Explore the benefits of essential vitamins and nutrients, learn how they support your well-being, and find out which ones are right for your beauty and health goals.
CLICK ON A VITAMIN BELOW TO LEARN MORE
VITAMIN C
GLUTATHIONE
BIOTIN
Vitamin B12
Amino Acids
Magnesium
Taurine
NAD+
LIPOSTAT/MIC
GLYCINE
Lysine
COQ10
Vitamin D
Zinc
L-Carnitine
VITAMIN C
Also known as Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that plays many essential roles throughout the body, helping to maintain systems such as muscles, bones, immune support, and the circulatory system.
Vitamin C promotes the biosynthesis of collagen, which is a fundamental part of connective tissues. In this capacity, Vitamin C reduces stretch marks and is an essential component of healing wounds. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that also helps regenerate other antioxidants within the body. This vitamin reduces the damaging effects of free radicals, which are unstable molecules that contribute to tissue damage and aging. Free radicals and toxin buildup degrade collagen leading to dull looking skin, hair, and nails. Collagen is the protein in connective tissue giving skin is firm and supple appearance. As skin thins, it loses elasticity resulting in wrinkles and a dull lackluster skin quality. Antioxidants such as Vitamin C play a pivotal role as they neutralize these free radicals slowing the rate of collagen loss.
There is a lot of current research on the role of Vitamin C and its utility in the treatment and prevention of Covid 19. It is thought to reduce oxidative damage and prevent worsening internal vascular endothelial injury and can protect against cytokine attacks. Very high levels of vitamin C create free radicals that destroy viruses and bacteria.
Recommended for: overall health and wellness, cold and flu season, onset of illness, anti-aging
GLUTATHIONE
The body’s “master antioxidant” powers your natural detoxification system, removing chemicals, heavy metals, and toxins. It is also an anti-inflammatory and known as the “beauty” antioxidant due to its ability to reveal glowing skin and enhance overall complexion.
Glutathione plays a crucial role in preventing cellular damage. This antioxidant binds with toxins in the body and facilitates their removal from the body. It is involved in many metabolic processes and biochemical reactions, as well as DNA repair and synthesis. Studies suggest that it also can play a role in slowing the speed of aging.
Glutathione shields cellular macromolecules from redox reactions and mitigates oxidative stress on the body by detoxifying the body, neutralizing free radicals and facilitating cell excretion. Glutathione also recycles vitamins C and E to protect cells from damaging oxidants. The amount of glutathione in cellular fluids naturally decreases over time, which in turn reduces the effectiveness of the body’s natural ability to remove free radicals.
A deficiency in glutathione can contribute to increased oxidative stress on the body, so supplementation is especially valuable in preventing the damaging effects of free radicals and reducing oxidative stress at the cellular level. Because glutathione is not well absorbed by the body when taken by mouth, it is ideal when administered in IV solutions.
Recommended for: overall health and wellness, cold and flu season, onset of illness, anti-aging
Biotin
Vitamin B7, also known as biotin, is part of the B-vitamin complex and is associated with improving the strength, appearance, and overall health of the skin, hair, and nails. To this end, biotin is a common addition to beauty supplements.
Biotin also plays a role in converting food into energy by helping to metabolize carbohydrates and fats. B7 also helps maintain the nervous system and promotes healthy psychological function.
While rare, biotin deficiency is often marked by hair loss, a decrease in mental cognition, dermatitis, depression, hypotonia (decreased muscle tone), and ataxia (decreased muscle coordination). Biotin cannot be absorbed through the skin. IV therapy can quickly restore normal levels of biotin to prevent unwanted symptoms of deficiency
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) is an essential precursor for the production of ATP, the body’s energy supply. It is required for proper red blood cell formation, neurological function, cell metabolism and DNA synthesis and metabolizing amino acids.
Vitamin B12 is part of the B-vitamin complex and notable for its role in maintaining optimal neurological function. The vitamin is associated with preventing memory loss and improving concentration, as well as boosting energy levels.
Some individuals have increased difficulty absorbing B12 due to an underlying medical condition. These individuals are at an increased risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency. Symptoms of B12 deficiency include anemia, fatigue, and neurological changes such as memory problems, depression, and dementia. Studies suggest an association between low levels of vitamin B12 in the body and cognitive impairment, neurodegenerative disease, and dementia.
B12 absorption is less effective when supplemented orally, so IV injection is an alternative and more effective way to correct B12 deficiency.
Amino acids are a group of organic compounds that form the building blocks of proteins that make up 75% of the body. Being foundational to normal chemical reactions, amino acids are involved in almost every body function, including, growth and development, healing and repair, normal digestion, providing energy for the body, regulating moods by producing hormones, producing neurotransmitters, assisting in the creation of muscles and connective tissue, assisting in the synthesis of skin.
Amino acids are classified into three categories – Essential, Nonessential, and Conditional. Each group has its own role and set of functions. Essential amino acids cannot be produced by the body and must be ingested from an outside source. Regular meals will provide enough for normal function. Nonessential amino acids are naturally produced by the body throughout the day. Conditional amino acids are beneficial when the body is fighting off an illness or coping with stress.
A balance of essential and nonessential amino acids are required for optimal health and wellbeing. The body does not store amino acids, so they must be ingested or produced daily, otherwise the proteins in muscle and tissue will start to degrade.
Top athletic performance relies on proteins to help maintain muscle and tissue strength. Studies suggest that amino acids enhance the body’s endurance and capacity for exercise. Amino acids may modify athletic performance in several different ways, including increasing the number of anabolic hormones in the body to boost metabolism, changing the way the body utilizes energy during exercise, and delaying the onset of mental and physical fatigue by altering the rate at which serotonin is created.
Recommended for: overall health and wellness, athletes, after an intense workout for muscle recovery
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral involved in over 300 biochemical reactions and enzyme systems that regulate various functions in the body. This mineral is found in many types of food.
Healthy levels of Magnesium maintains nerve and muscle function, maintains bone strength, provides immune system support, regulates heartbeat, regulates blood glucose (blood sugar) levels, regulates blood pressure, boosts energy levels, and aids in the production of proteins. Studies suggest that magnesium supplementation can improve the symptoms of major depression due to the correlation between low serotonin and magnesium deficiency. Because magnesium is involved in so many functions throughout the body, this mineral is included in many of our IV blends.
Low magnesium levels can cause various symptoms, including fatigue, cramps, muscle weakness, or numbness. Magnesium deficiency may also be associated with Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes. Athletes with low levels of magnesium in the body may benefit from supplementation to improve muscle function, energy production, and physical performance.
IV therapy can quickly and efficiently correct the magnesium levels in the body and prevent health complications caused by prolonged deficiency.
Magnesium is also a potent vasodilator and it is often used for migraine treatment and muscle recovering. It assists in regulating muscle and nerve function, as well as, helping with anxiety.
Recommended for: regulating mood, increasing sleep quality, decreasing anxiety decreasing intensity and frequency of migraines + headaches
Taurine
Taurine is an essential amino acid that plays a role in many systems throughout the body. Concentrations mainly occurs in the heart, muscles, brain, and eyes. Deficiency in taurine is rare because most individuals ingest sufficient amounts of taurine through meat, fish, and dairy consumption, where this amino acid naturally occurs. Vegetarians may benefit from taurine supplements. Taurine deficiency is rare but is generally characterized by changes in vision, anxiety, depression, weight gain, and kidney problems.
Taurine has many functions in the body, including regulating certain minerals in the cells, supporting immune function, muscle growth and development, regulating immune system health, regulating antioxidant function, regulating anti-inflammatory function, maintaining electrolyte function and balance, maintaining nervous system function and maintaining metabolic function.
Taurine is often associated with enhancing sports performance. This antioxidant prevents the oxidative stress caused by exercise and may be beneficial to reducing fatigue and optimizing muscle function and health.
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a miraculous, mysterious molecule that has a unique ability to protect tissues, induce DNA repair, and potentially increase lifespan. NAD+ can help correct early degenerative biochemical changes associated with aging related disease, giving it the reputation of being an “anti aging solution”.
One of the most abundant molecules in the body, NAD protects cell DNA and keeps mitochondria healthy. It increases energy levels, keeping cells reproducing effectively. Also, a major anti-aging nutrient, NAD boosts mental clarity, plays a role in restoring neurofunction, and assists with alcohol and drug addiction.
NAD activates sirtuins, which are proteins that utilize NAD to improve metabolic efficiency, which in turn influences cell changes that contribute to aging, overall energy levels, and can improve neurodegenerative disorders. In addition to these effects, NAD promotes anti-aging by lengthening telomeres, which are protective caps located at the ends of chromosomes that naturally get shorter as the body ages.
The level of NAD in the body declines with age and reduces the effectiveness of cellular function. Supplementation can improve a wide variety of changes in the body, including restoring muscle function and athletic performance, improving brain regeneration, restoring energy levels, improving depression and improving mental clarity. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which among other functions, is commonly associated with mood regulation. NAD improves mood by increasing the levels of serotonin in the body.
MIC is an abbreviation for Methionine, Inositol, and Choline, which are amino acids that encourage the breakdown and metabolism of fat in the body. The inclusion of Vitamins B6 and B12 in our signature Burn blend presents an ideal alliance intended to boost vitality while the MIC aminos encourage your body to burn fat instead of storing it.
Methionine offers assistance in the breakdown of carbohydrates and sugars and the conversion into energy. It also helps the liver maintain the optimal ability to process fatty acids.
Inositol is a sugar-like molecule, referred to as a sugar alcohol as it transforms food into energy. Inositol has been found to decrease the production of triglycerides, the fat molecules that reside in adipose tissue (body fat), by decreasing fatty acid synthase activity.
Choline is a simple molecule that is involved in the generation of energy and support of metabolism. It reduces muscle recuperation, supports nerve cells, and aids in converting fat into energy.
Glycine is an amino acid that your body uses to create proteins, which it needs for the growth and maintenance of tissue and for making important substances, such as hormones and enzymes. Your body naturally produces glycine from other amino acids, but it’s also found in protein-rich foods and available as a dietary supplement.
Along with being a component of protein, glycine has several impressive health benefits Glycine helps your body make glutathione, an important antioxidant that protects your body against cell damage. It is a component of creatine, a compound that provides your muscles with energy and has been associated with other health benefits, such as improved bone health and brain function.
Being the most abundant amino acid in collagen, it is a structural protein that has several health benefits, including for your skin, joints and bones. Through its calming effects on the brain and its ability to lower core body temperature, Glycine may promote sleep and enhance the quality of your sleep.
Lysine is an essential amino acid that cannot be created in the body and has to be obtained through diet and supplements. Adequate levels of lysine are required for a range of bodily functions and is good for overall health. Lysine can: aid in the absorption of important minerals like calcium, zinc, and iron, promote collagen production, is used to synthesize antibodies, enzymes, and hormones and supports immune system function. Lysine is widely known for its ability to help prevent HSV-1 from replicating, decreasing the duration of cold sores. It can also help to reduce feelings of anxiety by reducing the stress hormone, cortisol. Lysine is used to treat several health conditions including shingles, osteoporosis and high blood pressure.
Lysine has important benefits for skin, hair, muscle growth and stress relief. It is one of the compounds your body uses to produce collagen, the protein responsible for keeping your skin firm and supple. Lysine also plays a critical role in wound healing. It is found in the roots of hair and plays a role in the shape and volume of hair growth. Being deficient in lysine can cause hair loss. Getting plenty of lysine assists with iron absorption, which is a key mineral for hair growth. Scalp is technically skin, so lysine will contribute to a healthy scalp which is essential if you want beautiful hair.
The connection between lysine and anxiety has been studied at length, mainly focusing on the relationship between lysine deficiency and increased anxiety. Lysine helps reduce anxiety by blocking certain receptors involved in hormonal stress response. In one double blind randomized study of 108 healthy adults, research concluded that taking lysine and arginine supplements for just one week significantly reduced anxiety levels.
Lastly, Lysine is a great supplement for athletes because it can help muscle tissue repair itself faster, which reduces recovery time and muscle soreness between workouts.
Recommended for: viral defense, or to combat feelings of stress and anxiety
CoQ10
CoQ10 is antioxidant naturally produced in your body and levels will decline with age. It is known best for its heart healthy properties, ability to increase energy, and help with muscle recovery.
Antioxidants fight damaging particles in the body (known as free radicals), which damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. Scientists believe free radicals contribute to the aging process, as well as a number of health problems including heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants, such as CoQ10, can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.
Some researchers believe that CoQ10 may help with heart-related conditions, because it can improve energy production in cells, prevent blood clot formation, and act as an antioxidant.
Recommended for: Individuals who are taking a statin (these Rx meds have shown to lower CoQ10 levels), people looking for long standing energy, and maintain a heart healthy lifestyle
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a nutrient your body needs for building and maintaining healthy bones. That’s because your body can only absorb calcium, the primary component of bone, when vitamin D is present. Vitamin D also boosts the immune system and regulates many other cellular functions in your body. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties support immune health, muscle function, brain cell activity and helps with regulating mood and warding off depression.
Vitamin D isn’t naturally found in many foods, but you can get it from fortified milk, fortified cereal, and fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines. Your body also makes vitamin D when direct sunlight converts a chemical in your skin into an active form of the vitamin (calciferol).
The amount of vitamin D your skin makes depends on many factors, including the time of day, season, latitude and your skin pigmentation. Depending on where you live and your lifestyle, vitamin D production might decrease or be completely absent during the winter months. Sunscreen, while important to prevent skin cancer, also can decrease vitamin D production.
Many older adults don’t get regular exposure to sunlight and have trouble absorbing vitamin D. If your doctor suspects you’re not getting enough vitamin D, a simple blood test can check the levels of this vitamin in your blood.
Recommended for: cold and flu season, living in areas with little sunshine, help with depression and seasonal affective disorder
Zinc
Zinc helps build a healthy immune system and is involved in numerous aspects of cellular metabolism. It plays a role in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division. Zinc is found throughout the body. The body doesn’t store excess zinc, so it must be obtained from the diet. It’s needed for immune function, wound healing, blood clotting, thyroid function, and much more. It also plays a key role in maintaining vision and might have effects against viruses. People commonly use zinc for zinc deficiency, diarrhea, and Wilson disease. Zinc is also used for acne, diabetes, anorexia, burns, and many other purposes.
Recommended for: boosting immune system, exposure to the public, onset of an illness
L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine is an essential amino acid that helps turn fat into energy and supports sexual vitality due to its vasodilating effects. This essential amino acid is also known to increase metabolism and decrease muscle fatigue.
The amino acid L-carnitine is a cofactor that is required for the metabolism of fats and their subsequent transport into the mitochondria, where they undergo oxidation and produce energy. L-carnitine is probably best known for its cardiac benefits. In the heart muscle, L-carnitine facilitates fatty acid use, and promotes rhythm, myocardial blood flow, and cardiac output. It has also been shown to benefit athletic performance. For example, studies show improvements in running speed, increased maximal oxygen uptake, and decreases in average oxygen consumption, heart rate, and lactic acid. L-carnitine has been shown to help maintain normal levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, lipoprotein and triglycerides. It also promotes healthy sperm count and sperm motility.
In addition to supporting athletic performance, cardiac function, healthy lipid levels, and reproductive health, L-carnitine has also been shown to promote general wellbeing, appetite control, and carbohydrate metabolism.
Take your health and wellness to the next level with our IV Vitamin Therapy. Experience the full benefits of these powerful vitamins and amino acids in our customized IV blends and discover how IV therapy can help you achieve radiant health from the inside out.
At Refined Medical, we integrate holistic and conventional medicine to offer a unique, personalized healthcare experience. In our exclusive spa-like facility, we provide non-narcotic pain management, trigger point injection, massage therapy, IV vitamin therapy, nutritional/weight loss management, men's health, and aesthetic services.
