supplements
Intravenous vitamin therapy for nonmedicinal reasons such as rehydration, immuneboosting, re-energising and de-stressing were introduced into the UK in 2014/2015. It is also believed to help with symptoms of jet-lag and sleep problems.
Intravenous
vitamin therapy
It has become a very popular trend, especially among celebrities. It is a method of administering vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream. Vitamins and minerals are naturally found in food and are generally consumed alongside other nutrients in a food matrix. Vitamins that are taken by mouth get broken down in the stomach and digestive tract and is limited to how much can be absorbed (50%). If however, the vitamin is given directly into the vein, it is absorbed in a much higher percentage (90%). There are a number of factors that affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients in the stomach. These include age, metabolism, health status, genetics, interactions with other products we consume, and the physical and chemical makeup of the nutritional supplement or food. Higher levels of the vitamins in your bloodstream lead to a greater uptake into the cells, which theoretically will use the nutrients to 34
maintain health and fight illness. Injecting anything into the bloodstream also comes with risks such as ‘air bubbles’ in the syringe that can transfer to the bloodstream, allergic reactions and infection. These are more likely to occur if the person administering the injection is not properly qualified. It is important to point out that no published evidence supports the use of this therapy and very few studies are available that have tested the effectiveness. There is however lots of anecdotal evidence from patients that have had treatments at Tocolo. Contact Wendy at Tocolo: T | 07824 553735 E | enquiries@tocolo.co.uk W | tocolo.co.uk Facebook | Tocolo Practitioner
