient and mineral responsible for immune function, reproduction, growth, chemical reactions, and vision. In fact, zinc is a cofactor for over 200 enzymes, and our cellular metabolism heavily depends on it for functioning.

With that, it’s understandable why a zinc deficiency can be concerning. “Globally, 17.3% of the population is at risk for zinc deficiency due to dietary inadequacy; up to 30% of people are at risk in some regions of the world,” states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Unfortunately, even in the western world where ample food is accessible, a zinc deficiency can occur. Below, we’ve highlighted why zinc is important and how to correct mineral deficiencies with diet, supplements or intravenous drip injection therapies.

Facts About Zinc for Toronto IV Therapy Patients

1. Zinc may have beneficial effects on mental health. “Zinc is one of the micronutrients involved in behavior, learning and mental functions,” says the Iranian Journal of Psychiatry. Which makes sense – in a 2013 study, it was shown that zinc supplementation combined with SSRIs effectively helped participants improve “major depressive disorders”, unlike those who consumed a placebo with an SSRI. 
2. According to the CDC, zinc can help people fight infections, including malaria and pneumonia. Zinc supplements may also have positive effects on reducing the lengths of colds, helping promote optimal functioning during cold-and-flu seasons.
3. Symptoms of a zinc deficiency may include: weight loss, diarrhea, impotence, loss of appetite, low immunity, lethargy, and slow wound healing.
4. Some people tend to lack zinc due to malabsorption or intake deficiencies. These people include: people who do not consume meat; alcoholics; people diagnosed with sickle cell disease; people with digestive disorders, such as colitis and Crohn’s. 

Getting Zinc Supplements or IV Therapy in Toronto

How can you boost your zinc levels? There are some vitamin therapies to consider, but first, have functional medicine blood tests conducted to see if you’re deficient in this important nutrient.

After your blood work review, your health practitioner may recommend dietary changes and supplements. Naturopathic doctors may likely suggest high-quality supplements that don’t contain fillers. Dietary changes will likely be mentioned too, which will include eating zinc-rich foods, such as organic whole foods, red meat, chickpeas and poultry.

Intravenous therapy (or vitamin IV therapy/IV vitamin drip therapy) may be recommended if you have a fear of swallowing pills or have malabsorption issues. IV therapy drip works like this: a vitamin IV with therapeutic doses is inserted into your blood vessel. Then the body readily uses the blend of vitamins for nutrient absorption and cellular function. Since the vitamin IV enters the blood flow, it does not touch the digestive tract. IV therapy then doesn’t cause unwanted side effects that would occur from oral vitamins, such as diarrhea from a high-dose vitamin C tablet.

Prior to using zinc supplements and IV drip therapy, please consult with a naturopathic doctor to rule out allergies or medication interactions. Also, keep this in mind: “Excess zinc can interfere with the absorption of iron and copper. High doses can also cause nausea and even vomiting,” stresses the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “Therefore it is important not to take supplemental zinc unless it is known that the diet is low in foods containing zinc or a zinc deficiency is confirmed.”

Are you lacking zinc? Do you want to maximize your energy levels, detoxification pathways, immune function and cellular functioning? Let’s discuss vitamin treatments at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre and improve your absorption of nutrients.

Contact the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre

At our private downtown clinic, we offer an assortment of nutrient intravenous drip treatments (i.e. zinc, amino acids, ascorbic acid/vitamin C infusions, vitamin D, Myers Cocktail, folic acid), with an integrative approach to functional medicine, naturopathy and allopathic medicine. Our vitamin drip treatments always consist of fresh beneficial ingredients that are compounded on a daily basis, to help correct deficiencies.

Conditions that we help treat include: DNA repair, chronic fatigue, cellular functioning, cellular damage, blood pressure issues, oxidative stress, tissue repair, digestive tract concerns, adrenal fatigue, adrenal function, skin rejuvenation, allergic reactions, cognition/brain function, thyroid conditions, and athletic recovery.

Replenish your zinc levels for optimal functioning! Call (416) 968-6961 to test your zinc levels and arrange for 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.

Ranjbar E, Kasaei MS, Mohammad-Shirazi M, et al. Effects of zinc supplementation in patients with major depression: a randomized clinical trial. Iran J Psychiatry. 2013;8(2):73-79.

“Zinc” by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, viewed on Dec. 5, 2021.

“Zinc” by Oregon State University, reviewed in May 2019 by: Emily Ho, Ph.D., Endowed Director, Moore Family Center for Whole Grain Foods, Nutrition and Preventive Health, Professor, School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, Principal Investigator, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, viewed on Dec. 5, 2021.