Sports Hack: A Deep Dive into Iron IV Therapy for Toronto Athletes

Optimizing wellness isn’t just about treating nutrient deficiencies – it’s about supporting oxygen levels, cellular energy, and physical recovery on a personal level. And boosting these can be pivotal for athletic goals; as a result, iron intravenous infusions from our IV Therapy Toronto clinic may be advised. 

Iron is one of the most important minerals for physical activities – yet it’s one of the nutrients commonly depleted in humans. Because it’s key for metabolic functioning, an iron deficiency can impair physical function, disrupting energy and endurance. “Several studies have investigated iron status and supplementation in iron-deficient athletes, and determined how physical strain can change iron balance and markers related to iron status,” confirmed an article from the journal Life. 

Here, our IV Lounge breaks down iron for athleticism; the differences between oral iron and IV therapy treatments; and precautions to consider prior to supplementing with it. 

Why Iron Matters for Athletic Performance

Iron deficiency can cause anemia, which is when oxygen delivery to the organs becomes insufficient; this can trigger weakness and overall low energy production. When iron levels decline – before anemia develops – athletes in particular might experience: 

• Fatigue 
• Lack of endurance
• Shortness of breath during workouts
• Slow physical recovery
• Brain fog
• Low concentration

Iron is foundational for physical endeavors because it helps make hemoglobin, a type of protein in the red blood cells. Hemoglobin’s role is to carry oxygen from the lungs to your muscles. Iron also helps store oxygen in muscle tissues and is essential for cellular health needs. In your cells, the mitochondria use iron to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which provides you with the power you need to conquer the ball court! Thus, it’s no wonder that an iron deficit – even without anemia – can “…affect endurance, as well as power, speed, coordination, concentration, recovery, and consequently, performance in various sports variables,” reports a Life journal article. 

How Athletes Can Take Iron Supplements 

Iron can be supplemented with tablet or liquid formats (oral) or blended for intravenous therapy: 

• Oral iron: Personalized tablet or liquid doses can directly target nutrient flaws. Tailored doses prepared by a compounding pharmacy can prevent oversupplementation, which is when excessive amounts of nutrients cause adverse effects. The oral route can be beneficial for treating iron deficiency; however, depending on the type of iron prescribed, side effects such as constipation, nausea, or gastrointestinal discomfort may occur.The oral route can be beneficial for treating iron deficiency; however, depending on the type of iron prescribed, side effects such as constipation, nausea, or gastrointestinal discomfort may occur. Additionally, underlying digestive issues can impair iron absorption and reduce the effectiveness of oral supplementation, meaning your intended dose may not be fully absorbed through the digestive process. Oral iron supplements may take several weeks or months to raise iron levels. For some individuals, vitamin IV drip therapy may be considered as an alternative route when oral supplementation is not well tolerated or when absorption concerns exist.
• IV iron therapy: Many athletes struggle with poor iron absorption due to gut inflammation, chronic stress, or dietary constraints – luckily, iron IV therapy can bypass these hurdles. Unlike oral supplements, nutritional drips bypass the digestive system, delivering nutrients into the bloodstream directly. Because the body gets an immediate absorption of intravenous iron, iron stores can get quickly replenished – potentially speeding up muscle recovery! IV iron is effective for individuals with chronic issues, as this route can prevent unwanted side effects (which may occur from ingesting iron tablets). In order to get nutrient IV therapy, you must get a prescription from a qualified healthcare provider – consultations can be booked with our nurse practitioner and  Toronto naturopathic doctor. 

Iron supplementation may be considered when iron deficiency has been identified and treatment is clinically appropriate. Restoring iron levels may help address symptoms associated with iron deficiency. But they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Next, we discuss some things to consider prior to taking iron supplements.  

Things to Keep in Mind

Iron can potentially interact with some medications, foods and beverages; and depending on the patient’s current health condition, the time of day to take iron supplements might matter. Here are some things to do before taking oral or IV iron: 

• Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner: Find out if you’re a candidate for iron supplements. If you struggle with digestive system issues or iron overload (hemochromatosis), iron supplementation may not be advised. 
• Inquire about functional medicine testing: Ask your healthcare provider about testing your nutrient levels. Knowing how much iron you’re lacking is key for tailoring targeted vitamins. Personalized lab testing is available from our practice to confirm the deficiency.
• IV vitamin drip therapy may be considered after a training session as part of an overall hydration and recovery strategy. Depending on your individual needs and laboratory findings, iron status can be assessed to determine whether additional Intravenous  iron support may be appropriate. Our IV Lounge offers a variety of hydration and nutrient-based IV therapies that can be incorporated into a personalized wellness and recovery plan.

Unraveling your unique biology can be strategic in making long-term health decisions, especially for energy levels and athletic goals. Join us today to one-up your wellness!

Suggested reading: IV Therapy Toronto: What Most People Don’t Realize About Hydration

Embark On Your Health Journey with Personalized Therapies

Did you know custom health care can be requested in Toronto? Personalized medicine may be effective for managing chronic issues, autoimmune diseases, anxiety, blood pressure regulation, aging skin, cardiovascular disease, and more. Our functional medicine modalities – such as IV vitamin therapy, Amazonian botanicals, hormone-balancing strategies, naturopathic medicine, and more – can be modified for your needs. 

Our IV Lounge is located in our practice, the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre (TFMC). We share space with Supernatural Yorkville, so you’re welcome to experience their therapeutic tools, like contrast therapy and meditation frequencies. Our IV Lounge adheres to strict safety protocols (i.e. provincial regulation and licensing) and drip sessions are overseen by our team of naturopathic doctors, nurse practitioners and registered nurses. Our IV drip therapy menu is diverse to cater to wide-ranging needs – we can prescribe IV vitamin C, several types of amino acids, NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), among others. When IV therapy is added to a routine of healthy eating, regular exercise and formal health interventions (i.e. medical protocols), then they may contribute to nourishing outcomes. 

If you need advice for your physical performance, we invite you to consult with a TFMC functional medicine provider. Our functional lab services can help us establish your rehydration support needs, and we can take measures to target muscle contractions, protein intake, weight management, and more. 

If you have concerns about fatigue, recovery, or nutritional status. Our integrative functional medicine strategies might lead to beneficial effects! Rejuvenate your mind, immune system, and more with iron-based IV therapy from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre – contact us directly now.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

References

Balendran, Shalini, and Cecily Forsyth. “Non-anaemic Iron Deficiency.” Australian Prescriber, vol. 44, no. 6, 2021, p. 193, https://doi.org/10.18773/austprescr.2021.052. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

Burden RJ, Pollock N, Whyte GP, Richards T, Moore B, Busbridge M, Srai SK, Otto J, Pedlar CR. Effect of Intravenous Iron on Aerobic Capacity and Iron Metabolism in Elite Athletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2015 Jul;47(7):1399-407. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000568. PMID: 25386711.

Kardasis, William, et al. “The IRONy in Athletic Performance.” Nutrients, vol. 15, no. 23, 2023, p. 4945, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15234945. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.

Macdougall, Iain C. “Strategies for Iron Supplementation: Oral versus Intravenous.” Kidney International, vol. 55, 1999, pp. S61-S66, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1523-1755.1999.055Suppl.69061.x. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

Roemhild, Karolin, et al. “Iron Metabolism: Pathophysiology and Pharmacology.” Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, vol. 42, no. 8, 2021, p. 640, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tips.2021.05.001. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.

Solberg A, Reikvam H. Iron Status and Physical Performance in Athletes. Life (Basel). 2023 Oct 2;13(10):2007. doi: 10.3390/life13102007. Erratum in: Life (Basel). 2025 Dec 30;16(1):56. doi: 10.3390/life16010056. PMID: 37895389; PMCID: PMC10608302.

Steinbicker AU, Pantopoulos K. Oral and Intravenous Iron Therapy. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2025;1480:371-386. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-92033-2_24. PMID: 40603803.

Wooltorton, Eric. “Too Much of a Good Thing? Toxic Effects of Vitamin and Mineral Supplements.” CMAJ: Canadian Medical Association Journal, vol. 169, no. 1, 2003, p. 47, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC164945/. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

Original article "Toronto Functional Medicine Centre – (416) 968-6961" first appeared in the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website.

Menopausal Brain Fog and Burnout: The Role of NAD IV Therapy in Toronto

From hot flashes and poor sleep to low energy and memory blips, symptoms of perimenopause and menopause can heave through several aspects of health. Tackling these starts at the molecular level – which is why we offer NAD+ IV therapy at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre (TFMC).

Scientists are suggesting that cellular energy can influence how this ‘change of life’ can manifest and persist. NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a key molecule that can potentially help with symptom management, bridging metabolic health, aging biology, stress response, and hormonal functions. 

Understanding the molecule further can disclose why perimenopausal/menopausal women might experience shifts in energy, cognition, and stress resilience. We explain further in this article, as well as how to optimize NAD+ levels in our IV Lounge. 

What NAD+ is and Why It Matters for Women in Midlife

NAD is a coenzyme found in all living cells and its job is to spur cellular energy production. In the mitochondria, NAD helps convert nutrients into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the body’s working supply of energy currency. NAD is also critical for regulating: 

• DNA repair
• Cellular stress responses
• The activation of sirtuin proteins (these proteins are linked to cellular aging, gene expression, metabolism, and inflammation)
• Neurotransmitter balance

With age, NAD+ levels naturally wane – and this can begin as soon as our 30s. Women entering perimenopause and menopause often face this decline with hormonal fluctuations; in turn, this can drive unwanted stress, impacting the mind and body. 

Perimenopause is the chapter that leads up to menopause, and this ‘story’ can persist for several years. Through this transition, hormone production is erratic, with estrogen and progesterone fluctuating up and down. This impacts your sleep, mood stability, metabolic rate, mental clarity, and fatigue. When the female body already lacks NAD+, it can potentially intensify:  

• Declines in energy metabolism: Low estrogen levels alter mitochondrial functioning and dwindle energy production. As we explained, NAD+ is beneficial for synthesizing ATP, so when NAD levels fall short, so does your energy output! Due to both hormonal and molecular changes, fatigue tends to be a marker of perimenopause. 
• Reductions in stress resilience: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which helps control your stress responses, is sensitive during hormonal transitions. NAD⁺ supports specific sirtuins that are known to modulate stress and inflammation. Low NAD⁺ means you lose efficiency in buffering stress, which can worsen irritability and sleep problems.
• Cognitive decline: Your brain cells need loads of energy, so waning NAD+ can impair memory and mental clarity, contributing to bouts of brain fog. Ideal NAD amounts may be beneficial for fostering brain functioning, DNA repair, and antioxidant defenses. 
• Weight fluctuations: Menopause can change your cellular metabolism and body composition. NAD⁺ is connected to pathways that regulate insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism; when NAD⁺ is insufficient, your body has trouble capably switching between burning carbohydrates and fats for energy – potentially leading to weight gain and wonky blood sugar levels.

If you’re interested in taking NAD, supplements can be discussed with a functional health provider. It would actually be advantageous to get your NAD treatments customized – this would help avoid over-supplementation, while promoting healing from within. 

Functional and integrative health care strategies for NAD optimization

There are various ways to enhance your NAD intake. A functional medicine doctor can prescribe NAD precursors supplements, such as tryptophan, nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). These compounds can raise NAD⁺ levels indirectly, providing you with ‘building blocks’ that the body can transform into NAD⁺. 

But for some people, the oral route can be limited – for example, bioavailability can be inconsistent if you already have a digestive condition, meaning your body might not absorb the full intended dose. And due to hormonal changes during menopause, it’s not uncommon for nutrient absorption to become less efficient in the female body. So, if you want peace of mind in upping your NAD intake, IV therapy can be prescribed. 

Did you know…

That some fods contain NAD+? These options include turkey, whole grains, and select fruits and vegetables.  Click here to read our functional medicine article on NAD-boosting foods to try.

NAD IV therapy is directly administered into your bloodstream with an intravenous catheter. It allows for cells to absorb NAD readily, helping to speed up support for energy metabolism, DNA repair, and stress regulation – with fewer conversion steps. When your NAD+ IV drip dose is tailored by a functional IV therapist, it aims to target your biological needs only. This dosage is only unique to you! So, for women struggling with menopausal symptoms, nutritional and/or NAD IV drips can be arranged to address your profound symptoms. 

Keep in mind, NAD+ precursors and drip treatments are not ‘cures’ – they are recommended as complementary treatments. Functional medicine takes lifestyle, hormone balancing, nutrition and stress management into consideration, so NAD+ and other nutritional supplements should be integrated into a healthy daily practice. The goal is not just to achieve symptom relief – it’s also to improve resilience, metabolic health, and vitality as you shift into menopause.  

Suggested reading: Toronto NAD IV Therapy Approach to Aging: Should you Take NAD in your 40s?

Revive NAD+ Levels for Stress Relief, Menopause, Athletic Performance, and More

You are capable of enriching your mind and body – let’s help you navigate that inner power with personalized care from the TFMC! Our goal is to tackle the root of your health issues to support bodily balance and help prevent chronic conditions from forming. 

Our health practices are in line with the functional medicine model. This formal framework addresses the patient as a unique entity – you are not compared to other individuals, and all treatments, including IV therapy services, are adapted for your body only. To match therapies with your needs, functional medicine testing is offered. These comprehensive tests can be eye-opening for understanding why cellular aging, gut dysbiosis, oxidative stress, and nutrient deficiencies are happening in your body. Test results are used to tailor your treatment plan, which may mix conventional medicine with custom vitamin supplementation, botanical and naturopathic medicine, nutritional IV infusions, bioidentical hormone therapy, acupuncture, and more. As we share space with Supernatural Yorkville, you also have access to several longevity-related tools, including sessions in the innovative RE:SET treatment chairs, lymph drainage treatments, cryotherapy, and HBOT. 

NAD infusion therapy and intramuscular injections are overseen in our IV Lounge. An initial consult is required for determining risks/allergies to IV fluids and to personalize doses. NAD IV therapy services can be administered as stand-alone treatments or combined with additional IV drips, such as those containing high-dose vitamin C! In conjunction with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and additional functional therapies, nutritional IV drips may be supportive for health enhancements. 

Right now, we’re accepting new patients for NAD IV therapy in our Toronto IV Lounge – this is your chance to revive mental clarity naturally. Simply click here to book your initial consult with our functional naturopathic clinic.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media.

References

Ahmed, Mehboob, et al. “A Molecular Perspective and Role of NAD+ in Ovarian Aging.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 25, no. 9, 2024, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094680. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.

Buck Institute for Research on Aging. “Researchers uncover mechanism that links NAD+ to fertility problems.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 18 October 2023. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/10/231018161914.htm>.

Grabowska, Wioleta, et al. “Sirtuins, a Promising Target in Slowing down the Ageing Process.” Biogerontology, vol. 18, no. 4, 2017, p. 447, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10522-017-9685-9. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.

Haslam, Olivia. “Menopause: Women’s Health at Risk Due to Avoidable Nutrient Deficiencies.” NutraIngredients, 11 Sept. 2023, https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2023/09/11/Menopause-Women-s-health-at-risk-due-to-avoidable-nutrient-deficiencies/

Ko, Hee, and YunJae Jung. “Energy Metabolism Changes and Dysregulated Lipid Metabolism in Postmenopausal Women.” Nutrients, vol. 13, no. 12, 2021, p. 4556, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124556. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.

Liang, Jinghui, et al. “Impact of NAD+ Metabolism on Ovarian Aging.” Immunity & Ageing: I & A, vol. 20, 2023, p. 70, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12979-023-00398-w. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.

Perrone R, Ashok Kumaar PV, Haky L, Hahn C, Riley R, Balough J, Zaza G, Soygur B, Hung K, Prado L, Kasler HG, Tiwari R, Matsui H, Hormazabal GV, Heckenbach I, Scheibye-Knudsen M, Duncan FE, Verdin E. CD38 regulates ovarian function and fecundity via NAD+ metabolism. iScience. 2023 Sep 16;26(10):107949. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107949. PMID: 37822499; PMCID: PMC10562803.

Sharma A, Chabloz S, Lapides RA, Roider E, Ewald CY. Potential Synergistic Supplementation of NAD+ Promoting Compounds as a Strategy for Increasing Healthspan. Nutrients. 2023 Jan 14;15(2):445. doi: 10.3390/nu15020445. PMID: 36678315; PMCID: PMC9861325.

Woudstra T, Thomson AB. Nutrient absorption and intestinal adaptation with ageing. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2002 Feb;16(1):1-15. doi: 10.1053/bega.2001.0262. PMID: 11977925.

Wylenzek, Friederike, et al. “A Systematic Review on the Impact of Nutrition and Possible Supplementation on the Deficiency of Vitamin Complexes, Iron, Omega-3-fatty Acids, and Lycopene in Relation to Increased Morbidity in Women After Menopause.” Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, vol. 310, no. 4, 2024, p. 2235, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-024-07555-6. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.

Original article "Toronto Functional Medicine Centre – (416) 968-6961" first appeared in the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website.