History, Indications and Scientific Evidence-Based Rationale for the Clinical Use of IV Nutrient Therapy

Edwin N. Lee, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, University of Central Florida College of Medicine

It is estimated that the human body consists of somewhere between 100-200 trillion cells conducting an excess of 500 billion chemical reactions each second. Our cells form the basic building blocks of life. For our cells to function properly one of the most basic ingredients that our cells need is nutrition. IV nutrition is the most effective way for our cells to receive nutrients. In addition IV nutrition is a powerful tool for regenerative medicine that can repair the body at a cellular level. Modern IV therapy has been around for about 50 years although the first IV infusion has been dated from 1665. A short history of IV nutrition, the science and indications for IV nutrition will be reviewed.