Did you know we offer a high-dose vitamin C drip in our IV therapy Toronto Lounge? Though it may seem like a fish in a pond of nutrients, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that impacts optimal functioning. 

Also called ascorbic acid, this vitamin affects several aspects of wellness, from immune health, cognitive function, and wound healing to the functioning of nerves, health of bones and cellular functioning. 

Hence, support with vitamin C – along with a nourishing lifestyle and integrative functional medicine methods – could uphold an improved quality of life, helping maximize detoxification processes, physical exertions, energy levels, muscle function, and more. 

In this article, the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre (TFMC) outlines the potential beneficial effects of vitamin C as adjunctive supplementation. 

Must-Know Vitamin C Health Benefits

1. 1. It can reduce the buildup of free radicals: Free radicals are harmful molecules from UV radiation, pollutants, and chemicals. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant with the special function of scavenging these molecules, helping limit/protect your cellular health from damage. 
   2. May contribute to blood pressure regulation: This specific nutritional deficiency has been linked to different health issues, including high blood pressure levels. Studies have suggested that people who consume antioxidant-rich foods, such as those with vitamin C, can reduce their chances of forming high blood pressure in comparison to those with unhealthy diets. 
   3. Can help strengthen immune function: Though it can’t stop a cold or flu from getting you sick, vitamin C can lessen the duration of a virus. It can support white blood cell formation, helping to push white blood cells to effectively operate. 
   4. Helps the human body absorb non-heme iron: If you’re a vegan, you should know that vitamin C can increase your absorption rate for plant-based iron sources (i.e. beans). As a result, it can lower the risks for forming anemia. 
   5. May offer protection against dementia: Lab studies have implied that oxidative stress in the central nervous system can heighten the development of dementia, hindering brain health. Due to the fact that vitamin C can rummage for free radicals – which can form oxidative stress – it may reduce your risks for cognitive decline. We recently published an article about how IV therapy for dementia may help cut your risk. Check out our previous blog about it.
   6. Supports wound healing and skin health: The vitamin may be taken to encourage collagen production. This is handy for the healing of cuts and scrapes, as well as promoting recovery from injuries. Plus, it can support an anti-aging effect for the appearance of skin and potentially promote skin lightening on dark spots. 
   7. Could slow down the progression of macular degeneration: According to an International Journal of Molecular Sciences article, “Oxidative stress plays an important role in aging diseases including AMD [age-related macular degeneration], especially owing to the much higher oxygen consumption by the retina than by any other tissue.” But studies are showing that supplementing with major antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, can help defend vision from oxidative damage. 

Understanding Supplementation: Oral vs. Intravenous Vitamin Drip

Do you want to increase your vitamin C intake for an immune boost for daily functioning? If so, a TFMC functional medicine healthcare provider can tailor this treatment service with a custom-made IV drip! 

Due to our customization of functional medicine therapies, we would consider how your body may effectively absorb nutrients. That said, we may suggest either oral supplements or intravenous drips as adjuvant treatment. 

Oral supplementation is convenient. But keep in mind, the body needs to filter tablets/capsules through the digestive tract, just like when you’re eating food! This means you can lose excessive amounts of nutrients through the digestive process alone.  

As complementary therapy, IV nutrient therapy offers a full absorption of nutrients. It doesn’t require filtration because a nutritional drip is directed into your bloodstream for instant use. IV vitamin infusions are available as high-dose vitamin C; a mixture of vitamins and key nutrients can also be combined to target certain health conditions (i.e. those related to physical performances, chronic inflammation, metabolism boost, brain function, alcohol overindulgence, blood sugar levels, energy production, liver repair, skin elasticity, menopausal symptoms, and more). 

An IV infusion of vitamins may be ideal for those with malabsorption from a chronic illness. For these patients, oral supplements may trigger unwanted side effects, such as an upset stomach. IV vitamin therapy doesn’t require digestion, so patients with malabsorption can continue to nourish the body with nutrients intravenously. 

Next to helping relieve nutrient deficiencies, IV therapy drips can offer a complete rehydration of fluids, help keep your blood cells healthy, and promote liver detoxification. Please visit our private downtown clinic for your next steps toward optimal health. 

About Our Functional Medicine-Based IV Therapy and Multidisciplinary Approach to Wellness

Healthy longevity can begin on a cellular level! Our functional medicine therapy providers can arrange for tailored-made, scientifically-formulated IV therapies to help revive your current health status.

The TFMC offers a personalized service of health care and intravenous therapy using the integrative functional medicine model. This health care system scrutinizes the core components of your individuality, such as your chief health concerns, environmental/lifestyle factors, medical history, results from functional medicine lab tests, etc. Understanding your uniqueness helps us tailor your treatment plan with functional medicine programs and personal doses of nutrients (i.e. magnesium content, mineral dosages, etc.). 

Our IV Lounge is for patients who require adjunct support therapy with IV concentrations of nutrients. We may recommend safe ingredients for your drip therapy treatment, such as those with anti-inflammatory components to help reduce whole-body inflammation or foster healthy skin. We have a range of key ingredients aside from ascorbic acid, including IV glutathione therapy, folic acid, major minerals, a medley of amino acids, the famous vitamin infusion Myer’s Cocktail, and other natural ingredients. Our health practitioners can even modify drips for your health goals, such as a post-exercise amino acid drip to maintain your peak performance! Along with tailor-made, scientifically-formulated IV therapies, B-12 and vitamin D injections are available. 

If you’d like to request other therapies aside from vitamin IV therapy, tell us during your initial consultation! Our health services also feature acupuncture, allopathic medicine, booster shots, naturopathic medicine, detoxification strategies, bio-identical hormone treatments, hormone testing, and more. 

When combined with a healthy lifestyle and functional medicine programs, IV therapy from Toronto can foster optimal function. What’s preventing you from improving your health? Request your complete diagnostic session for intravenous high-dose vitamin C. 

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

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“The Effects of Vitamin C on Arthritis” by Carol Eustice, updated on June 03, 2022, medically reviewed by David Ozeri, MD, viewed on October 5, 2023. 

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