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A Rapid Evidence Assessment on the Effectiveness of Intravenous Mega-Dose Multivitamins on Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Cancer, and Asthma

Bilg, Ruby

Purpose The focus of this Scholarly Practice Advancement Research project was to examine the evidence regarding the use of intravenous mega-dose vitamins for the specific conditions of interest for this project; fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, cancer and asthma. These conditions were chosen because they are most frequently advertised by CAM providers as conditions wherein mega-doses of intravenous vitamins could be beneficial. Proponents have also made claims of research supporting intravenous mega-dose vitamin therapy, the Myers’ Cocktail and mega-doses of vitamin C and magnesium. Aims The aims of this project was to (a) conduct a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) to identify whether there is quality scientific evidence to support the use of intravenous mega dose m therapy as an effective therapeutic intervention for individuals with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, cancer, and asthma; (b) to evaluate the quality of published research available on the use of IVMM therapy for individuals with fibromyalgia, cancer, asthma and chronic fatigue. Methods A Rapid Evidence Assessment was utilized to explore the quality of scientific evidence available in supporting the use of intravenous mega-dose multivitamin therapy. The databases CINAHL, PubMed Central, Medline, Google Scholar and ClinicalTrials.gov were utilized in gathering studies for this project. Eleven articles were selected for this paper which identified the use of the Myers’ Cocktail, mega-doses of intravenous vitamin C, or mega-doses of magnesium. Results Adverse events were minimal within all studies evaluated, however no patient experienced an objective tumor response, no complete or lasting effect on pain or fatigue and for asthma, conventional therapy was required along with intravenous therapy. Some patient’s symptoms also worsened before they became better, and the effect of the interventions were strongest in subjects with lower baseline levels of the vitamins or in conjunction with conventional treatments. Conclusion Intravenous mega-doses of multivitamins, vitamin C and magnesium are well tolerated with minimal side effects, however available research fails to provide enough evidence to support the continued use of this complementary therapy. The use of intravenous therapy in conjunction with conventional therapies may have some benefit, however further clinical trials are required.

Text

University of British Columbia. NURS 595

Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library

10.14288/1.0362308

Applied Science, Faculty of; Nursing, School of

Unreviewed

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/