What is High-Dose Vitamin C Infusion Therapy?
"High-Dose Vitamin C Infusion Therapy" is, as the name suggests, a medical treatment under private practice (uninsured medical care) that delivers high concentrations of vitamin C directly into the body via intravenous drip.
Vitamin C plays various roles in maintaining overall health and beauty, but the human body cannot produce vitamin C on its own. Furthermore, because vitamin C is water-soluble, even if consumed through meals or dietary supplements, it is easily absorbed but also rapidly excreted, making it difficult to store or accumulate in the body.
High-dose vitamin C infusion is a treatment designed to efficiently administer this vital nutrient directly into the body via IV.
Key Expected Roles of High-Dose Vitamin C Infusion Therapy
Vitamin C performs several key physiological functions within the body:
■Antioxidant Effect
Vitamin C inherently possesses antioxidant properties; however, when administered in large doses, it is known to temporarily induce oxidative stress. Various studies and reports both in Japan and internationally have been conducted regarding the bodily changes and impacts resulting from this mechanism.
■Collagen Production
Vitamin C is utilized by the body in the production of collagen. Activating this process helps support the healthy maintenance of skin, hair, nails, bones, and other tissues.
■Improved Reabsorption Efficiency of Iron in the Small Intestine
By promoting iron absorption, it assists in iron replenishment, supporting daily health maintenance and nutritional intake.
■Support for Fat Burning
It is involved in the function of an amino acid (carnitine) that plays a key role in energy metabolism in the body.
Risks, Side Effects, and Precautions of High-Dose Vitamin C Infusion Therapy
We Recommend a Preliminary "G6PD Screening Test"
High-dose vitamin C infusion is a treatment that utilizes the oxidative stress generated by administering a large amount of vitamin C at once to activate the body's immune power.
However, in individuals with an inherited deficiency or low levels of an enzyme called G6PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase), the body is inherently sensitive to oxidative stress. Consequently, the oxidative stress generated by this treatment may cause unexpected side effects.
Major Serious Side Effects and Risks:
- Hemolytic anemia (anemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells)
Therefore, for patients wishing to receive high-dose vitamin C infusion therapy for the first time, we recommend a G6PD activity screening test (the test requires only a small blood sample). If the test results reveal low G6PD activity, prioritizing patient safety, we may refrain from administering high-dose vitamin C infusion therapy.
【Information Regarding Uninsured Medical Treatment (Private Practice)】
High-dose vitamin C infusion therapy is an out-of-pocket medical expenses (private practice/uninsured treatment) not covered by public health insurance.
- Fees (tax included):
G6PD Test: ¥6,600 (tax included)
25g Infusion: ¥10,800 (tax included) - Risks & Side Effects:
Hemolytic anemia and other adverse reactions may occur in individuals with G6PD deficiency.
Display Regarding Unapproved Medical Products (Based on Exemption Disclosure Requirements):
- Unapproved Medical Product Status: The high-dose vitamin C preparation used in this treatment is an unapproved drug under the Law on Securing Quality, Efficacy, and Safety of Products Including Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices (Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act).
- Obtainment Route: Obtained via a domestic distributor.
- Presence of Approved Products in Japan: There are no approved pharmaceuticals in Japan with comparable active ingredients or dosage.
- Information Regarding Safety in Other Countries: While approved for specific indications in key Western nations, there is insufficient data regarding safety or approval status equivalent to the purpose of use in Japan.
- Relief System for Adverse Drug Reactions: Should serious side effects occur, this treatment is exempt from the national "Relief System for Adverse Drug Reactions."
For Those Interested in High-Dose Vitamin C Infusion Therapy at NAG Orthopedics
If you have any questions regarding the treatment details or the preliminary screening (G6PD screening test), please feel free to contact us.
Reservations and consultations can be made via the link below:
Director of NAG Orthopedics: Yoshimasa Nagumo
Orthopedic Specialist & Sports Doctor
Dr. Nagumo initially built his career as a surgical oncologist specializing in orthopedic cancer treatment. Subsequently, he moved to the United States to engage in advanced research in the field of regenerative medicine.
It was during his time in the U.S. that a personal injury led him to realize the critical importance of sports medicine. Upon returning to Japan, he transitioned his focus to become a sports orthopedic surgeon.
Currently, he leads the "Athlete Support Program," which provides comprehensive medical support to athletes using a combination of blood analysis and cutting-edge regenerative medicine technologies.
[Click here for the program introduction page:https://nagseikei.jp/en/dr/]
