Phospholipid IV therapy
The idea of using intravenous vitamins and minerals was developed by John Myer, a pioneer physician from Baltimore.
What is phospholipid exchange therapy?
Chemicals such as pesticides, preservatives, heavy metals and even some medical drugs can be stored in body fat for long periods, and continue to interfere with functioning, most notably of the brain, nervous system and immune system. They can only be excreted from the body by two routes: via the liver into bile, which then enters the gut, or via sweat (the only other route, which is no solution, is in breast milk). [2]
Lipid Exchange is a technique that has been practiced for decades, especially in Eastern Europe, using an oily product derived from soya, which can be given by intravenous injection or by mouth. There is extensive literature on its safety and efficacy in a wide range of disorders including neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, liver damage, kidney failure, and autoimmune diseases. Like many such therapies, it was never taken up very much by medicine in Western Europe or the USA, although in recent years drug-development scientists have again been very interested in its use as a delivery system for drugs — a means of getting them rapidly into cells. [3]
This is dramatically important in modern times because the major groups of toxins:
- organophosphate and organochlorine pesticides
- related chemicals such as fire-retardants (PCBs, PBBs)
- heavy metals such as lead, mercury etc
– are all fat-soluble, and end up either inside fat cells or in cell membranes, where they disrupt the very processes of life. Inside fat cells they are in fact relatively inert and thus safe since this is a storage facility; it is in the membranes that they do damage. [4]
Key nutrients in phospholipid exchange therapy
Phosphatidylcholine
The first active ingredient of the treatment is phospholipids. These are oils in the form in which they occur in the membranes. When this is injected intravenously there is a rapid exchange, the injected lipids being put into the cell walls replace the ones there being taken out, and with the lipids coming out of the cell wall there also come some of the toxins. The literature suggests that at least 5% of total cell lipids can be turned over by one treatment. [5]
Glutathione
This amino acid is an important antioxidant and a key component of liver detoxifying systems. It stimulates bile production. The purpose of mopping up in the bloodstream the toxins that are released by the phospholipid membranes, combining with them and being excreted still attached to them. It also serves to stimulate bile flow, and in the bowel to keep the toxins from being reabsorbed into the system.
Folate
Folate is an essential B vitamin required for the maintenance of AdoMet-dependent methylation. The liver is responsible for many methylation reactions that are used for post-translational modification of proteins, methylation of DNA, and the synthesis of hormones, creatine, carnitine, and phosphatidylcholine. Conditions where methylation capacity is compromised, including folate deficiency, are associated with impaired phosphatidylcholine synthesis resulting in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis. [7]
B12
Vitamin B12 regulates the biological methylation of phospholipids. [8]
Please be advised that it is a requirement to work with a practitioners to receive the phospholipid exchange.
Get in touch
You will be shown to our IV lounge where you can relax on one of our comfortable recliners with complimentary refreshments and a selection of books and magazines to enjoy whilst our experienced practitioner administers a natural mix of nutrients.
To book an appointment for phospholipid exchange, please call 020 332 0030 or email enquiry@londonclinicofnutrition.co.uk.
