IV Vitamin C delivers ascorbic acid directly into the vein at doses far higher than any oral supplement can achieve — typically 10 to 100 grams per session compared to the few grams your gut can absorb before causing digestive upset. At these elevated blood concentrations, vitamin C behaves differently than it does at dietary levels, acting as a pro-oxidant in certain environments and a powerful antioxidant in others. It has been used in integrative and functional medicine clinics for decades, and interest in its therapeutic potential has grown significantly through cancer research and post-illness recovery protocols.

When vitamin C reaches very high concentrations in the blood — only possible via IV — it can generate hydrogen peroxide in tissues, which may selectively stress cancer cells while leaving healthy cells largely unaffected. At the same time, it supports collagen production, helps neutralize inflammatory free radicals, and powers key immune cells like neutrophils and natural killer cells. It also plays a direct role in making carnitine, the molecule your cells use to convert fat into energy, which may explain the energy boost many people report after infusions.

Delivered exclusively as an IV drip in a clinical setting. Sessions typically last 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the dose. Some integrative clinics also offer lower-dose 'Myers Cocktail' infusions that include vitamin C alongside magnesium and B vitamins. This is a medical procedure and cannot be self-administered.

• Immune support and frequent illness
• Cancer care support (adjunct)
• Chronic fatigue and low energy
• Post-viral recovery (including long COVID)
• Sepsis and critical illness support
• Wound healing and surgery recovery
• Inflammation and oxidative stress
• Skin health and collagen production
• Adrenal fatigue and burnout
• Chemotherapy side effect relief

• Reduction in severity and duration of upper respiratory infections in high-risk or depleted individuals
• Potential reduction in chemotherapy-related toxicity with concurrent high-dose IV use under oncology supervision
• Scurvy and severe vitamin C deficiency states

• Kakadu plum — The single richest dietary source of vitamin C on the planet — provides far more per gram than citrus — though still nowhere near IV therapeutic doses.
• Bell peppers (red and yellow) — Cup for cup, red bell peppers deliver more vitamin C than oranges and are easy to eat raw to preserve the nutrient.
• Guava — A single guava can provide well over 200% of the daily recommended intake, making it one of the most concentrated everyday fruit sources.
• Kiwi fruit — Rich in bioavailable vitamin C and also provides other antioxidants that work alongside ascorbic acid to reduce oxidative stress.
• Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit) — The most culturally familiar vitamin C source — useful for maintaining baseline levels between IV sessions or for those who cannot access IV therapy.

• Vein irritation or discomfort at the infusion site
• Temporary low blood sugar (glucose) during infusion — important for diabetics
• Headache or lightheadedness during or after infusion
• Nausea, especially at high doses or fast infusion rates
• Kidney stones — risk increases with very high doses, especially in those with a history of oxalate stones
• Hemolytic anemia in people with G6PD deficiency (G6PD screening is essential before high-dose IV)
• Temporary osmotic diarrhea if lower-dose IV transitions to high-dose oral
• Fatigue or 'coming down' feeling in the hours after infusion in some individuals

• Recommended daily: Clinical doses range widely: low-dose infusions typically deliver 7.5–25 g per session; high-dose oncology or immune protocols range from 25–100 g per session. Dose is always determined by a clinician based on indication, kidney function, and G6PD status.
• Best time of day: Morning or early afternoon sessions are generally preferred so any post-infusion energy boost does not interfere with sleep.
• With or without food: A light meal before infusion is recommended to help stabilize blood sugar, as high-dose vitamin C can cause temporary glucose dips.
• Time to effect: Energy and mood effects are often felt within hours of a single infusion. Immune and recovery benefits typically accumulate over a series of sessions (4–8 weekly infusions is a common initial protocol).
• How long to take it: An initial course of 4–8 weekly or twice-weekly sessions is typical for immune support and fatigue recovery. Maintenance infusions monthly or as needed are common for ongoing support. Oncology protocols are determined by the treating team and are often concurrent with treatment cycles.