What is the MCD?

Our most popular IV at our naturopathic clinic for its versatility to help with a wide variety of health concerns; this IV replenishes vitamins C, B5, B6, B-complex, and minerals calcium, magnesium and various trace minerals.

What do each of the vitamins and minerals do?1

Vitamin C: an essential vitamin that is not synthesized by the human body must be obtained through outside sources. Needs are higher for Vitamin C when going through periods of extra stress, exposed to more pollution and/or if you are a smoker.

Necessary for wound healing and helping heal from illness.

Aids in utilization of folic acid.

Helps amino acid metabolism and hormone synthesis.

Increases absorption of iron.

Instantly opens specific detox pathways in the liver that are immediately shut down after the ingestion of moulds ex: aflatoxin in peanuts.

Huge role in collagen formation (the main substance of the body) and preserves the integrity of muscles, blood vessels and body tissues.

Powerful anti-histamine (allergies), antioxidant (oxidative stress), and anti-inflammatory with anti mould properties.

Highly anti-viral and boosts the immune system.

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): is a very important stress fighter. With an imbalance of pantothenic acid, chances are the adrenal glands are underactive (see adrenal fatigue/insufficiency). If the diet is high in natural whole foods this vitamin should be abundant unless you are under excessive stress and are using it up faster than it is being consumed/absorbed.

Involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein. It works with choline in the synthesis of cholesterol and all substances made from it, such as bile, vitamin D and steroid hormones.

Made by bacterial flora, so important to not have dysbiosis so that proper production of Vitamin B5 is occurring.

Supports the adrenal glands.

Allergies, headaches, arthritis, psoriasis, insomnia, asthma and infections have all been treated with some effectiveness using B5.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): one of the most utilized and valued of the nutritional supplements, is very important in protein metabolism and in numerous amino acid reactions. Some good food sources are brewers yeast, cantaloupe, cabbage, milk, eggs, beef, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, bananas, prunes, potatoes and avocado.

Helps in the synthesis of red blood cells as well as lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.

In women it is connected to hormone balance and water shifts in the body (natural diuretic).

When there are increased levels of estrogen in the body, more B6 is required.

Adequate B6 is needed for dreaming.

Increases serotonin levels.

Needed to maintain a normal intracellular magnesium level.

Rate limiting nutrient to ensure the building of strong muscle instead of fat.

Women on the birth control pill who are trying to lose weight or tone muscle, will have difficulty without B6 supplementation.

B-complex: The B-Vitamins play a very important role in keeping our bodies running as efficiently as possible. These essential nutrients help convert our food into fuel, which allows us to stay energized throughout the day. While many of the following vitamins work in tandem, each has its own specific benefits, from promoting healthy skin and hair to preventing memory loss or migraines. Vitamin B5 and B6 were talked about separately since the doses are higher for those than the other B-vitamins.

B1 (thiamine)– important in the health of nerves and nervous system. Has a key metabolic role in the production of energy. Important in muscle tone of stomach, intestines and heart.

B7 (biotin)– important for activation of protein/amino acid metabolism in the hair roots and fingernail cells. Converts food into glucose, which is used to produce energy.

B2 (riboflavin)– Necessary for blood formation, energy production, cellular respiration and cell growth. Important for proper eye function.

B9 (folic acid)– helps with the utilization of amino acids, the production of nucleic acids (DNA), and form blood cells in the bone marrow.

B3 (Niacin)– Supports the health of the skin and digestive tract tissues. Stimulates circulation and reduces cholesterol levels.

B12– plays an important role in the nervous system and the production of myelin. Closely associated with folic acid in the metabolism of intestinal absorptive cells.

Calcium: the most abundant mineral in our body and is essential in nerve transmission, blood clotting and pain relief from exercise. We do not absorb nearly as much calcium from dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese, etc.) as we are made to believe. We are able to get more calcium from leafy green vegetables, nuts and sea vegetables.

Prevention of arrhythmias, kidney stones and muscles cramps.

Protects against cancer, and diabetes.

Important in maintaining healthy blood pressure.

Essential for formation of bones and in the prevention of osteoporosis.

Magnesium: is just as important for us as calcium, but is very easily flushed out of our system by anything with a diuretic property (coffee, alcohol, prescription diuretics and even excess water intake).

Regulates muscle tone and is important for proper heart function.

Considered the “anti-stress” mineral. A natural relaxation aid, since it relaxes skeletal muscles and smooth muscles of the blood vessels and gastrointestinal tract.

Important for proper function of calcium and for the activity of vitamin D.

Important in lipid and protein synthesis.

All enzymes that metabolize vitamin D require magnesium to work.

Helps with formation and excretion of urea.

Who is MCD good for?

The most common reasons we give MCD at our naturopathic clinic are for:

  • Adrenal insufficiency
  • Fatigue
  • Immune system boosts

The MCD is good for anyone who has an increased level of stress and is in the need of a vitamin boost to replenish his or her body’s energy needs.

How long does it take?

The drip only takes about 30 minutes and our clinic has comfortable chairs that you can sit back and relax in while becoming better nourished.

References:

 1.     Hinton, Lynne, and Tracy McBurney. Nutritional Symptomatology. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.