The Myers’ Cocktail is an intravenous vitamin and mineral formula for the treatment of a wide range of clinical conditions including acute asthma attacks, migraines, fatigue (including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), fibromyalgia, acute muscle spasms, upper respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, cardiovascular disease and other disorders.
Which vitamins and minerals are in the Myers’ Cocktail?
The answer to this really depends on the doctor or intravenous vitamin therapy center you go to. Although Dr. Myers, the inventor of the cocktail, originally had one formula, that formula has since evolved. Now, doctors will often customize the Myers’ Cocktail according to a patients particular needs, adding or deleting nutrients as needed. However, a standard formula usually contains the following:
- Magnesium – this is a critical co-factor in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body. Magnesium aids in the body’s absorption of calcium and also plays a key role in the strength and formation of bones and teeth. This means that those at risk for osteoporosis can benefit from taking Magnesium. Magnesium is also vital for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. It also works to keep muscles properly relaxed and can be especially beneficial to fibromyalgia patients.
- Calcium – While the majority of calcium is located in the bones and the teeth, it is also required for blood coagulation, nerve function, production of energy, the beating of the heart, proper immune function and muscle contraction. Additional research suggests that calcium may help to reduce the risk of colon cancer. Calcium supplements should be avoided by prostate cancer patients.
- Calcium is often removed for patients who are at risk of becoming hypercalcemic, or certain cardiac patients.
- Vitamin B12 – Vitamin B12 is frequently used in combination with other B vitamins to help maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. It is also needed to make DNA, the genetic material in all cells.
- Vitamin B6 – The processing of carbohydrates (sugars and starches) in the body depends on availability of B6. This vitamin is particularly important in facilitating the breakdown of glycogen stored in muscle cells, and to a lesser extent in our liver. Further, because of its key role in the formation of new cells, vitamin B6 is especially important for healthy function of body tissue that regenerates itself quickly.
- Dexpanthenol (B5) – Like other B Vitamins, B5 (also known as pantothenic acid) helps the body extract energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also helps to metabolize fats and produce red blood cells and hormones from the adrenal gland. It has been shown that B5 might be useful in treating Rheumatoid Arthritis, and to help lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- B-Complex – Contains Thiamine and Niacinamide, Riboflavin, Dexpanthenol, and Pyridoxine.
- Thiamine, also known as Vitamin B1, helps the body cells convert carbohydrates into energy; aids the nervous system, and supports nerve health.
- Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential in the metabolism of carbohydrates (to produce energy), fats, and proteins. It also helps with the production of hydrochloric acid, needed for proper digestion. It also facilitates the body’s ability to eliminate toxins.
- Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, plays an important role in releasing energy from carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin needed to activate vitamin B6 and folic acid as well. Finally, it is also important for red cell production and helps to maintain the integrity of red blood cells and nervous system function.
- Dexpanthenol, See Above
- Pyridoxine, also known as Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C – Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which are nutrients that block some of the damage caused by free radicals. It also helps build and maintain tissues and strengthens the immune system and can also decrease total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides to help protect against heart disease. It also works with enzymes to to play a key role in making collagen. The National Cancer Institute reports that high-dose vitamin C has been studied as a treatment for patients with cancer since the 1970s and when taken by intravenous (IV) infusion, vitamin C can reach much higher levels in the blood than when it is taken by mouth. Studies suggest that these higher levels of vitamin C may cause the death of cancer cells in the laboratory. More information on IV Vitamin C therapy and its role in treating cancer can be found on “National Cancer Institute” website at the link below.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/highdosevitaminc/patient/page2
