The Difference between an IV and supplements

Health and wellness enthusiasts want to know the ins and outs of every therapy, tool, and service available. We want to know the best strategies for taking care of our bodies. Sometimes, at Discovery Health Healing Center, we get asked to compare IV therapy vs oral supplements.

But in many cases, we don’t want to pit the two against each other. It’s not a situation of one vs the other. Instead, we want to take the best of both worlds to make sure you get the nutrients your body needs.

Although intravenous therapy and oral supplements are both excellent methods for delivering essential nutrients to the body, there are still some key differences. Understanding how IV therapy can be more efficient in certain aspects, why it should not replace oral supplements, and the importance of a balanced diet alongside these methods can help us make informed decisions about our health and well-being. Let’s discuss how IV therapy and oral supplements operate differently and deliver unique advantages. 

IV Therapy is More Efficient for Nutrient Absorption

The first thing to mention is that IV therapy is often much more efficient than oral supplements. In a 30-minute session, you can receive more nutrients than you’d ever need at one time. In most cases, the body simply filters out the vitamins it doesn’t need, so you know your system will be energized and strengthened. 

According to Dr. Kelly, “Even the person who eats completely organic and who does everything right isn’t guaranteed to absorb everything that their body needs. IV nutrition therapy is a way to deliver nutrients directly where there's nothing interfering. The body can use the vitamins right away, so IV therapy is a very important strategy that is potent and still very safe.”

Here’s why IV therapy is so efficient:

• Direct Entry into the Bloodstream
  
  IV therapy bypasses the digestive system and delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream. This immediate delivery means that nutrients are available for use by the body without the delays and potential absorption barriers presented by the digestive process.
• Higher Absorption Rates
  
  Because nutrients are infused directly into the bloodstream, they can be absorbed at higher rates compared to oral supplements. The digestive system can sometimes hinder the complete absorption of nutrients due to various factors like stomach pH, digestive disorders, or the presence of certain foods that may interfere with nutrient absorption.
• Customized Nutrient Cocktails
  
  IV therapy allows for the customization of nutrient cocktails to meet individual needs. This tailored approach ensures that you receive the exact nutrients and precise amounts required for your unique health profile, potentially increasing the efficiency of nutrient absorption and utilization.
• Immediate Effects
  
  For those in need of rapid results due to deficiencies or health conditions, IV therapy can provide immediate effects. This is particularly beneficial in clinical settings where quick nutrient replenishment is crucial.

Why Oral Supplements Should Still be Part of Your Nutrition Plan

Despite the advantages of IV therapy, it is important to understand that it should not replace oral supplements. Oral supplementation is a practical, everyday approach to maintaining nutrient levels, especially when it comes to vitamins and minerals essential for long-term health. Here’s why these methods should complement each other:

• Consultation with Healthcare Providers
  
  Before making any significant changes to how you receive your nutrients, it's vital to discuss your nutrition needs with a doctor. They can provide guidance based on your health history, dietary habits, and specific health goals.
• Accessibility and Practicality
  
  Oral supplements are generally more accessible and can be easily incorporated into daily routines, making them practical for consistent nutrient intake over time.
• Synergistic Benefits
  
  Using both methods can offer synergistic benefits. For instance, regular use of oral supplements can maintain nutrient levels, while occasional IV therapy sessions can address specific deficiencies or support recovery from certain conditions.

IV Therapy: Delivering More Than Vitamins

Don’t forget that IV therapy extends beyond just delivering vitamins and minerals. It includes treatments like ozone therapy, hydration boosts, and support for physical recovery.

Ozone therapy, for example, involves the administration of medical-grade ozone mixed with your blood and then re-infused into your body, which can stimulate the immune system, enhance oxygen metabolism, and act as a disinfectant to kill certain pathogens.

IV therapy is an efficient way to hydrate the body, particularly useful for individuals suffering from dehydration due to illnesses, intense physical activity, or overexposure to heat. Athletes and those recovering from physical exertion or surgery may benefit from IV therapy. It can provide essential nutrients to support muscle repair, reduce inflammation, and expedite the recovery process.

Use IV Therapy and Oral Supplements Within a Holistic Diet and Nutrition Plan

While IV therapy services and oral supplements offer valuable support to your health, they are not substitutes for a healthy diet and lifestyle. Thinking about IV therapy vs oral supplements sometimes misses the forest for the trees. We still need to consider food!

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides a wide range of nutrients that are essential for maintaining health and preventing diseases. Regular physical activity, adequate hydration, and good sleep are also fundamental components of a healthy lifestyle.

In conclusion, IV therapy and oral supplements each have their place in a comprehensive approach to health and nutrition. By understanding their distinct benefits and limitations, individuals can better navigate their choices under the guidance of healthcare professionals. Ultimately, combining these methods with a focus on a healthy diet and lifestyle offers the best strategy for achieving and maintaining optimal health.
Reach out to Discovery Health Healing Center today if you’d like to work with a functional nutrition expert or visit for an IV therapy session.