Is IV Vitamin Therapy Worth the Hype? You Might Want to Follow Your Gut.

IV vitamin therapy is increasingly popular, promising quick health fixes for various conditions. But are these claims scientifically sound?

From its origins as an emergency medical treatment, IV therapy has evolved into a lifestyle choice. Dr. John Myers gained recognition in the 1950s for the Myers' Cocktail. This IV infusion contained magnesium, calcium, vitamin C, and various B vitamins. It was used to help patients with chronic conditions like asthma, fatigue, and fibromyalgia.

Social media has significantly boosted the popularity of IV vitamin therapy. While studies confirm its importance for medical uses, such as treating nutrient deficiencies and dehydration, there's limited evidence supporting its benefits for healthy individuals.

Dr. Manisha Parulekar, director of the Division of Geriatrics at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey and associate professor at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, explains the theory behind these therapies: “Because you’re getting vitamins intravenously, there’s no problem with absorption and your body gets 100% of them, which is why it’s so beneficial.” That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. she cautions that the body's natural mechanisms regulate nutrient absorption. “These checks and balances exist to prevent vitamin overload and its negative effects on the rest of the body.”

Risks of IV Infusions

IV infusions bypass the gut, potentially causing side effects in healthy people. These can include nausea, fluid overload, vein irritation, and electrolyte imbalance.

Fat-soluble vitamins can accumulate and cause harm. Too much vitamin D may lead to kidney problems, while excess vitamin A can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes, as well as cell toxicity. Furthermore, extra IV fluid can be dangerous for individuals with high blood pressure or kidney disease, potentially leading to heart or kidney failure.

Advocates promote IV vitamin therapy for energy boosts and anti-aging effects. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. these benefits likely stem from the extra fluids.

“All of us are going to quickly feel better if we get an intravenous infusion because of the fluid component of it,” Parulekar said. “And there’s, of course, that placebo effect. If you go in thinking that you’re going to get a shot and then feel better, there is a good chance that you will because of the mindset that you went in with.” She also notes that fixating on IV drips can lead to unhealthy obsessions without proven benefits.

IV vitamin therapy can benefit people with documented vitamin or mineral deficiencies, such as low iron or magnesium, or conditions like celiac disease that hinder gut absorption. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. consulting a doctor for proper medical treatment is essential.

Georgina Gleen, a registered nurse and independent nurse prescriber at U.K.-based vitamins and supplements supplier NAD+ At Home, advises, “For people with deficiencies they can be helpful when done properly. For everyone else supplements can work just as well if not better for some, along with good nutrition, sleep, stress management, hydration and consistent lifestyle habits. There’s no shortcut that replaces those.”

What to Look For

If you're considering IV vitamin therapy, choose a facility with medical oversight. Clinics should operate under a licensed physician's supervision and employ registered nurses, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants.

Before undergoing any treatment, consult your physician and complete a thorough health intake form. Ensure the facility is clean and inquire about their emergency protocols. Iron infusions, for example, can cause unpredictable allergic reactions. In severe cases, anaphylactic reactions can be rapid and fatal if not promptly managed in a proper medical setting.