🍊 High-Dose Vitamin C (HDIVC): What It Is, How It Works, and When It Helps

Short version: At standard doses, vitamin C acts mostly as an antioxidant. At high intravenous doses (typically >10 grams), it behaves pro-oxidatively in a controlled way—creating small amounts of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in the bloodstream that your healthy cells can neutralize, while stressed or abnormal cells struggle to do so. This shift is why HDIVC is used for prevention, recovery, and as a supportive therapy alongside traditional care.

What counts as “high dose”?

For IV vitamin C, we consider >10 g high dose (many protocols range from 10–75 g depending on goals, labs, and supervision). These doses are not achievable by oral supplements due to absorption limits.

Antioxidant vs. pro-oxidant: dose matters

• Lower doses (oral or low-dose IV): act mainly as antioxidants—quenching free radicals, supporting collagen, and immune function.

• High doses (IV >10 g): act pro-oxidatively—transiently generating H₂O₂ that the body uses as a signal for cleanup and repair.

How HDIVC works (the simple version)

High IV vitamin C leads to H₂O₂ formation in blood and surrounding tissues.

• Healthy cells: typically neutralize H₂O₂ quickly using enzymes like catalase and glutathione peroxidase.

• Stressed or abnormal cells: often have lower antioxidant capacity, making H₂O₂ toxic to them while healthy cells remain protected.

• This selective pressure is why HDIVC is explored in prevention, recovery, and integrative oncology settings. (HDIVC is not a replacement for medical treatment.)

Where HDIVC can help

• Prevention & “biohacking”: Redox “reset,” collagen support, and cellular energy support during periods of high stress or training.

• Chronic inflammation & recovery: Helps modulate oxidative stress, support tissue repair, and reduce post-illness or post-training fatigue.

• Alongside cancer care (adjunct only): Some centers use HDIVC with standard therapies to support quality of life and apply selective pressure on abnormal cells. Always coordinated with your oncology team.

  
  

Safety first: G6PD screening required

• Before starting HDIVC, a G6PD lab test is mandatory. Low G6PD levels can increase risk of hemolysis with oxidative therapies. At MID, we screen before infusions and individualize dosing under medical supervision.

How this fits at Michigan Immune Defense

• Medical oversight: Protocols are evidence-informed, dosed therapeutically, and monitored by our clinical team.

• Membership approach: Many members rotate IV Vitamin Infusions (replenish) → IV Ozone (detox/oxygenate) → HDIVC (pro-oxidative reset) month-to-month for balanced, long-term support.

• Personalization: Dosing, frequency, and lab follow-up are tailored to your goals (performance, resilience, immune support, or adjunctive care).

Ready to explore HDIVC?

1. Step 1: Book a consult (includes medical review and G6PD screening if needed).

2. Step 2: We’ll design your infusion plan (stand-alone or within your membership).

3. Step 3: Track results together (symptoms, labs, energy, recovery).

   
   

Note: HDIVC is supportive care and not a cure. If you’re in active treatment, we’ll coordinate with your medical team to keep your plan safe and aligned.