What Is IV Therapy?

Introduction

IV therapy (intravenous therapy) is the direct infusion of fluids, electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, and cellular nutrients such as NAD directly into the bloodstream via a sterile catheter. This allows for 100% bioavailability—meaning every molecule administered is delivered directly to your cells for immediate use.

[1] Sterns RH, et al. "Fluid and Electrolyte Therapy in Adults." N Engl J Med. 2019;381:1770-1781. Link

How IV Therapy Works

Assessment & Personalization

Each IVÉ Wellness treatment is tailored through comprehensive health screening and clinical consultation, ensuring the most effective and safest infusion blend.

Venous Access & Infusion

A licensed nurse inserts a small, sterile catheter (usually in the arm), and the selected fluids/nutrients are delivered via a controlled drip or pump—typically over 30–90 minutes.

Direct Cellular Uptake

IV administration bypasses digestive and metabolic breakdown, ensuring instant and complete absorption for rapid physiological benefits.

[2] Padayatty SJ, et al. "Vitamin C pharmacokinetics: implications for oral and intravenous use." Ann Intern Med. 2004;140(7):533-537. Link

Core Science: Hydration, Nutrient Delivery, and Cellular Impact

IV fluids such as Normal Saline or Lactated Ringer's provide rapid rehydration, electrolyte correction, and an ideal vehicle for nutrient delivery. These solutions restore plasma volume, correct dehydration, and support homeostasis.

[3] Raghunathan K, et al. "Choice of fluid in acute illness: what should be given?" Curr Opin Crit Care. 2015;21(4):309-315. Link

Direct IV delivery ensures 100% of nutrients reach circulation, avoiding absorption losses and first-pass metabolism—critical for those with digestive issues or increased cellular demands.

[4] Sanz-Cuesta BE, et al. "Vitamin B12 deficiency: recognition and management." Am Fam Physician. 2021;104(2):168-175. Link

NAD: Cellular Energy, Longevity & Brain Health

What Is NAD⁺?

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a universal cellular coenzyme required for:

  • Energy production (ATP synthesis)
  • DNA repair and cellular defense
  • Sirtuin activation and longevity pathways
  • Mitochondrial and brain health

NAD levels decline with age, stress, chronic illness, and environmental toxins, contributing to fatigue, inflammation, and cellular aging.

Why NAD IV Therapy?

  • Restores cellular NAD pools rapidly, supporting mitochondria and energy
  • May enhance DNA repair, neuroprotection, and recovery from stress
  • Emerging research shows potential roles in anti-aging, cognitive resilience, and inflammation regulation

[5] Verdin E. "NAD in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration." Science. 2015;350(6265):1208-1213. Link
[6] Covarrubias AJ, et al. "NAD metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing." Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2021;22(2):119-141. Link

Inflammation, Misfolded Proteins, and Oxidative Stress

Inflammation

Chronic low-grade inflammation is a leading driver of aging ("inflammaging"), heart disease, neurodegeneration, diabetes, and immune dysfunction. Nutrients delivered IV—such as Vitamin C, glutathione, magnesium, and NAD—have been shown to help regulate inflammatory pathways, support immune homeostasis, and mitigate cytokine-driven cellular stress.

[7] Furman D, et al. "Chronic inflammation in the etiology of disease across the life span." Nat Med. 2019;25(12):1822-1832. Link

Misfolded Proteins

Proteins must fold correctly to function. Misfolded proteins accumulate with age and stress, leading to cellular dysfunction, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's), and metabolic disorders.

  • NAD and glutathione play central roles in proteostasis—supporting cellular repair and protein clearance, protecting against aggregation and cellular toxicity.

[8] Labbadia J, Morimoto RI. "The Biology of Proteostasis in Aging and Disease." Annu Rev Biochem. 2015;84:435-464. Link

Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress is an imbalance of damaging free radicals (ROS) and the body's antioxidant defense. It accelerates aging, increases the risk of cardiovascular and neurological diseases, and impairs healing.

  • IV vitamin C, glutathione, and NAD are among the most powerful therapies for reducing oxidative stress at the cellular level.

[9] Wu G, et al. "Glutathione metabolism and its implications for health." J Nutr. 2004;134(3):489-492. Link

IVÉ Wellness: Full Ingredient Overview

Normal Saline / Lactated Ringer's

  • Restores hydration, balances electrolytes, and acts as a carrier for all nutrients.
  • Preferred in medical settings for rapid, predictable rehydration.

[10] Hoorn EJ, et al. "Hyponatremia and Fluid Therapy." N Engl J Med. 2021;384:2025-2036. Link

Vitamin C

  • Potent antioxidant, supports immunity, collagen production, and tissue repair.
  • High-dose IV vitamin C rapidly increases plasma levels for acute need.

[11] Carr AC, Maggini S. "Vitamin C and Immune Function." Nutrients. 2017;9(11):1211. Link
[12] Hemilä H, Chalker E. "Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold." Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013. Link

B-Complex Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6)

  • Central to energy metabolism, nerve function, and DNA repair.
  • Deficiency linked to fatigue, cognitive changes, neuropathy.

[13] Kennedy DO. "B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review." Nutrients. 2016;8(2):68. Link

Vitamin B12

  • Supports red blood cell production, neurological health, cognitive clarity, and DNA synthesis.

[14] O'Leary F, Samman S. "Vitamin B12 in health and disease." Nutrients. 2010;2(3):299-316. Link

Magnesium

  • Critical for muscle and nerve function, cardiovascular health, and headache relief.
  • Shown to reduce migraine severity and frequency.

[15] Sun-Edelstein C, Mauskop A. "Role of magnesium in the pathogenesis and treatment of migraines." Clin J Pain. 2009;25(5):446-452. Link

Zinc

  • Required for immune function, DNA synthesis, and skin health.

[16] Prasad AS. "Zinc in human health: effect of zinc on immune cells." Mol Med. 2008;14(5-6):353-357. Link

Glutathione

  • Master antioxidant and detoxifier, supports cellular protection and breakdown of misfolded proteins.

[17] Lu SC. "Regulation of glutathione synthesis." Mol Aspects Med. 2009;30(1-2):42-59. Link

Biotin

  • Supports healthy hair, skin, nails, and metabolic function.

[18] Patel DP, et al. "A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss." Skin Appendage Disord. 2017;3(3):166-169. Link

Amino Acids & Taurine

  • Aid in muscle recovery, cellular repair, metabolic health, and cardiovascular function.

[19] Wolfe RR. "Branched-chain amino acids and muscle protein synthesis in humans: myth or reality?" J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14:30. Link
[20] Ripps H, Shen W. "Taurine: a 'very essential' amino acid." Mol Vis. 2012;18:2673-2686. Link

MIC (Methionine, Inositol, Choline)

  • Supports liver detoxification, fat metabolism, and cellular membrane health.

[21] Zeisel SH. "Choline: Critical Role During Fetal Development and Dietary Requirements in Adults." Annu Rev Nutr. 2006;26:229-250. Link

Safety, Risks, and Professional Oversight

IV therapy at IVÉ Wellness is delivered by highly trained professionals under physician oversight. While risks are minimal, they may include minor bruising or irritation at the infusion site, with rare potential for allergy or infection. All candidates are medically screened for contraindications, such as advanced heart or kidney disease.

Is IV Therapy Right for You?

  • Advanced hydration and rapid nutrient replenishment
  • Immune, cognitive, and metabolic optimization
  • Recovery from illness, fatigue, or stress
  • Support for anti-aging and cellular longevity

Book Your IVÉ Wellness Experience

Experience the next generation of wellness—science-backed, evidence-based, and tailored to your goals. Schedule your IVÉ Wellness consultation today.