High-Dose Vitamin C IV Therapy: Research, Benefits, and the Riordan Protocol

High-dose intravenous vitamin C (HDIVC) has become a widely discussed therapy across both integrative medicine and general wellness communities. While perhaps most well-known for its potential role in cancer support, HDIVC has also been studied for immune health, detoxification, fatigue, recovery, and more.

At purelyIV, we offer high-dose vitamin C IV therapy through options like our Total C and High Dose Vitamin C treatments. For clients pursuing ongoing, higher-dose therapy — particularly as part of integrative care — we follow the Riordan Protocol, a well-established clinical framework designed to guide safe, effective delivery. In this post, we’ll explain what HDIVC is, how the Riordan Protocol works, and what current research suggests about the potential benefits of high-dose vitamin C — without making any claims about treating or curing disease.

What Is High-Dose Vitamin C Therapy?

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient that plays a role in immune defense, collagen production, tissue repair, and antioxidant activity. However, oral intake is limited by intestinal absorption, with blood levels rarely exceeding 200 micromoles per liter even at high doses.

By contrast, intravenous administration bypasses the digestive system and allows for plasma concentrations 100x higher — levels that may exert distinct physiological effects, including pro-oxidant activity in certain contexts (particularly tumor environments or high oxidative stress).

The Riordan Protocol

Developed by the Riordan Clinic, the Riordan HDIVC Protocol has been used in over 40,000 high-dose vitamin C treatments and is recognized for its safety-centered approach.

Key Features of the Protocol:

• G6PD Deficiency Screening:
  Patients are screened for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, a rare condition that can make high-dose vitamin C unsafe.

• Lab Monitoring:
  Baseline labs assess kidney function and other markers. Plasma vitamin C levels may be tracked to tailor dosing.

• Gradual Dose Escalation:
  Patients typically start with a 10g infusion. If tolerated, doses can increase up to 100g per session based on individual needs.

• Monitoring During Treatment:
  Kidney function, hydration status, urine pH, and general well-being are assessed regularly to ensure safety.

This protocol is used for our High Dose Vitamin C IV Treatment, which ranges from 50g to 100g per infusion. For those seeking a powerful antioxidant and immune support option at a lower dose, our Total C IV Treatment delivers 25g of vitamin C per session.

What Does the Research Say?

1. Adjunctive Support in Cancer Care

While high-dose vitamin C is not a cure for cancer, some research suggests it may offer support when integrated into conventional care — especially for symptom management (nausea, fatige, pain/discomfort) and potential synergistic effects with chemotherapy.

• Pro-Oxidant Mechanism:
  At high plasma levels, vitamin C may generate hydrogen peroxide in extracellular fluid. Research suggests that tumor cells are less capable of neutralizing hydrogen peroxide, making them more vulnerable to oxidative damage — while normal cells are protected by their catalase activity.

• Clinical Trial:
  A 2012 study from the University of Iowa combined high-dose HDIVC with gemcitabine and erlotinib in pancreatic cancer patients. The median survival was extended to 16.8 months, compared to the typical 8–9 months with chemo alone.¹

• Quality of Life Improvements:
  A 2011 observational study showed that breast cancer patients receiving HDIVC alongside chemo or radiation reported significant reductions in nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite.²

While this research is promising, large-scale randomized controlled trials are still needed to establish standardized guidelines and broader efficacy.

2. Immune System Support

Vitamin C plays a well-documented role in supporting both innate and adaptive immunity. It accumulates in white blood cells, enhances their activity, and protects them from oxidative damage.

• Clinical Insight:
  Research shows that vitamin C supports neutrophil migration, phagocytosis, and microbial killing, as well as lymphocyte proliferation.³

• IV Advantage:
  For individuals with depleted vitamin C levels or increased immune stress (due to illness or inflammation), IV administration may rapidly restore optimal plasma levels and enhance immune function more efficiently than oral intake.

• Respiratory Infections:
  Meta-analyses have shown that vitamin C may shorten the duration and severity of colds, particularly in physically stressed populations.⁴

3. Fatigue and Quality of Life

A consistent theme in HDIVC research is improvement in fatigue and energy — especially in people recovering from illness, managing chronic stress, or undergoing intensive medical treatment.

• Study in Cancer Patients:
  A Korean study assessed terminal cancer patients and found significant improvements in fatigue, appetite, physical function, and emotional well-being after high-dose HDIVC.⁵

• Possible Mechanisms:
  Vitamin C supports carnitine production (important for energy metabolism), neurotransmitter synthesis, and mitochondrial function — all of which may contribute to improved vitality and reduced fatigue.

4. Support During and After Viral Illnesses

High-dose HDIVC is not a treatment for viral infections, but some studies have examined its role as a supportive measure in recovery or immune modulation.

• COVID-19 Observations:
  Several hospitals used high-dose HDIVC during the early stages of the pandemic. While results were mixed, some case series reported improved oxygenation and reduced inflammation markers in severely ill patients.⁶

• Sepsis Research:
  In the CITRIS-ALI trial, critically ill patients with sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome received HDIVC. While primary endpoints were inconclusive, secondary outcomes such as reduced 28-day mortality and ICU stay length showed potential benefit.⁷

5. Oxidative Stress and Detoxification

Vitamin C is one of the body’s most important antioxidants and helps recycle other antioxidants like glutathione and vitamin E.

• In Detox Protocols:
  High-dose vitamin C may support the body during periods of oxidative stress — whether due to environmental toxin exposure, alcohol, poor sleep, or intense physical activity.

• Antioxidant-Pro-oxidant Dual Role:
  At high concentrations, vitamin C may act as a pro-oxidant in specific environments (e.g., abnormal cells or infections), helping stimulate beneficial stress responses, while also supporting overall redox balance in healthy tissue.⁸

6. Collagen Production and Tissue Repair

Vitamin C is an essential cofactor for collagen synthesis, supporting the health of skin, ligaments, blood vessels, and connective tissue.

• Wound Healing Support:
  Research shows that vitamin C supplementation can accelerate healing of surgical wounds, ulcers, and soft tissue injuries — especially in individuals with low baseline levels.⁹

• Aesthetic and Recovery Use:
  Some clients use HDIVC to potentially support skin health, tissue regeneration, or post-surgical healing. This is particularly relevant for athletes, post-op patients, or individuals recovering from injuries or cosmetic procedures.

Final Thoughts

High-dose intravenous vitamin C, especially when administered through a protocol like Riordan’s, may offer a wide range of supportive wellness benefits. From fatigue relief and immune support to antioxidant replenishment and collagen repair, research continues to uncover new applications — though more large-scale studies are needed in many areas.

At purelyIV, we prioritize safety, evidence-based dosing, and personalized care for every client considering high-dose vitamin C.

Ready to experience the benefits of high-dose vitamin C therapy?
Whether you're interested in a one-time Total C infusion or a higher-dose treatment following the Riordan Protocol, our licensed team ensures every session includes a personalized consultation and medical screening.

We bring expert mobile IV care directly to your home, office, or hotel across Metro Detroit—including Novi, Royal Oak, and Shelby Township.
Contact us today to book your treatment and take the next step in proactive wellness.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog post is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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References

1. Monti DA et al. PLoS ONE. 2012;7(1):e29794.

2. Vollbracht C et al. In Vivo. 2011;25(6):983–990.

3. Carr AC, Maggini S. Nutrients. 2017;9(11):1211.

4. Hemilä H. Front Immunol. 2020;11:74.

5. Yeom CH et al. J Korean Med Sci. 2007;22(1):7–11.

6. Zhao B et al. J Intensive Care. 2020;8:72.

7. Fowler AA et al. JAMA. 2019;322(13):1261–1270.

8. Mikirova N et al. Integr Cancer Ther. 2013;12(5):455–467.

9. Pullar JM et al. Nutrients. 2017;9(12):1211.