IV Iron Therapy Vancouver
IV Iron Therapy in Vancouver
Private iron infusions for low ferritin, iron deficiency, and the symptoms that come with it. Naturopath-supervised. Coverage often available through extended health benefits.
If your iron has been flagged as low, you've been struggling with exhaustion that sleep doesn't fix, or you've been dealing with hair shedding, brain fog, or breathlessness that doesn't fully add up ā low iron may be part of the picture. IV iron therapy delivers iron directly into your bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system entirely, so your body can absorb a full dose without the gut side effects of pills.
Hi, Iām Vicki Nguyen, a registered nurse with 10 years of clinical experience. I started IV League Injections because I believe people deserve real answers and real solutions - not just a prescription for oral iron that upsets your stomach and barely moves your levels. IV iron is one of the most effective and underutilized treatments available, and I am proud to offer it here in Vancouver at our clinic alongside our naturopathic team. Iron is powerful, and more isn't always better - so we make sure it's right for you before we treat.
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Pricing & Coverage
What it costs
Final cost depends on the iron formulation and dose recommended by our naturopath at your consultation. Many clients are partially or fully reimbursed through extended health benefits ā see below.
May Be Covered by Your Extended Health Benefits
IV iron infusions ordered and supervised by a naturopathic doctor are often eligible for reimbursement under extended health plans in Canada. Our on-site naturopath performs the assessment, orders the lab work if needed, and provides the documentation your insurance provider requires. Coverage varies by plan ā many clients are surprised to find that a significant portion of their treatment is reimbursed. Ask us about this when you book and we'll help you understand your specific coverage.
Who Is IV Iron For?
IV iron may be appropriate for individuals with:
- Diagnosed iron deficiency anemia or low ferritin
- Chronic fatigue and brain fog that hasn't improved with oral supplements
- Postpartum iron depletion
- Intolerance of oral iron (nausea, cramping, constipation)
- Conditions affecting iron absorption (celiac disease, IBD, gastric bypass)
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Persistently low iron despite months of oral supplementation
- Athletes with chronically low iron levels
Suitability is determined case-by-case during your assessment with our naturopath.
Why IV Iron Instead of Pills?
Oral iron is poorly absorbed in most people ā the gut takes up only a small fraction of what you swallow, and for many people the GI side effects (nausea, cramping, constipation, metallic taste) make consistent supplementation impractical. IV iron delivers a full therapeutic dose directly into circulation, bypassing the digestive system entirely.
Many clients describe improvements in energy, mental clarity, and physical endurance over the weeks following their infusion as the body rebuilds iron stores. Individual response varies depending on baseline iron levels, ongoing losses, and overall health.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your first appointment starts with a health intake and review of your recent bloodwork. If you don't have current labs, our naturopath can arrange them for you. Once you're cleared for treatment, a small IV cannula is placed in your arm and the iron infusion runs over approximately 30 to 60 minutes. You can relax, read, or scroll your phone during this time, and you'll be monitored throughout.
Most people feel fine afterward and can return to normal activities the same day. A small number of clients feel briefly tired for a day or two as their body processes the iron ā this is normal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can IV iron be covered by my extended health benefits?
Often, yes. When IV iron is ordered or supervised by a naturopathic doctor, it's frequently eligible for reimbursement under extended health plans in Canada. We have a naturopath on-site who can provide the necessary documentation. Coverage depends on your specific plan, so we recommend confirming with your insurer beforehand. Many clients are surprised by how much is covered.
How do I know if I need IV iron?
The most reliable way is bloodwork. We look at your serum ferritin, hemoglobin, and full iron panel. Low ferritin ā even within the lab's "normal" range ā can be associated with fatigue, hair shedding, brain fog, and poor exercise recovery. If you have symptoms but your GP has told you your iron is "fine," it can be worth getting a closer look at ferritin specifically. Our naturopath can review your labs and advise you at your first appointment.
How quickly will I notice a difference?
Response varies. Many clients begin noticing changes in energy and mental clarity within two to four weeks, with continued improvement over the following weeks as iron stores rebuild. Postpartum clients and those with very depleted levels may take longer. Some people feel a difference quickly; others need more time or a follow-up infusion.
Is IV iron safe?
When administered by trained medical professionals in a clinical setting, modern IV iron formulations have a strong safety profile. We take a full health history before every infusion, monitor you throughout the treatment, and keep you for a brief observation period afterward. Serious reactions are rare. Vicki has 10 years of nursing experience and our team is trained in IV therapy administration.
How long does the infusion take?
Most infusions take between 30 and 60 minutes depending on the formulation and dose. You'll be comfortably seated and welcome to bring headphones, a book, or just relax. We monitor you throughout and check in before you leave.
Do I need a referral or existing bloodwork?
No referral needed. If you have recent bloodwork showing low iron or ferritin, bring it along ā it'll save time. If you don't have current labs, our naturopath can arrange testing. A brief intake assessment is part of every first appointment so we can make sure IV iron is the right choice for you.
How many sessions will I need?
Many people see meaningful improvement from a single infusion. Others with severely depleted stores or ongoing losses ā heavy periods, malabsorption ā may benefit from a follow-up infusion after six to eight weeks. We'll assess your response and recommend a plan that makes sense for your body and your budget.
I tried oral iron and it made me feel sick. Is IV iron different?
Yes, completely. IV iron bypasses your digestive system entirely, so there's no nausea, cramping, constipation, or metallic taste. This is one of the main reasons people choose IV iron ā and why it tends to work much better for people who've struggled to tolerate pills.
Where are you located?
We're at 445 W 6th Ave in Vancouver ā in the Mount Pleasant / Fairview area, steps from the Olympic Village SkyTrain station. Street parking is available nearby.
Ready to get started?
Book a consultation below or give us a call. We're here to help you figure out whether IV iron is the right next step.