Infusion & Immune Therapies
Amino acid infusions
St. George Hospital offers individually selected amino acid infusions, sometimes called amino acid cocktails. The starting point is your nutritional and medical assessment: what you are able to eat, what your body needs and whether intravenous support is appropriate.
What are amino acid infusions?
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. An infusion supplies a selected formulation directly into a vein. It is distinct from a vitamin or mineral drip; it is also not automatically a complete intravenous nutrition programme, which may need other nutrients and energy sources.
The word “cocktail” does not describe a standard prescription. The ingredients and intended purpose should be explained in your individual plan. At St. George Hospital, the decision sits within the broader assessment of nutrition and medical treatment.
Why nutritional assessment comes first
Appetite, swallowing, digestion, recent weight loss and current treatment can all affect nutritional needs. The assessment considers food intake and oral or enteral options as well as whether an intravenous route has a clinical role. A drip does not replace an assessment of why eating has become difficult.
The ESPEN practical guideline on nutrition in cancer provides a clinical framework for nutritional care. A small retrospective study after oesophageal cancer surgery examined peripheral amino acids alongside enteral feeding. Findings in postoperative nutritional support do not establish a general energy, immunity or longevity benefit from elective amino acid infusions.
From inquiry to an individual plan
Tell us your situation
Send a short inquiry. The International Office explains how to share your records securely.
Medical assessment
Your physician reviews the diagnosis, medicines, relevant tests and suitability of the proposed treatment.
Decide together
Discuss the treatment goal, alternatives, monitoring and costs before you decide.
What you discuss with the physician
The consultation covers the reason for the infusion, the proposed formulation and how the nutritional response will be followed. Kidney and liver function, fluid balance and relevant blood results help determine suitability. Existing cancer treatment, where applicable, remains part of the same discussion.
As with other intravenous treatments, the team considers cannula complications and infusion reactions. Tell the team about discomfort or unexpected symptoms during treatment. The schedule and monitoring are tailored to your clinical situation.
Planning your visit
Your treatment is planned after medical assessment. The International Office can explain the next steps and help you obtain a written cost overview. Bring your current medication list and recent medical reports to the consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Is an amino acid infusion the same as a vitamin drip?
No. Amino acids provide protein building blocks; vitamins and minerals have different roles. The composition is specified in your individual plan.
Can I choose a standard amino acid cocktail?
The hospital offers individual assessment rather than assuming that one mixture suits everyone. The prescription depends on nutritional needs, medical history and current treatment.
References
- ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical Nutrition in cancer. Clinical Nutrition 2021. PMID 33946039
- Peripheral vein infusions of amino acids facilitate recovery after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: Retrospective cohort analysis. Annals of Medicine and Surgery 2017. PMID 28138387
Send a free inquiry
The initial inquiry is free of charge. The International Office reviews your message and your case directly and gets back to you.
- Phone
- +49 8061 398-0
- Hours
- Mon–Thu 08:00–17:00, Fri 08:00–14:00 German time (CET/CEST); in the US Mon–Thu 2–11 a.m. ET, Fri 2–8 a.m. ET.
Munich Airport (MUC), about 60 minutes by car.