Clinic Location
8230 East Broadway Blvd
Suite E2
Tucson, Arizona 85710

Phone Numbers
520.256.3733 Appointments
480.393.5740 Fax

Clinic Hours
Monday - Thursday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Services

IV Nutrient Therapy

Dr. Pearson uses IV nutrient therapy to treat several conditions and also for preventive care. Diet and nutrition are determinants of health. Therefore adequate vitamins, minerals, amino acids and hydration are the basis for health. IV nutrient therapy is an effective way to get nutrients into the body. Bypassing the digestive system increases nutrient blood levels since the digestive system breaks down certain nutrients and does not absorb all nutrients efficiently. IV nutrient therapy makes nutrients more bioavailable over oral supplementation.

Dr. Pearson customizes IV therapies based on a patient's individual needs. For example, a person who is fighting a viral cold will receive an IV with high dose vitamin C. A patient suffering from fibromyalgia will receive an IV with high dose B vitamins, MSM, and magnesium. Increased incidence of low magnesium levels in adult-onset diabetics warrant monitoring of magnesium levels and subsequent supplementation, along with chromium and other minerals that have been shown to be effective in managing type II diabetes. Some one with celiac disease will receive a general nutrition IV that will replenish their body's store of essential nutrients that are depleted due to decreased absorption in the intestines. For athletes, hydration is key; in addition to fluids, the IV therapies for athletes will promote healing and decreasing inflammation by using minerals such as zinc and manganese, glutathione, selenium, and N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and include essential and non-essential amino acids to promote proper muscle repair. Individual formulations are based on current research, lab work, and physical signs and symptoms.

In addition treating specific diseases, IV therapies can be used to promote proper detoxification by supplying nutrients key in liver detoxification phases I and II such as B-vitamins, minerals, NAC, glutathione, selenium, and milk thistle (Silymarin marianum) extract.

This article (follow the link) in the Townsend Letter in June 2008 outlines the use of IV therapies (parenteral micronutrient thereapy) and supporting case studies.

The following article from the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, explains IV nutrient therapy:

Health Benefits of Intravenous Nutrient Therapy:

Administering a vitamin and mineral formula (known as the “Myers cocktail”) intravenously may be useful in treating a variety of medical problems, according to a report in Alternative Medicine Review (2002;7:389–403). Although few studies have been published on this therapy, many physicians have observed its benefit in treating migraine headaches, fatigue, allergies, heart disease, acute asthma attacks, fibromyalgia, infections, and other conditions.

The Myers cocktail was pioneered by John Myers, MD, a physician from Baltimore, Maryland, who developed this treatment more than 30 years ago. The doses of the various nutrients were subsequently modified, based on more recent information, by Alan R. Gaby, MD, the author of the report.

The vitamin-mineral combination includes magnesium, calcium, vitamin B12 (hydroxocobalamin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B5 (dexpanthenol), vitamin B complex, and vitamin C. Intravenous therapy can raise blood levels of nutrients to a considerably greater extent than oral therapy can, and some doctors believe that achieving these high blood levels has therapeutic benefits in certain clinical situations. The benefits of the Myers cocktail may be due to the drug-like (pharmacological) effects of some nutrients (for example, high concentrations of vitamin C kills viruses), or to improved transport of nutrients from the blood into the cells. More research is necessary to clarify this issue.

Some physicians who use the Myers cocktail report that it is particularly useful in treating acute asthma attacks and acute migraine headaches. Relief of symptoms usually occurs within minutes of administering the concoction. It is not clear whether the benefits are due to one nutrient or to the combination of nutrients, but other studies have shown that intravenous magnesium alone can reduce the symptoms of asthma and migraines. However, the author’s observation is that the Myers cocktail is more beneficial for acute asthma attacks than is magnesium alone.

The author and other physicians have found that the Myers cocktail is also useful in treating angina, chronic fatigue syndrome, bronchitis, sinusitis, fibromyalgia, hayfever, chronic hives, narcotic withdrawal, hyperthyroidism, muscles spasms, tension headaches, and some cases of mild to moderate depression. While many people improved after the first treatment, others required several treatments to achieve the maximum benefit, suggesting this therapy may have a cumulative effect. The number of treatments needed varies by person and condition. Some individuals obtain long-lasting relief after a few treatments, while others require ongoing treatments to maintain the benefit. The risk of serious adverse reactions is said to be low and the treatment is usually well tolerated.

The most common side effect of the Myers cocktail is a sensation of warmth, particularly if the injection is given rapidly. This effect is primarily due to magnesium, although calcium may also be a contributing factor. People with low blood pressure may be more prone to this side effect than those with normal or high blood pressure. People taking digoxin (Lanoxin®) and medications that deplete potassium should be cautious in using this treatment, since giving magnesium intravenously to such individuals could induce an irregular heart beat. The Myers cocktail can be prescribed only by a medical doctor, osteopath, or, in some states, a naturopath.

Although most of the reported benefits of the Myers cocktail are anecdotal, doctors who use this treatment are convinced that it often produces results not achievable by any other means. Controlled studies are needed to verify these clinical observations.

Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is the author of The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol (Prima, 1999) and Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol (Prima, 2000). He currently is in private practice at New England Family Health Associates located in Southport, CT, where he specializes in environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular contributor to Healthnotes and Healthnotes Newswire.