Treatments / Add-ons / Vitamin C
Vitamins & minerals
Vitamin C
Also called Ascorbic acid
An essential vitamin and antioxidant involved in normal immune function and collagen formation.
What it is
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient humans cannot synthesise; unusually among mammals, we lost that ability. It functions as an antioxidant and as a required cofactor for the enzymes that build collagen.
Standard dose here is one gram, diluted and infused as a piggyback over about thirty minutes. Anything above two grams requires the Medical Director's authorization in advance and is not something that can be added on the day.
What it is used for
- A vitamin the body uses in normal immune system function*
- Required for normal collagen formation, which supports skin, blood vessels, bone and cartilage*
- Functions as an antioxidant, contributing to protection of cells from oxidative stress*
- Increases iron absorption from food*
- Commonly requested alongside fluids during winter and after travel*
How we give it
As a piggyback alongside your main bag: one gram over about thirty minutes, two grams over forty-five to sixty.
Already included in The Recovery, The Immunity, the Myers Cocktail and The Glow.
It is never run in the same line at the same time as glutathione. If you are having both, glutathione goes last, after the vitamin C infusion is finished.
Good to know
Why do you ask about kidney stones?
The body converts some vitamin C to oxalate, and oxalate is a component of the most common kind of kidney stone. In people who form stones, high doses can contribute. It is a genuine screening question rather than a formality, and it is why your nurse asks before agreeing to a larger dose.
Can I have a high dose?
Not on the day, and not by request. Doses above two grams need the Medical Director to authorize them in advance. Your nurse cannot sign that off at your kitchen table, and will not.
Others in vitamins & minerals
Magnesium
An essential mineral involved in normal muscle and nerve function, added to your bag and infused slowly.
B-Complex
A group of water-soluble vitamins the body uses in normal energy metabolism, added directly to your bag.
Vitamin B12
An essential vitamin involved in normal red blood cell formation and nervous system function. Available in your bag or as a shot.
Glutathione
A tripeptide the body produces and uses as an antioxidant. Given as the final step of a drip, or as a shot.