High-dose Vitamin C IV drips are available at Mona Aoyama Clinic in Minami-Aoyama.
Doses start from 12.5g. Open all year round, a 5-minute walk from Aoyama-Itchome Station. Same-day appointments are available.
What is a high-dose Vitamin C IV drip?
A high-dose Vitamin C IV drip is a treatment that directly supplements the body with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) at blood concentrations not achievable through oral intake. While oral intake has a limit on blood concentration (around 200μM), IV drips can achieve blood concentrations tens to hundreds of times higher than oral intake, and are expected to have various effects.
Many medical institutions in Japan have introduced this treatment for purposes such as beauty (skin whitening/beautification), fatigue recovery, immune system support, and anti-aging care.
Difference from oral intake
Even if you take 1g or more orally, blood concentration plateaus due to the upper limit of intestinal absorption. With an IV drip, the absorption pathway is bypassed, and the vitamin C enters the bloodstream directly, allowing for concentrations tens to hundreds of times higher than oral intake. Compared to supplements, the biggest advantages are its immediate effect and high absorption efficiency.
Main effects of Vitamin C
| Effect | Details |
|---|---|
| Antioxidant effect | Removal of active oxygen, prevention of cell aging |
| Promotion of collagen synthesis | Maintenance of skin firmness and elasticity, wound healing |
| Melanin suppression | Improvement of spots and dullness, skin whitening |
| Immune function support | Strengthening of white blood cell function, infection defense |
| Promotion of iron absorption | Positive effect on anemia prevention |
| Stress tolerance | Involvement in cortisol synthesis in the adrenal glands |
| Protection of vascular endothelium | Maintains vascular elasticity |
The manifestation of effects varies from person to person.
Recommended for those who:
- Are concerned about skin whitening, spots, or dullness
- Feel a loss of skin firmness and elasticity
- Experience chronic fatigue
- Get sick easily or want to boost their immunity
- Live a high-stress lifestyle
- Smoke (smoking consumes a lot of Vitamin C)
- Want to engage in anti-aging care
Starting with 12.5g, the treatment takes approximately 30 minutes.
Dosage plans and approximate time to feel effects
Our dosage plans
You can choose from multiple doses according to your purpose, physical condition, and lifestyle.
| Dose | Main Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 12.5g | Beauty, general health maintenance, initial introduction | 30-40 minutes |
| 25g | Fatigue recovery, enhanced beauty | 40-50 minutes |
| 50g | Serious beauty, immune system support | 60-75 minutes |
| 75g | Anti-aging care, chronic fatigue | 75-90 minutes |
For doses of 25g or more, a G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency screening test is required in advance. If this enzyme is deficient, there is a risk of hemolytic anemia with high doses of Vitamin C. This test is only done for the first time.
Approximate time to feel effects
| Purpose | Time until effects are felt | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Fatigue recovery, languor | On the day of treatment ~ next day | 1-2 times a week |
| Skin whitening, improvement of dullness | 2-4 weeks | Once a week for 4-6 sessions, then 1-2 times a month |
| Skin firmness and radiance | 2-3 months | Ongoing, 1-2 times a month |
| Immune function support | Several weeks ~ | 1-2 times a month |
The degree to which effects are felt varies from person to person, depending on individual constitution, lifestyle, and the amount of oxidative stress present. Many people only start to feel the effects after continuous use, so we recommend continuing for a while rather than judging after just 1-2 sessions.
Please also use sunscreen daily. Continued exposure to UV rays will counteract the effects aimed at skin whitening.
Relationship with cancer treatment
High-dose vitamin C IV drips have been studied for their potential to selectively act on cancer cells at ultra-high doses, and have been considered as a complementary therapy overseas. However, their effectiveness against cancer has not been established at this time and they are not a substitute for standard treatment.
Our clinic offers these IV drips for beauty and health maintenance purposes. For consultations regarding cancer treatment, please always consult your primary physician. Please do not interrupt or delay standard treatments.
Side effects/risks
Common side effects (mild)
- Discomfort/vein pain at the IV site (can be alleviated by adjusting the administration rate)
- Feeling of warmth in the mouth or face (temporary)
- Mild headache/dizziness
- Dry throat (addressed by drinking fluids after administration)
- Mild diarrhea/digestive symptoms
Rare but noteworthy side effects
- Hemolytic anemia: In individuals with G6PD deficiency (excluded by pre-screening)
- Kidney stones (caution required for those with a history)
- Impact on kidney function at high doses (not suitable for individuals with renal failure)
- Hypoglycemia (especially for individuals with diabetes. Avoid treatment on an empty stomach)
Those who cannot receive treatment
Cannot receive treatment
- Individuals with G6PD deficiency
- Individuals with severe renal impairment (undergoing dialysis, end-stage renal failure)
- Individuals with heart failure who require salt and fluid restriction
Those requiring careful consideration
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals (please consult your primary physician regarding suitability)
- Individuals with diabetes (blood sugar monitoring is required)
- Individuals with a history of kidney stones
- Individuals taking medication (caution required with co-administration of some anticancer drugs)
Combination with other IV drips and injections
Vitamin C IV drips can be combined with other beauty and health IV drips for synergistic effects.
- Glutathione IV drip (Shirataama drip): Powerful antioxidant effect. Supports skin whitening and liver function.
- Placenta injection: Female hormones, autonomic nervous system, beautiful skin.
- Garlic injection: Fatigue recovery.
- Anti-aging IV drip: Vitamin B x Placenta.
If you prefer oral care, please also see Oral Supplements for Beautiful Skin.
Treatment flow
| STEP | Content |
|---|---|
| 1. Counseling and medical examination | We confirm your purpose, medical history, and medications you are currently taking. |
| 2. Pre-screening (only for those who need it) | If you desire 25g or more, a G6PD test (blood test) will be conducted for the first visit. |
| 3. IV drip | Relax on the treatment bed while receiving the IV drip (30-90 minutes). It is fine to use your smartphone, read, or work during this time. |
| 4. Completion and return home | You can leave immediately after the IV drip is finished. There is no downtime. |
Pre and post-treatment precautions
Before treatment
- Eat enough and hydrate sufficiently (fasting increases the risk of hypoglycemia).
- Postpone if you have a fever or feel unwell.
- Please inform us in advance of any medications you are taking.
After treatment
- Drink plenty of fluids (aim for 1L or more).
- Do not rub the injection site (this can cause bruising).
- You can apply makeup, exercise, and bathe immediately after treatment.
Fees and information on self-pay medical care
Fees vary depending on the dosage. Please check the product page for details, or we will inform you during your consultation.
- Approval status: Vitamin C injections are approved medications in Japan. However, high-dose use for beauty or health maintenance is considered off-label use.
- Procurement route: We use domestically approved products procured through domestic pharmaceutical wholesalers.
- Cost: Since it is an off-label use, health insurance does not apply, and the full cost is borne by the patient (self-pay medical care).
- Risks: In cases of off-label use, adverse reactions may not be covered by the pharmaceutical adverse reaction relief system.
- Effectiveness: The degree of effectiveness varies from person to person, and not everyone will achieve the same results.
Start with a consultation.