Intravenous therapy delivering fluids, electrolytes, vitamins/minerals, antioxidants (e.g., glutathione), and specialized agents (e.g., NAD+) directly into the bloodstream for rapid, titratable bioavailability. Used for rehydration, targeted micronutrient repletion, and adjunctive protocols. Requires sterile technique, dosing/compatibility checks, and clinical screening.
IV Therapy (intravenous therapy) delivers fluids, electrolytes, vitamins/minerals, antioxidants (e.g., glutathione), and specialized agents (e.g., NAD+) directly into venous circulation for rapid, reliable bioavailability. In longevity and integrative clinics, IV therapy is used for rehydration, targeted micronutrient repletion, peri-procedure support, and select adjunctive uses.
What It Includes
Hydration: isotonic saline or balanced solutions (e.g., lactated Ringer’s) with optional electrolytes to correct volume or electrolyte deficits.
Micronutrients: vitamin C, B-complex, B12, magnesium, calcium, trace minerals—formulated to address documented deficiencies or recovery goals.
Antioxidants: glutathione (GSH) as a short-acting redox adjunct; often paired after nutrient infusions.
Specialty infusions: NAD+ for cellular energy/mitochondrial support in investigational wellness contexts.
Mechanisms
IV delivery bypasses GI limits and first-pass metabolism, producing predictable plasma levels. Vitamin C supports redox balance and collagen synthesis; B vitamins act as enzymatic cofactors in mitochondrial energy metabolism; magnesium stabilizes neuromuscular function; glutathione modulates oxidative stress via peroxidase/GST pathways; fluids expand plasma volume to support perfusion and renal clearance.
Evidence & Limits
Evidence is strong for rehydration and deficiency states (e.g., parenteral B12). Literature for multi-ingredient “wellness cocktails” is mixed; glutathione has indication-specific data (e.g., select chemotherapy neurotoxicity mitigation) with preliminary signals in neurology; NAD+ wellness uses remain investigational. Position IV therapy as an adjunct within a comprehensive plan.
Eat a light meal and hydrate; wear sleeves that roll above the elbow; bring medication/supplement list; follow clinic guidance (e.g., pause biotin if advised; obtain G6PD when indicated).
Minimal downtime; most resume normal activity immediately. Transient warmth/chills, metallic taste, or increased urination may occur.
Vein irritation, bruising, infiltration/extravasation, infection, electrolyte imbalance, fluid overload (caution in heart/renal disease), hypersensitivity to additives; glutathione and high-dose vitamin C require indication-appropriate screening and sourcing from compliant sterile compounding.
World Health Organization. Intravenous Fluids: Clinical Principles (2023).
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240064157Mousavi M. et al. Intravenous Fluid Therapy in Adults: Indications, Composition, Safety (N Engl J Med, 2021).
https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra2034185CDC. Injection Safety and Safe Practices (One & Only Campaign).
https://www.cdc.gov/injection-safety/USP <797> Sterile Compounding Standards (overview).
https://www.usp.org/compounding/usp-compounding-standardsGrant R. et al. Clinical Use of Intravenous Vitamin C: Evidence and Controversies (Front Nutr, 2022).
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.809723Padayatty S.J. et al. Intravenous Vitamin C: Pharmacokinetics and Clinical Implications (CMAJ, 2010).
https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.081635© 2026 Longevity Clinic Finder. All rights reserved.
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Olsen R. et al. Safety and Efficacy of High-Dose Intravenous Micronutrient Therapy in Integrative Clinics (J Altern Complement Med, 2020).
https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2019.0375Cascinu S. et al. Neuroprotective effect of reduced glutathione on cisplatin chemotherapy (J Clin Oncol, 1995).
https://ascopubs.org/doi/pdf/10.1200/JCO.1995.13.1.26Leal A.D. et al. N08CA: glutathione to prevent CIPN with carboplatin/paclitaxel (Cancer, 2014).
https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cncr.28654Forman H.J. et al. Glutathione: Protective roles and redox biology (Toxicol Appl Pharmacol, 2009).
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2696075/Duration
30–90 minutes, depending on formula and rate.
Cost Range
$100–$350 basic hydration; $150–$600+ vitamin formulas; $300–$800+ with NAD+ or high-dose antioxidants (market-dependent).
Frequency
Individualized: as-needed for dehydration/recovery; weekly to monthly packages are common in wellness settings but should be goal- and lab-guided.
Adults seeking rehydration or targeted repletion who are otherwise appropriate for elective IV care after screening; deficiency states or peri-procedure needs benefit most.
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