Why Choose PC IV Therapy in Toronto + What to Expect
POSTED BY TORONTO FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CENTRE
IV therapy from our Toronto lounge is advantageous for cellular functions, hydration, collagen production, and more. But our clinicians recommend phosphatidylcholine (PC) IV drips for fostering specific beneficial effects and managing a chronic condition.
Our blog has previously discussed PC IV therapy, and you can read more about it. This treatment nourishes the body with phosphatidylcholine, which is a type of phospholipid that may promote a wide range of positive effects. These bodily effects may include:
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- Neuroprotection: PC can naturally target cognitive decline, brain fog, and recovery from brain injuries (i.e. concussions).
- Detoxification: The phospholipid may contribute to flushing out mycotoxins, heavy metals, and other environmental pollutants from the body.
- Chronic illness management: Can assist in the management of symptoms linked to autoimmune disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, and Lyme disease.
Here, the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre (TFMC) describes why PC IV therapy treatments may be an option, what to expect from this IV drip, and how to get started in our Toronto Lounge.
Choosing phosphatidylcholine IV therapy
Along with regular oral supplementation, some people opt for PC IV therapy because:
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- Phosphatidylcholine vitamin drips support efficient nutrient absorption. Unlike tablets, capsules, powders, or liquid supplements—which may be partially degraded during digestion—IV drips bypass the gastrointestinal tract and deliver nutrients directly into the bloodstream. This method allows for increased bioavailability compared to oral administration.
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- Helps promote detoxification: IV PC is capable of detoxifying fat-soluble toxins, helping to restore membrane integrity throughout the body. It may also cut down inflammation by helping to reduce oxidative damage.
- Supports therapeutic effects: IV administration can be customized with therapeutic doses for your health needs; oral vitamins are purchased at set dosages.
The efficacy of PC supplements is backed by clinical evidence; for example, these treatments have been found to potentially lessen fatty liver disease symptoms and enhance liver function. Scientific journals have also inferred that cognitive performance and neuroprotection may improve while supplementing with PC, especially in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients. Indeed, phosphatidylcholine shows promise in benefiting the repair of cells and cognitive function, possibly making it a healthy tool for wellness enhancement.
What to expect from PC IV drip treatments
How is IV phosphatidylcholine dispensed? And what should you expect from this IV therapy session? Firstly, you should know that vitamin infusions are not meant to be swallowed. Instead, IV phosphatidylcholine is inserted into a vein and infused immediately into the bloodstream, guaranteeing a full absorption of vitamins. These appointments are usually supervised by clinicians, too; in our IV Lounge, our experienced team of naturopathic doctors, registered nurses, and nurse practitioners monitor these sessions for safety and comfort.
The frequency of sessions depends on your diagnosis. At our clinic, IV doses are adjusted to align with your specific health goals, including support for nutrient deficiencies. Some individuals begin phosphatidylcholine (PC) drips at a microdosed level if they are sensitive to new treatments, while others may start at a moderate dose and gradually increase to the recommended therapeutic range. The approach is guided by your overall health goals, tolerance. and clinical needs.
Some patients may notice improvements with their energy levels, mental clarity, and overall well-being after completing a few sessions. For chronic conditions (i.e. neurodegenerative disorders, high cholesterol), ongoing vitamin IV sessions may be advised.
Maximize your IV session by requesting a glutathione IV drip! This can be administered after completing a PC drip, and may be beneficial for its additional detoxifying and antioxidant effects.
Potential side effects and contraindications
Consulting with a healthcare practitioner is needed before trying any new supplements; the same goes for administering new nutrients via intravenous therapy. This is to help avoid medication interactions and allergies, and to determine if IV drips are suitable for your condition. For instance, IV drip therapies are not suitable for patients who are pregnant/breastfeeding or diagnosed with blood-clotting disorders, severe kidney or liver disease, and/or uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart disease.
There may be potential side effects to getting IV therapy drips, too. These may include: the temporary lowering of blood pressure, which can lead to light-headedness; and fatigue or mild discomfort during the initial treatments. Some minor pain and swelling may occur at the IV insertion site, but this can be merely alleviated with cold compresses.
Though intravenous therapy optimally hydrates you – especially after performing heavy physical exertions – it’s imperative to be as hydrated as possible before IV sessions to mitigate potential side effects. Phosphatidylcholine drip therapies are now available in our IV Lounge. Jump-start your way towards optimal health and book your first TFMC appointment today!
Suggested reading: 10 Extraordinary Facts About Omega-3 Fatty Acids: An IV Therapy Toronto Info Sheet
Getting started in our Toronto IV Lounge
Here’s the process for getting PC IV therapy from our IV Lounge:
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- Schedule an initial consultation with our clinical practice. It’s simple – send us a message or call our health team.
- Discuss your health goals and concerns with one of our functional medicine practitioners; this session is needed to make arrangements for your personalized therapies. We book ample time to discuss your genetics and medical history, lifestyle and environmental factors, and current symptoms. (Note: functional testing in the form of saliva, urine or blood tests may be advised.)
Our IV Lounge modifies vitamin drips and injection therapy with the principles of integrative functional medicine. This health model advocates for personalized health care, which can effectively target the root cause of health concerns. Our intravenous therapy menu includes essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, including vitamin C, a potent antioxidant called glutathione, NAD+ IV, a medley of amino acids, as well as alpha-lipoic acid. When IV nutritional solutions are added to a regime of healthy habits and functional health interventions (i.e. medical therapies, naturopathic medicine), they may augment cellular regeneration, natural energy levels, and more.
Along with preparing IV vitamin drips, our service options include adapting integrative functional treatment plans with Western and naturopathic medicine, holistic nutrition, psychotherapy and other modalities. Functional medicine therapies are suitable for various types of conditions, especially those linked to brain and muscle function, inflammation (oxidative stress levels), DNA repair, weakened cardiovascular health, hair and nail growth, longevity/healthy aging, and more.
Optimal health is within your reach! Fuel your mind and body with nutritious IV therapy from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre – begin now by simply clicking here to reach us.
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. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media.
References
Barak, A., & Tennenbaum, L. “Phosphatidylcholine and its clinical applications in brain disorders.” International Journal of Neuroscience, 2005.
Cantafora A, Masella R, Angelico M, Gandin C, Blount RJ, Peterson SW. Effect of intravenous polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine infusion on insulin receptor processing and lipid composition of erythrocytes in patients with liver cirrhosis. Eur J Clin Invest. 1992 Dec;22(12):777-82. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2362.1992.tb01446.x. PMID: 1478248.
Duric, M., Sivanesan, S., & Bakovic, M. (2012). Phosphatidylcholine functional foods and nutraceuticals: A potential approach to prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology, 114(4), 389-398. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejlt.201100350
Eros G, Ibrahim S, Siebert N, Boros M, Vollmar B. Oral phosphatidylcholine pretreatment alleviates the signs of experimental rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther. 2009;11(2):R43. doi: 10.1186/ar2651. Epub 2009 Mar 18. PMID: 19296835; PMCID: PMC2688190.
Gaby, A. R. Nutritional Medicine. Fritz Perlberg Publishing, 2011.
Kidd, P. M. “Phosphatidylcholine: A superior protectant against liver damage.” Alternative Medicine Review, 1996.
Parnetti, L., et al. “Choline-containing phospholipids: relevance to brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease.” Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, 2001.
Ritz, E., & Meier, P. “Phospholipids and lipoproteins in kidney disease.” Kidney International Supplement, 2003.
Zeisel, S. H. “Choline: an essential nutrient for public health.” Nutrition Reviews, 2009.
Treede I, Braun A, Sparla R, Kühnel M, Giese T, Turner JR, Anes E, Kulaksiz H, Füllekrug J, Stremmel W, Griffiths G, Ehehalt R. Anti-inflammatory effects of phosphatidylcholine. J Biol Chem. 2007 Sep 14;282(37):27155-27164. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M704408200. Epub 2007 Jul 18. PMID: 17636253; PMCID: PMC2693065.
