When And Why B Vitamins Are A Good Choice For IV Therapy
People seek IV vitamin therapy for all sorts of different reasons. Some seek this therapy because they are hungover. Others seek it because they're feeling run down from a bout of the common cold. There are many types of IV solutions that can be used for a range of purposes. One common ingredient, which is found in many types, is B vitamins. Here's a look at the various B vitamins you often see in IV solutions, when they are used, and why they are used.
Common B Vitamins Used
Although people sometimes use the term "vitamin B," the B vitamins are actually a collection of similar vitamins rather than one singular substance. They are all water-soluble, which means they dissolve well in IV solutions. This also means that if you get more than you need, which is fairly common with an IV, your body will excrete any excess in the urine. Common B vitamins used in IVs include:
- Thiamin (B1): Helps protect the nervous system and helps you obtain energy from your food
- Riboflavin (B2): Helps with energy metabolism and promotes skin health
- Pyridoxine (B6): Helps the body form healthy hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells
- Vitamin B12: Helps keep red blood cells healthy and helps your body release energy from food
Why Are B Vitamins Added to IVs?
B vitamins are common ingredients in IVs because they tend to become depleted in the body during times of stress. It's also common for people not to get enough of these nutrients in their diets, especially if they eat a restrictive diet or don't eat a lot because they are ill. Low levels of B vitamins tend to cause side effects like low energy levels, so including them in an IV helps patients feel more energized and vital.
When Are B Vitamins Added to IVs?
B vitamins can be added to your IV when you're recovering from illness, hangovers, or demanding athletic events. They are really helpful if you've just been feeling run-down lately, even if you do not know why. And vegans can definitely benefit from having B vitamins added to their IV since they may not get enough of these vitamins in a diet free from animal products.
If you go to an IV clinic and get a bag of saline dripped into your veins, there is a good chance it will contain some or more B vitamins. Now, you're more familiar with why that's the case. For more information on IV therapy, contact a professional near you.