Whatever Your New Year’s Resolution Includes, Don’t Forget IV Vitamin Drips & Injections

It’s no secret that many people have a tough time sticking to their New Year’s resolutions. One reason for this may be that they lack a clear and proactive plan of attack. 

It’s not enough to just say: I’m going to eat healthier and workout more. You have to be intentional and specific:

• I am going to remove ultra-processed foods from my diet and eat a serving of veggies at every meal.

• I am going to strength train three times a week and get up from my desk at work every 30 minutes to move and stretch.

• I am going to have a regular bedtime so that I can get good quality sleep, feel rested during the day and be less tempted to reach for office sweets when I feel low energy.

In addition to being very intentional, you have to think about what the “missing ingredient” may be to achieving your goals every year. And in my opinion, one missing ingredient may be staying nutritionally balanced through the use of IV vitamin drips and injections.

Although we should be getting most of our vitamins and minerals from consuming a healthy, nutrient-rich diet, it’s pretty much inevitable that all of us will suffer nutritional imbalances and/or deficiencies at some point in our lives.

Reportedly, 9 in 10 Americans do not absorb or consume the required amounts of one or more key nutrients from the foods they eat. Some of these nutrients include potassium, dietary fiber, choline, magnesium, calcium and vitamins A, D, E and C.

Take me, for example. I have nutrient absorption issues with vitamin C despite eating very healthily. It’s genetic, so I have to address this with vitamin therapy in addition to eating a vitamin C-rich diet.

Other reasons why we may suffer from nutritional imbalances and deficiencies include:

• Aging. As we get older, our bodies have a harder time absorbing nutrients from the foods we eat.

• Poor soil quality. 

• Medications. Both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs deplete vitamins and minerals from the body.

• Not consistently following a healthy, nutrient-rich diet.

If your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, what you may not know is that nutritional deficiencies and imbalances may prevent you from achieving your weight loss goals and maintaining a healthy weight.

Examples of nutrient deficiencies that may stand in the way of your resolution to lose weight?

• Magnesium. This nutrient is one of the major minerals inside our bodies’ cells. Outside of the cells, it is an important cofactor for hundreds of processes and reactions in the body, including energy. Studies with rats have shown that a low magnesium level can slow down the growth of lean body mass (muscle and bone building) and promote an increase in body fat. Some healthcare professionals also believe that people with low magnesium tend to have high blood sugar. 

• Phosphorus. People who are overweight or obese tend to have high-carb diets (including processed, nutrient void carbs like white rice, white bread, pasta and sweets). And one theory is that high-carb diets increase insulin release, which creates a reaction that consumes a lot of phosphorus. This could mean the phosphorus in the body isn’t available to do other reactions in the body, like burn off food. This low metabolism gets mistranslated to the body as “not enough food,” which may cause us to eat more. Supporting this theory is that high levels of phosphorus in the body are linked with lower body weight. 

• Iron. This mineral may be critical for the energy you need to increase your physical activity. Iron is needed to make hemoglobin, a component of your red blood cells that delivers oxygen to all the cells in your body. Without adequate iron, your body can’t carry enough oxygen to your vital organs. Low iron levels may leave you feeling quite tired. So you can probably imagine that if you have low iron, you may not feel up for going to the gym and working out (which along with diet, is key in weight loss). Furthermore, excess weight appears to be associated with iron deficiency. One study reported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggested that the treatment of iron deficiency anemia induced weight loss and improved metabolic parameters.

• B vitamins. There is some evidence that non-optimal levels of vitamin B12 may increase the likelihood of obesity. B vitamins are also important for the maintenance of adequate energy levels you will need to complete any weight loss program. 

At the pH Drip Lab, we offer all sorts of vitamin “cocktails” that can help you avoid these nutritional deficiencies. Not only may these vitamin injections and pushes help you with your New Year’s resolution, but it also may boost your immunity and help with other health issues.

Check out some of the testimonials from the Proactive Health Labs Yelp page:

• Love this place. Everyone's friendly and cool, and man oh man, the shots work. Was down for the count with a nasty cold for a couple weeks, got the B Complex, day and a half later, i was human again. So great!

• Amazing staff and experience from start to finish at PH LABS. Came here for the IV service and can't wait to feel the results. Thank you everyone for your knowledge, expertise and being so hospitable from the moment I walked in. If you're looking for IV services for a quick pick me up highly highly recommend this spot!

• This place is great!  I came in for a Meyer's drip and they had that plus the super-antioxidant Glutathione which I need right now for some health recovery stuff.  Really happy I found this place and would be back weekly if I was staying in LA!

• Wasn't feeling well, run down from work and lack of sleep. I been doing vitamin shots for awhile now, and they work for me. I just moved to the area, so I needed a new place. I found them, and saw that they offered vitamin drips. I heard about them and read up on them, so I was game. The staff and doctor were very friendly. The whole process was painless. I think it helped me. I will definitely be back.

• After an exhausting run of project at work knew I needed to revive and get healthy again.  Stress and time on my feet had run my body down. Came into Proactive Health Labs for an IV drip and chose the Meyers.  Super friendly staff, comfortable surroundings, and most important a clean and safe place to have an IV put in. Extra touches like alkaline water and even some aromatherapy. Will definitely be back. Recommend.

So there you have it. Whatever your goals or issues may be, the pH Drip Lab can definitely get you on the road to success. And don’t forget to schedule routine nutrient tests in order to identify any nutrient imbalances or deficiencies you may have. If the test reveals you have too much or too little of a certain nutrient, a competent healthcare professional can work with you on making the necessary dietary changes and recommend what vitamin drips or injections are appropriate.

Enjoy your healthy life and happy almost New Year!

Choline. The Weight Loss Nutrient You May Be Missing

When it comes to managing our personal nutrition, there are lots of things to keep track of: What should I eat? How much should I eat? When should I eat?

It really depends on the individual, but one thing’s for certain for us all: we need six essential nutrients to stay healthy. These nutrients are water, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals.  

Water, carbs, proteins and fats are considered macronutrients (which are necessary in larger quantities), and the vitamins and minerals are considered micronutrients (needed in smaller quantities). To be clear, micronutrients are just as important to our health as macronutrients are. 

If you have a basic understanding of good nutrition, you likely already know many of the popular essential micronutrients such as iron, magnesium, vitamin C, potassium, sodium, vitamin D and calcium (to name a few).

But one micronutrient you may not be too familiar with is choline.

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) did not recognize choline as an essential nutrient until 1998. But there’s no denying choline’s important role in keeping us healthy. This nutrient is involved in a large number of very important physiological functions which affect various organs such as the brain, heart and liver. Simply put, the body needs choline to function normally and optimally. 

And perhaps one of choline’s most praised attributes is that it appears to play an important role in weight loss. A study from 2014 involved female taekwondo and judo athletes, who may have attempted to reduce their body mass a few days before competition in order to have a competitive advantage over their lighter opponents. 

So in order to lose weight quickly, some of these athletes implemented choline supplementation as one of their nutritional strategies. And basically what researchers found when the athletes took choline tablets one week before competition, is that the athletes were able to “...rapidly reduce body mass without any side effects on biochemical levels or static strength.”

Choline plays an important role in controlling fat and cholesterol buildup in the body. It has even been suggested that choline helps the body burn fat, which may result in easier weight loss and better metabolic health.

“Without an adequate supply of choline for phosphatidylcholine synthesis, triacylglycerides will accumulate, which leads to fatty liver condition,” according to the National Institutes of Health.

Given the association between choline and weight loss, it is not surprising that there is continuing interest in this nutrient. Remember, well over 65% of Americans are overweight or obese, so this is an issue that touches our lives in one way or another. And healthy solutions, like getting more choline in the diet, may make a difference for some.  

Furthermore, there is credible evidence that sub-optimal choline levels in humans are associated with liver and muscular damage. 

“The importance of choline in the diet extends into adulthood and old age. In a study of healthy adult subjects deprived of dietary choline, 77% of the men and 80% of the postmenopausal women developed signs of subclinical organ dysfunction (fatty liver or muscle damage),” according to this report from the NIH.

Basically, a choline deficiency can cause an abnormal deposition of fat in the liver, which may result in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

It is also extremely important that pregnant women get a sufficient intake of choline. 

“In humans, low maternal choline intake during pregnancy can alter DNA methylation in the placenta and cord blood [65]. Notably, there is an inverse relationship between the risk of neural tube defects and maternal choline intake or plasma choline concentrations, independent of dietary folate [another very critical nutrient pregnant women must consume] or supplemental folic acid intakes…,” reports the NIH.

“In addition, other birth defects associated with choline deficiency include cleft lip, hypospadias, and cardiac defects.”

The truth is, you may be deficient in choline.

According to the NIH’s Office of Dietary Supplements, most people in the United States consume less than the adequate intake (AI) for choline.

Recommended intakes for choline based on age and sex are listed below (note these amounts may differ if a woman is pregnant or lactating):

• 1-3 years, 220mg/day for both males and females

• 4-8 years, 250mg/day for both males and females

• 9-13 years, 375mg/day for both males and females

• 14-18 years, 550mg/day for males, 400mg/day for females

• 19 and up, 550mg/day for males, 425mg/day for females

Data from the 2013–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey revealed that the average choline intake from foods and beverages among children and teens (ages 2-19) was only 256mg. Furthermore, the average intake for adult males was only 402mg and 278mg in adult females. Overall, most people do not get choline from supplements, which perhaps means that more people may need to seek the advice of a competent healthcare professional regarding choline supplementation if they cannot get an adequate intake through diet.

Some sources say less than nine percent of adults in the United States are meeting their daily choline needs! One report states 90 percent of Americans do not get enough choline.

Our livers can produce choline, but the amount it may produce is not enough to meet our needs. We really have to depend on dietary sources and maybe supplements in order to get enough choline.

So what are some dietary sources of choline?

Animal foods, particularly eggs and beef liver, are rich in choline. So if you are vegan or vegetarian, you definitely want to get a nutrient test to see if you are deficient in choline and if you are, discuss supplementation with a competent healthcare professional.

“Strict vegetarians, who consume no meat, milk, or eggs, may be at risk for inadequate choline intake,” according to the Linus Pauling Institute. 

And some sources even say that if you don’t eat eggs on the regular, you may have difficulty getting enough choline in your diet. Well, not everyone eats eggs which is why, again, it’s important to be proactive by knowing what nutrients you are deficient in.

Since it appears that so many Americans (whether they eat animal foods or not) are choline deficient, we all might want to consider being proactive when it comes to getting enough of this critical nutrient.

There are plant-based sources of choline such as potatoes, Brussel sprouts, mushrooms, cabbage, broccoli and certain beans, nuts and whole grains. Educate yourself about the foods that are rich in choline, and make the effort to include them in your diet. For a list of additional foods rich in choline, read here. 

How else can you be proactive about choline deficiency?

• Know all your options.

Some health professionals recommend “Lipotropic (Lipo) Injections.” These injections include choline which may aid in the reduction of fat when combined with a healthy lifestyle. Here at pH, we have choline injections and it is referred to as “The Melt.” 

• Healthcare professionals should have choline on their radars.

This report from 2009 emphasizes the immediate need to increase awareness among health professionals and consumers of choline as an essential nutrient which is deficient in many people.

“These data indicate that there is a need to increase awareness among health professionals and consumers regarding potential suboptimal intakes of choline in the United States, as well as the critical role that choline plays in health maintenance throughout the lifespan. Food scientists and the food and dietary supplement industries should consider working collectively with government agencies to discuss strategies to help offset the percentage of the population that does not meet the AI [adequate intake].”

• Be aware of certain conditions that may make you prone to this deficiency.

There are certain groups of people who are more likely than others to have trouble getting enough choline. These include pregnant women, people with genetic conditions and those who are being fed intravenously. And remember, diets like certain strict vegetarian types which do not include milk or eggs may be choline deficient.

Educate yourself about this important nutrient, especially if you have been told you have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or are struggling with weight issues.

 Schedule your appointment HERE.

Enjoy your healthy life!

Why Some People Like Wendy Williams May Need Special Cocktails Like “Banana Bags” and “Myers’ Cocktails”

Originally published on phlabs.org

Recently, television host Wendy Williams got a special cocktail - a vitamin cocktail in the form of an IV vitamin drip. Another name for the cocktail she received is a “banana bag,” and it usually contains “a combination of 100 mg of thiamine, 1 mg of folic acid, 1-2 g of magnesium, and a multivitamin formulation in either normal saline or dextrose in water solution,” according to this source.

A banana bag is generally used for a very specific medical purpose - chronic alcohol use disorder (AUD).

In the past, Williams has shared that she struggled with a cocaine addiction that lasted 10 years. She was able to overcome this and become a highly successful and popular TV personality. But now, unfortunately, she appears to be battling an addiction to alcohol and, according to some reports, prescription drugs.  

Reportedly, just one week after sharing on-air that she had been living in a sober home, the 54-year-old host had to be hospitalized after checking herself out of the sober home and drinking heavily. She was said to be taken to the hospital after members of her staff found her very drunk.

As we have discussed before, intravenous (IV) vitamin drips deliver a cocktail of nutrients directly into a person’s bloodstream.

IV delivery of nutrients and medication is routinely utilized in the hospital setting for treating patients. These intravenous fluids may also contain potassium, glucose, and sodium, which are electrolytes your body needs to function normally.  

Medical professionals sometimes use IV lines to deliver drugs directly into the veins. This form of delivery helps the drugs reach the bloodstream more quickly than they would if you took a capsule or tablet. IV drugs are also useful for treating people who are vomiting and cannot take oral medications. So it's not surprising that IV lines are also being used to deliver nutrients.

And you don’t necessarily have to be having a medical issue or an emergency to utilize IV vitamin drips. Many people may use IV drips to help prevent or reduce the symptoms of the common cold, a hangover, jet lag, fatigue and more.

The nutrient-filled fluid in a banana bag has a yellow color, hence the name. The nutrients identified above that are present in the bag are all essential to the proper functioning of our bodies.

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), 100mg. Thiamine is an essential nutrient for all the tissues in the body, including our brain tissue. “A deficiency in the essential nutrient thiamine resulting from chronic alcohol consumption is one factor underlying alcohol–induced brain damage,” reports the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

• Vitamin B9 (Folate), 1mg. Abusing alcohol usually causes a folate deficiency, which can lead to anemia (a decrease in the red blood cells). This nutrient deficiency may also lead to psychosis, agitation and sleep issues.

• Magnesium, 1-2 g. “Magnesium (Mg) deficiency is common among alcoholics. Animal studies have shown that magnesium deficiency aggravates the hepatic [relating to the liver] damage caused by alcohol. One study on chronic alcoholics suggested that magnesium supplementation over six weeks decreases abnormally high activities of three enzymes related to liver function,” according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

A banana bag may also contain a multivitamin, which makes sense considering how badly alcohol robs the body of vitamins  we all need to stay healthy. All the nutrients mentioned in the banana bag may help prevent or reduce the likelihood of additional alcohol poisoning and withdrawal symptoms, such as prolonged vomiting, dehydration and low blood sugar.

Another popular cocktail in the world of IV vitamin drips is the Myers’ Cocktail which may also be used to cure the effects of a hangover.

The Myers’ Cocktail is the original micronutrient drip developed by Dr. John Myers in the 1960’s. This cocktail usually contains vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, B complex (which contains all the B vitamins). This cocktail may also be relevant for a number of clinical conditions such as “migraines, fatigue, asthma, fibromyalgia, acute muscle spasms, chronic sinusitis and more.”

Some medical practitioners “prefer vitamin IV infusion over oral administration, because higher vitamin levels can enter the bloodstream via the veins than can orally.” Factors such as age and diet may affect our ability to absorb adequate amounts of nutrients from the foods we eat to stay healthy. As a result, obtaining nutrients via infusion is an option that may be used to ensure that we get the right amounts of nutrients we need.

In addition, there are circumstances (such as when we are sick or extremely physically active) when our bodies may require a higher amount of nutrients to stay healthy. Reportedly, the body “begins to use nutrients at a faster rate, too fast for the body to absorb nutrients from the gastrointestinal system.” So with “intravenous administration physicians are able to provide higher doses of vitamins directly to the body via the veins, directly to the cells that require them. These same levels are not obtainable through oral or intramuscular (IM) administration.”

You can read more about potential benefits of the Myers’ Cocktail and additional cocktails we offer at the pH Drip Lab, here.

I’ve never been much of a drinker, but these are “cocktails” I utilize often as I age to replace lost vitamins and minerals and help boost my nutritional status. Whether or not we are battling addiction like Wendy Williams, we all likely have challenges maintaining optimal nutrient levels. These challenges are due to a variety of factors, including medications,  surgery, chronic illness as well as age. When you have these challenges, it is important to consult with a competent healthcare practitioner to identify the best way you can be nutritionally balanced.

Let’s enjoy our healthiest lives!

Not Up for Debate: Get Enough Vitamin C or Risk Aging Rapidly

Originally published on phlabs.org

By Joy Stephenson-Laws, JD, Founder

As a young adult, I knew vitamin C was good for my health. I associated it with citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons or products like Emergen-C. And I recall learning somewhere in my educational process that people who didn’t get enough vitamin C in their diets may get scurvy. For example, some sailors on long voyages in the 17th and 18th centuries died from scurvy when they ran out of fresh food supplies. But I never met anyone who had scurvy.  

Scurvy severely impacts the immune system. It may cause the gums to bleed easily and become infected. The teeth may become rotten and start to fall out. If not treated, scurvy can be fatal. But with the prevalence of citrus fruits today, I did not think that vitamin C deficiency or scurvy was something I needed to worry about.  

I was wrong.

It has been reported that more than 40% of American adults have an inadequate intake of vitamin C. And while the deficiency may not result in bleeding gums and missing teeth, it might be enough to wreak havoc on our immune systems and make us age faster.

Vitamin C protects the immune system from deficiencies that may lead to cardiovascular illnesses and other diseases. It is one of the most important nutrients needed for our survival. It is also an antioxidant, which means it protects our bodies from free radicals and other harmful molecules. It is a major producer of collagen, which is the main ingredient behind the repair of bone and skin tissue, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and teeth. Vitamin C also helps moisturize and nourish the skin, which may increase skin elasticity and may even restore a youthful appearance.

People who smoke are likely to be deficient in vitamin C. Smoking may cause oxidative stress, which may result in a decrease of vitamin C levels. Smoking is so dangerous that even secondhand smoke may decrease vitamin C levels. Because of this, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) suggests that smokers need an additional 35 mg of vitamin C per day than nonsmokers. They haven’t determined a specific amount for those who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke.

Daily amounts of fruits and vegetables generally provide more than enough vitamin C. On the other hand, people who make a diet out of fast food and junk food or abuse alcohol and drugs increase their risk of vitamin C deficiency.  

The real victims of vitamin C deficiency generally reside in low-income and impoverished neighborhoods, where the environment may make them more prone to having an unhealthy diet. Of course, adding fruits and vegetables to their diet may be enough to offset deficiency.

People who suffer from malabsorption may also be deficient in vitamin C. Malabsorption is when the body is incapable of absorbing nutrients. The inability to absorb nutrients like vitamin C is usually caused by chronic health conditions like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, cachexia and severe intestinal malabsorption.

Vitamin C cannot be naturally produced by the human body, making it a crucial dietary component. In order for us to maintain a healthy intake of vitamin C, we have to consume it.

Vitamin C can usually be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables such as oranges, watermelon, green and red peppers, grapefruit, tomatoes, spinach, papaya, Brussels sprouts and cabbage.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for men is around 90 milligrams (mg) per day. For women, it is about 75 mg. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should increase to 120 mg per day. To put these amounts in perspective, one cup of raw oranges is about 95 milligrams. To get an idea about which foods contain vitamin C and how much, visit the National Nutrient Database. It is a great source of information.

But be careful! While it’s not a common occurrence, it is possible to take too much vitamin C. It’s not likely that a ton of vitamin C will be harmful, but there are negative side effects to look out for. When taking doses above 400 mg, the extra vitamin C is excreted in the urine. However, if you consume more than 2,000 mg, you may experience negative side effects such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea, heartburn, insomnia and even the rare case of kidney stones.

It’s never too late to get tested for vitamin C deficiency! The sooner you learn about your vitamin C levels, the sooner you can get back to living a healthier life.

Enjoy your healthy life!

The pH professional health care team includes recognized experts from a variety of health care and related disciplines, including physicians, attorneys, nutritionists, nurses and certified fitness instructors. This team also includes the members of the pH Medical Advisory Board, which constantly monitors all pH programs, products and services. To learn more about the pH Medical Advisory Board, click here.

Glutathione: Why you need to know about this powerful detoxifier

Originally posted on phlabs.org

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a “soldier” in your body who fights almost anything that could make you sick and age faster? Yes, the body has many ways of repairing itself, including abilities to bind and neutralize chemical free radicals and toxins, increase immune defenses, fight cancer and even combat aging skin. Most aging occurs when the human body is unable to deal with incoming environmental and other unhealthy stresses. Having little buddies inside you to elbow those nasty toxins and radicals can help!

One of the most powerful substances to do that is an antioxidant called glutathione.

What does glutathione do?

Glutathione:

• Helps prevent damage to cells by neutralizing harmful molecules generated during energy production.

• Plays a role in processing medications and makes them more digestible.

• Binds and inactivates cancer-causing compounds (carcinogens) in a process called cancer apoptosis.

• Is involved in building DNA, proteins and other important cellular components.

• Is protective against environmental toxins.

• Plays a critical role in protecting brain cells from oxidative stress.

• Helps the liver detoxify fat before bile is emitted, which takes stress off of the gallbladder.

• Reduces peroxides (natural bleaching agents that are harmful to the body).

• Helps detoxify methylglyoxal, a toxin produced as a by-product of metabolism.

• Plays a crucial role in immune function. It promotes T-cell function, which is critical for a strong immune system.

• And more!

What can you do to improve your levels?

Glutathione is predominantly produced by the liver. It does need certain amino acids (such as cysteine) and vitamins and minerals. Oral ingestion of glutathione is not very effective because it is quickly digested and broken up; thus, only a fraction reaches the liver and bloodstream. Intravenous glutathione (via an IV) may be effective at 200 mg.

However, there are several other ways how to improve your glutathione levels:

• Eat natural sulfur-containing foods such as garlic, onions and the cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, collards, cabbage and cauliflower).

• Whey protein can raise cysteine levels, which is a key building block of glutathione.

• Selenium, vitamin E and purple carrot extracts may improve antioxidant function by raising glutathione.

• Exercise has been shown to decrease oxidative stress through increased antioxidant enzymes activity, such as glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Even low-intensity exercise can benefit antioxidant levels.

• Alpha-lipoic acid is a close second to glutathione in importance in our cells and is involved in energy production, blood sugar control, brain health and detoxification.

• Ginger oil was shown to be helpful in reversing radiation-induced intestinal damage by raising impaired antioxidant function again.

• Eat methylation nutrients such as folate, vitamin B6 and B12 because methylation and recycling glutathione are important antioxidant functions. Click here to read about methylation.

• Milk thistle supports liver function and can have positive effects on glutathione production.

• Avoid junk food. Decreased glutathione production occurs with poor nutritional habits, like eating junk foods. These increase inflammation and cause oxidative damage and impaired glutathione production.

Enjoy the benefits glutathione can have on your long-term health, and check back soon for a follow-up that goes more in-depth on what oxidative stress is and how you can be proactive to reduce it.

Enjoy Your Healthy Life!

The pH professional health care team includes recognized experts from a variety of health care and related disciplines, including physicians, attorneys, nutritionists, nurses and certified fitness instructors. To learn more about the pH Health Care Team, click here.

B12 Cure-All or Waste of Money?

Originally published on phlabs.org

Are B12 injections worth the hype?

“B12 injections given here!” Doctor’s offices, chiropractic centers and other wellness-focused operations love to advertise B12. And why not? Patients swear it gives them an “energy boost.”  

Animal sources like meat and eggs are the primary sources of B12 in the U.S.  A simple blood test can tell you your level — numbers between 500 and 1,000 pg/ml are desirable.

However, vegans, vegetarians, women, alcoholics, people with bowel diseases like colitis or Crohn’s, and people who have had gut surgery (like gastric bypass surgery) are the most likely to be deficient. Additionally, absorption of food-bound vitamin B12 decreases as we age. It is generally recommended that adults 51 years and older take a supplement containing vitamin B12.

What is vitamin B12?

B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that it dissolves in water. In general, after the body uses water-soluble vitamins, leftover amounts leave the body through the urine. B12 is different in that it can be stored for years in the liver. It is actually the only water-soluble vitamin that can be stored in the body.

What are the risks of B12 deficiency?

The risks of B12 deficiency include anemia, numbness, impaired senses and nerve damage.

If you do have a deficiency, evidence shows that a simple oral tablet is just as effective in restoring levels as injected B12. A 2011 study in the journal Clinical Therapeutics showed that people were able to attain 100% of desired B12 levels simply by taking a daily oral supplement.

What about taking supplements even when you don’t have a deficiency?

It seems to depend on what you want to take it for. In 1978, researchers in the British Journal of Nutrition measured exercise performance before and after B12 injections (or placebo injections) and found no difference in performance.  

But another study looked at young people with hearing loss due to too much noise exposure. This study found some benefit in hearing in the participants who took extra B12. This makes some sense, since B12 is critical to nerve health. The B12 you don’t need will be excreted in the urine, unless you have liver disease.

There is a small subset of people who truly cannot absorb vitamin B12 well from food or from oral supplements. There is a test called CobaSorb that will tell you if you are one of them. Potassium supplements can reduce absorption of vitamin B12.  There is also some evidence that vitamin C in supplements can interfere with obtaining the vitamin B12 found in foods. But note that if you’ve had weight loss surgery, your doctor should guide you in deciding what supplements should be taken.  

Although taking vitamin B12 has almost no side effects, your dollars should be spent on supplements you actually need. If you have low B12, opt for a less expensive pill form; if your B12 level is normal, take a multivitamin to boost all your vitamin levels.

Who may be at risk for B12 deficiency?

Do you have pernicious anemia? Are you on long-term antibiotics? Do you gave gastritis? Are you a smoker or a vegetarian or vegan? Do you drink a lot of alcohol? If you answered yes to any of these, you may be at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency and should consider a supplement.

How much B12 can I take?

If your kidneys and liver are healthy, you can probably take 1,000 micrograms daily without adverse effects (which may include itching, numbness and tingling, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea and swelling). Some doctors say there are absolutely no side effects to massive B12 doses. However, the recommended daily intake of B12 is less than 3 micrograms. Taking over 3,000 micrograms, which is significantly higher than the recommended daily intake, is known to cause adverse effects.

At pH Labs, we help you find out what your body really needs through a personalized health assessment, advanced lab testing and can assist you with boosting b12 through our pH Drip Lab. This way, you’re not left to trial and error to find out what supplements to take or lifestyle adjustments to make. Our doctors will work with you to address any deficiencies in your body, including vitamin B12. Visit our website or call us at 855-PHLABS1 to schedule an appointment.

The pH professional health care team includes recognized experts from a variety of health care and related disciplines, including physicians, attorneys, nutritionists, nurses and certified fitness instructors. This team also includes the members of the pH Medical Advisory Board, which constantly monitors all pH programs, products and services. To learn more about the pH Medical Advisory Board, click here.

Are Vitamin Infusions Worth All the Hype?

Originally published on pHLabs.org

Las Vegas is America’s adult playground, but it can definitely take a toll on you if you overdo it. We’ve all been there!

If you happen to be in Vegas and desperately need a cure for a hangover, dehydration or exhaustion, paying a visit to REVIV, an IV drip spa, may be just what you need.

IV drip spas, where people can get a cocktail of nutrients injected directly into their bloodstream via an IV, are actually all over the United States. Also called vitamin infusions, these vitamin injections are sometimes simply given as a shot (like if you were to walk in and get a flu shot at your local drug store).

These treatments reportedly offer:

• Relief from jet lag
• Relief from pain due to fibromyalgia
• A boost for the immune system
• Cure for a hangover
• Clearer skin

Some even say these injections will improve sexual function.

If you were to visit one of these IV drip spas, it would be pretty comparable to ordering at a smoothie or juice bar.

For example, this IV spa in California has a pretty big menu offering items such as: 

• “Brain Boost” - to help with your ability to concentrate. Treatment delivers taurine, an amino acid that may play an important role in creating new brain cells. The injection also includes B vitamins and vitamin C, which may stimulate and balance neurotransmitters. 

• “Party Prep” - offers 11 nutrients that will keep you hydrated and energized before you attend a big event. 

These treatments are not cheap. On average, they cost about $100 to $175.

Depending on what spa you visit, vitamin IV drips can take anywhere between 15 to 90 minutes.

Reportedly, “[f]or an infusion, vitamins are added to a solution containing the same salt concentration as your blood to aid absorption and take about 20 to 30 minutes. Infusions are relatively painless.”

Some celebs, including Rihanna and Gwyneth Paltrow, swear by vitamin drips for boosting immunity.  

Even widely popular celebrity Dr. Oz said they are “cutting edge.”

One woman spent thousands of dollars on these drips, despite some medical experts saying they are a waste of money in her case.

Do they work?

Well, we know IV delivery of nutrients and medication is utilized in the hospital setting for treating patients. Intravenous fluids may contain potassium, glucose, and sodium, which are electrolytes your body needs to function normally.  

And medical professionals may use IV lines to deliver drugs directly into the veins, which helps them reach the bloodstream more quickly than they would if you took a capsule or tablet. IV drugs are also useful for treating people who are vomiting and cannot take oral medications.

Some medical doctors have been successfully using a “cocktail of intravenous vitamin C, vitamin B1 (thiamine) and corticosteroids” to treat sepsis with “no consequential side effects.”

However, other medical professionals are waiting for hard science to decide whether this method of treating sepsis is effective.  

“That evidence could come from two large studies now underway in the United States. Both are being conducted according to the gold standard of medical science: Some patients get the treatment, others get a placebo, and neither the patients nor doctors know who gets what.”

Some people against vitamin IV drips argue it is useless, because infusing vitamins through your veins bypasses the GI system.

According to some doctors, circumventing your digestive system may put your health at risk. That’s because your digestive tract has several layers of defense—from antibodies in your saliva to your liver— that filter out potentially harmful molecules that could cause an allergic reaction.

But others believe that skipping the GI system is the reason why these treatments can be so effective.

“With vitamin C, for example, it’s immediately available for cellular use when you infuse it directly into the veins. But the same amount would cause G.I. upset if you tried to take it by mouth,” according to one medical doctor.

It is important to note that these vitamin IV drips should not be a viable long-term solution to any medical problems you may be having.

If you’re hungover in Vegas, it may be a quick fix. But if you are someone who has chronic fatigue or always getting sick, you need to get to the bottom of why you have these symptoms and perhaps make appropriate lifestyle changes, like exercising more and eating healthier.

Are these treatments safe?

There is always a risk of infection with needle use, but it’s likely no more riskier than getting a flu shot or having a regular IV at the hospital.

If you take too much of a certain vitamin or mineral, this can be toxic. One doctor says he doesn’t use anything that could reach toxicity levels quickly. And since these treatments use water-soluble vitamins, any excess would be filtered by the kidneys and eliminated through your urine.

Model and member of the Kardashian clan Kendall Jenner was not long ago hospitalized due to a bad reaction from a vitamin IV drip.

(These treatments are not FDA endorsed or regulated).

There are not many details on what exactly happened to Jenner, but she recovered pretty quickly. What you really have to be mindful of is the person giving you the drip. These treatments are often done in spa type environments, and not your doctor’s office, so in some cases you are kind of like letting someone else play doctor.

You have to do your research and make sure you are going to a reputable place.

“More serious complications of an IV treatment can include a blood clot or inflammation of the vein. Although very rare, improperly inserted IVs can create a stroke-causing air embolism or cause the fluids to leak into nearby tissue,” according to the doctor in this report.

Of course if you have any existing health issues or are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with a competent healthcare professional about whether vitamin drips are appropriate for you.

And always remember, being healthy is about your day-to-day care: what you are eating, not smoking, exercising, drinking in moderation, managing stress and visiting your doctor on an annual basis.

So are infusions worth the hype?

I have benefited from infusions of Vitamins C and B because I have such difficulty absorbing enough of these vitamins from food or supplement form. There is enough evidence to suggest that infusions may indeed be worth the hype and the benefits may far outweigh any risks associated with them. So if you have confirmed that you are deficient in certain nutrients and want to experience quick results, this may very well be one avenue you want to consider as a short term fix until you figure out a long term solution.  

Enjoy your healthy life!

The pH professional health care team includes recognized experts from a variety of health care and related disciplines, including physicians, attorneys, nutritionists, nurses and certified fitness instructors. This team also includes the members of the pH Medical Advisory Board, which constantly monitors all pH programs, products and services. To learn more about the pH Medical Advisory Board, click here.