Performance & RecoveryIV Nutrient Therapy
Support cellular energy, aid muscle repair, and help your body recover — administered by a CPSBC-licensed physician.
SkinArtMD's Performance & Recovery IV delivers pharmaceutical-grade amino acids (BCAAs, taurine), B-complex, magnesium, Vitamin C, glutathione, and electrolytes directly into the bloodstream. Dr. Sharon Fong personalizes each blend based on your consultation — whether you're recovering from a marathon, managing jet lag, or working through an intense training cycle.
Adjunctive Recovery Wellness Support
At SkinArtMD Burnaby, Performance Recovery IV is an adjunctive wellness service — not a substitute for proper sleep, nutrition, or training periodization. It is a physician-supervised infusion designed to replenish nutrients that may be depleted by intense training, illness, or prolonged fatigue.
IV nutrient therapy bypasses the GI tract, delivering pharmaceutical-grade vitamins, amino acids, and minerals directly to the bloodstream. This allows higher concentrations to reach cells compared to oral supplementation, where absorption can be limited by digestive factors. Blends are customized per consultation by Dr. Sharon Fong, and all ingredients are sourced from Health Canada licensed compounding facilities. Individual response to IV therapy varies — commonly reported benefits include improved energy and reduced post-exertion soreness.
Direct Bloodstream Delivery
Bypasses digestive absorption rate-limiting steps, allowing nutrients to reach cells at higher concentrations than oral supplements typically achieve.
Commonly Reported Recovery Support
Many clients report reduced fatigue and muscle soreness following sessions. Individual response varies and results are not guaranteed.
Custom Blends Per Consult
Dr. Sharon Fong tailors each infusion to your specific situation, health history, and recovery goals — no generic drips.
How IV Therapy Works
Understanding the mechanism behind intravenous nutrient delivery and how it differs from oral supplementation.
Bypasses GI Absorption Limits
Oral vitamins pass through the stomach and liver before reaching circulation. IV delivery places nutrients directly in the bloodstream, bypassing this rate-limiting step.
Higher Therapeutic Concentrations
Intravenous administration can achieve blood levels of certain nutrients — such as Vitamin C and magnesium — that are difficult to reach through oral intake alone, supporting cellular function and recovery processes.
NAD+ and Mitochondrial Function
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme involved in cellular energy metabolism. Levels commonly decline with age and intense physical stress. IV NAD+ may support mitochondrial function — individual response varies.
Pharmaceutical-Grade Ingredients
All blends use ingredients sourced from Health Canada licensed compounding pharmacies. Formulations are prepared to pharmaceutical standards for safety and consistency.
Is This Treatment Right For You?
A physician consultation and medical screening are required before your first IV session. Dr. Sharon Fong will review your health history and goals to determine whether IV nutrient therapy is appropriate for you.
You May Be Suitable If You
- +Are recovering from a marathon, triathlon, or other high-intensity athletic event
- +Experience persistent fatigue, burnout, or low energy that is not resolved by rest
- +Are dealing with jet lag from frequent or long-haul travel
- +Want adjunctive support during intense training periods alongside proper sleep and nutrition
- +Have impaired nutrient absorption due to digestive conditions (consult physician)
- +Seek supportive care during or after illness recovery
You May Not Be Suitable If You
- –Have kidney disease or significantly impaired kidney function — IV fluid load requires healthy renal clearance
- –Have congestive heart failure or fluid retention disorders — additional IV fluids may be contraindicated
- –Are allergic to any IV ingredients — a full allergy review is conducted at consultation
- –Have certain medications or conditions that interact with high-dose Vitamin C, or have not been screened for G6PD deficiency prior to high-dose Vitamin C infusions
- –Are pregnant or breastfeeding — consult your primary care physician first
Physician-Led Recovery Wellness
IV therapy is a medical procedure. At SkinArtMD Burnaby, all protocols are designed and supervised by Dr. Sharon Fong (CPSBC), with mandatory pre-treatment screening for every new patient.
CPSBC Physician Oversight
Dr. Sharon Fong holds a full license with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC. All IV protocols are prescribed and supervised by her — not delegated to non-physician staff without medical oversight.
Individualized Formulas
No standard drip menus. Each blend is formulated after a consultation reviewing your health history, current medications, training load, and recovery goals.
Pharmaceutical-Grade Compounding
All IV ingredients are sourced from Health Canada licensed compounding facilities, ensuring pharmaceutical-grade purity and consistent dosing with every infusion.
Mandarin & Cantonese Service
Dr. Sharon Fong and the SkinArtMD team provide consultations and care in Mandarin and Cantonese — making SkinArtMD Burnaby a trusted choice for the Greater Vancouver Chinese community.
What You May Experience
The following are outcomes commonly reported by clients. Individual response to IV therapy varies — these are not guaranteed results.
Energy & Vitality
NAD+ and B-vitamins may support cellular energy metabolism, helping address fatigue at the cellular level. Effects vary by individual.
Mental Clarity
Replenishing key nutrients may help reduce cognitive fatigue and brain fog commonly associated with overtraining or prolonged stress.
Athletic Recovery Support
Amino acids (BCAAs, taurine) and anti-inflammatory nutrients may help support muscle repair after intense training. This is adjunctive — not a replacement for rest and periodization.
Immune Support
High-dose Vitamin C and zinc may support immune function during periods of physical stress. G6PD screening is required before high-dose Vitamin C infusions.
Stress Resilience
Magnesium plays a role in nervous system regulation and muscle relaxation. Replenishing magnesium via IV may support recovery from physical and mental stress.
Cellular Repair Support
NAD+ and glutathione may support natural cellular detoxification and repair processes. These effects are supportive — not curative — and individual response varies.
Your IV Therapy Experience
From consultation to completion, here is what to expect during your Performance & Recovery IV session at SkinArtMD Burnaby.
Pre-Treatment Preparation
Eat a light meal 1–2 hours before your appointment to avoid low blood sugar during infusion
Drink water before arriving — good hydration makes IV insertion easier and more comfortable
Wear comfortable clothing with easy access to your arm or elbow crease
Disclose all current medications, supplements, and health conditions to Dr. Sharon Fong at consultation
Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine for 24 hours prior to your session
During Treatment
Physician Consultation & Screening
Dr. Sharon Fong reviews your health history, goals, and any contraindications. Your custom blend is confirmed before the IV is started.
IV Catheter Placement
A small catheter is placed by our clinical team — comparable discomfort to a standard blood draw.
Infusion Session
Standard recovery blends infuse in approximately 30–60 minutes. NAD+ infusions require a slower rate to prevent flushing and nausea, typically 90–240 minutes depending on dose.
Post-Infusion Check
Brief monitoring before you leave. Any unusual symptoms are reviewed with the clinical team. Personalized next-step recommendations are provided.
Post-Treatment Care
Continue drinking water to support nutrient circulation and renal clearance
Avoid strenuous exercise for 2–4 hours post-infusion to allow initial absorption
Eat a balanced meal — IV therapy works best as part of an overall recovery approach including proper nutrition
Note any unusual symptoms (vein irritation, flushing, rash) and contact the clinic if concerned
Session frequency will be recommended by Dr. Sharon Fong based on your goals and response
**Results may vary. IV therapy is an adjunctive wellness service and is not a substitute for medical treatment, proper sleep, nutrition, or training periodization. Individual response depends on health status, formulation, and frequency of treatment. Athletes subject to anti-doping testing should consult their governing body regarding specific ingredients.
Common Questions
Is IV therapy painful?+
Most clients feel only a brief pinch at the insertion site — comparable to a standard blood draw. Once the catheter is placed, the infusion itself is typically painless. Some clients notice a cool sensation traveling up the arm as the drip begins.
How long does a session take?+
Standard recovery blends (amino acids, B-complex, electrolytes, Vitamin C) take approximately 30–60 minutes. NAD+ infusions require a slower drip rate to minimize side effects like flushing or nausea — these typically take 90 minutes to 4 hours depending on the dose.
Is it safe? What are the side effects?+
IV therapy administered under physician supervision is considered safe for appropriate candidates. Common minor side effects include vein irritation at the insertion site and occasional flushing (especially with NAD+ or high-dose Vitamin C). High-dose Vitamin C requires G6PD screening beforehand. Dr. Sharon Fong conducts a medical screening before your first session to identify any contraindications.
How often should I get treated?+
For acute recovery — such as after a marathon, triathlon, or illness — 1–2 sessions may be sufficient. For clients seeking ongoing support during high training periods, monthly sessions are commonly used. Dr. Sharon Fong will recommend a frequency based on your individual health profile and goals.
Is IV therapy suitable for competitive athletes?+
Most standard IV nutrients — amino acids, B-vitamins, magnesium, electrolytes, Vitamin C, glutathione — are not prohibited substances. However, athletes subject to anti-doping testing should independently verify specific ingredients against their governing body's prohibited list (e.g., WADA). SkinArtMD does not administer any performance-enhancing hormones or banned substances.
What is the difference between standard IV vitamins and NAD+?+
Standard IV vitamin blends replenish essential nutrients depleted by training, illness, or poor intake. NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) specifically supports mitochondrial energy metabolism and cellular repair pathways — processes that decline with age and physical stress. NAD+ infusions take longer and are typically reserved for fatigue recovery, cognitive support, or anti-aging wellness goals.
Support Your Recovery With Physician Guidance
Book a consultation with Dr. Sharon Fong at SkinArtMD Burnaby. Mandarin and Cantonese consultations available. A medical assessment is required before your first IV session.
Also offered at our Richmond location
Richmond Anti-Aging Clinic offers the same treatment. If Richmond is more convenient, our sister clinic can help.
110 – 5580 No. 3 Rd., Richmond, BC V6X 0R8 · +1 (604) 277-9006