The Science Behind Intravenous Fluids: What's in that IV bag?

 

As more people search for “IV therapy near me”, it is safe to say, that intravenous treatments are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to provide treatment to symptoms quickly. From professionals to children, there are dedicated IV therapy treatment options for everyday illnesses and fatigue for people of all ages. But what’s in that IV bag? The short answer is essential nutrients that would help your body recover from whatever it is that is bringing you down. 

But that’s not all. To get a more satisfying answer, let’s take a look into the intravenous fluid ingredients and the scientific aspects of IV fluids. This will help you debunk any myths that you may have about common IV fluid types and learn more about the treatment process. So, let’s explore the science behind intravenous fluids and what contributes to IV drip therapy cost.

What’s In An IV Bag? A Look Into The Different IV Fluids Commonly Used

• Water

Water otherwise known as the universal solvent is the most important and abundant fluid present inside IV bags. Generally, most other fluids are mixed into water to create the final mixture that is offered to the patients. It is important to note that the water in IV bags is not the same water that is used as drinking water. Generally, the water in IV bags is sterilized, which completely kills all microorganisms that are in the water.

• Electrolyte

Electrolytes along with water helps rehydrate the body. Magnesium, chlorides, sodium, and potassium are the most common electrolytes used in an IV bag. The balance of electrolytes is essential in helping your body maintain normal function. IV bags help patients with conditions like electrolyte imbalance or dehydration restore their electrolyte balance.

• Minerals

Minerals such as magnesium and zinc are essential elements in an IV bag as they support healing for patients. From helping maintain bone health to supporting immune function, these minerals are crucial in helping patients get back to their best health, as soon as possible.

• Vitamins

Vitamin B12, B complex, and vitamin C are the vitamins most commonly used in an IV bag. These vitamins are essential in helping your body reduce oxidative damage, support immune function, and improve brain function. Often vitamin absorption from dietary sources is not adequate due to digestive conditions. IV bags bypass the digestive tract completely and allow for easy absorption of vitamins into the body.

• Glucose

Glucose is essential for your body to maintain bodily function. Often for patients that are fasting before surgery, glucose is pumped into the body using an IV bag to prevent blood sugar levels from dropping. Even for patients who have low blood sugar levels and are unable to eat, glucose can be pumped into the body using IV bags.

• Amino Acids

Amino acids offer essential nutritional value to your body that helps with muscle function and tissue repair. Amino acids like glutathione and taurine have antioxidant properties that are essential to reverse and protect against cell damage. Using amino acids in an IV bag allows the nutrients to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream, allowing quicker resolution of symptoms.

• Medicines

There are several medications that are administered using IV therapy. Chemotherapy is one of the most popular examples of medicines administered using IV therapy. Often other medicines like anti-nausea medicine are also administered alongside chemotherapy using IV. Pain medication for patients suffering from chronic pain or recovering from a surgery is also administered using an IV drip.

Types of IV Fluids & Their Purpose

• Saline

A saline solution is often the most common intravenous fluid that’s given to patients. It is provided as a treatment option for patients that are suffering from dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. A saline solution is a mixture of water and simple salt or sodium chloride. This isotonic solution is essential in helping your body maintain the right fluid balance.

• Dextrose Solution

Dextrose solution is a mixture of glucose and water that is administered directly into the bloodstream. It is used to treat low blood sugar levels in patients unable to eat food orally or otherwise. Dextrose solution is also used for patients fasting before a surgery.

• Lactated Ringer’s Solution

Lactated Ringer’s solution is a type of electrolyte solution that contains a balanced combination of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and lactate. This solution is commonly used to treat acidosis, a condition where the body is producing more acid than required or having difficulty removing it. This solution is also used to treat dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

• Plasma-Lyte

Plasma-lyte is a mixture of several nutrients including calcium, sodium, magnesium, and potassium. This balanced electrolyte solution is used to treat patients with severe dehydration, metabolic acidosis, and electrolyte imbalance.

Conclusion

That’s the science behind intravenous fluids. While there are a lot of other fluids and medicines used in IV bags, these are the basics that are found in almost all IV therapy treatments. If you are curious and would like to learn more about IV therapy, feel free to check out MASSH. We not only provide some of the most complete information about IV therapy in India but also provide the best IV therapy services that help aid everyday health problems to serious medical conditions. Check out our website to learn more about IV therapy at MASSH or visit us today to avail our world-class IV therapy and functional medicine services.

Source:https://massh.in