Vitamin infusions , often referred to as IV vitamin therapy or vitamin IV drips, have grown in popularity over the last decade. They are promoted for their potential to boost energy, improve immunity and enhance overall wellness. But how effective are they?
Let’s take a closer look at this trendy therapy to understand its benefits and scientific standing.
What are vitamin infusions?
Vitamin infusions deliver vitamins, minerals and other nutrients directly into your bloodstream via an intravenous (IV) drip. Unlike oral supplements, which must pass through your digestive system, IV therapy ensures nutrients are immediately available to your body, theoretically resulting in faster absorption and quicker benefits.
Common ingredients in vitamin IV therapy include:
- Vitamin C for immune support
- B-complex vitamins for energy and metabolic health
- Magnesium for muscle relaxation and stress relief
- Antioxidants to fight free radicals.
What are they used for?
Advocates claim that IV vitamin therapy can:
- Boost energy levels if you’re feeling fatigued or run down
- Enhance hydration
- Support immune health
- Aid recovery after hangovers, jet lag or intense physical exertion.
It’s also becoming popular among people looking for a quick pick-me-up or seeking glowing skin before big events.
Do they actually work?
In an ideal world, you’d get all the nutrients you need by eating a balanced diet and spending some part of each day outdoors in the sunshine.
That’s worth aiming for but it’s not always easy to achieve in practice, especially if you work unsociable hours or have limited opportunities to cook healthy food. An IV infusion offers a shortcut – a relatively straightforward way to boost your vitamin levels while you work on improving your diet.
It’s also worth remembering that we don’t all absorb vitamins and minerals easily. If you have an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, you may not be able to absorb these important micronutrients no matter how much kale you eat! Similarly, if you’ve had certain types of bariatric surgery, you may struggle to absorb micronutrients through your digestive system – making an IV infusion an attractive alternative.
The scientific evidence
While IV vitamin therapy is widely available, robust scientific evidence supporting its use for general wellness is limited. Studies are more focused on specific medical scenarios, like using IV vitamin C for cancer patients or critically ill individuals.
At this stage, then we’re left with anecdotal evidence of the benefits of vitamin infusions for everyday life. It’s encouraging to have so many people saying they feel great after a vitamin infusion – but it’s not cast iron proof of effectiveness.
Are there risks?
Any medical treatment involves some risks. Potential risks of a vitamin infusion include:
- Infection at the insertion site
- Vein inflammation
- Allergic reactions to the ingredients.
Should you try it?
If you’re considering IV vitamin therapy:
- Consult a professional: Speak to a healthcare provider to ensure it’s right for you.
- Understand your goals: Are you addressing a deficiency, or are you seeking general wellness?
- Keep realistic expectations: IV therapy isn’t a substitute for a healthy diet or lifestyle.
Ready to revitalise?
If you’re curious about vitamin infusions, then please book an appointment. Our skilled team will discuss your needs, review your medical history and, if appropriate, administer your vitamin infusion carefully in a comfortable setting where you can relax.
Book an appointment.
Disclaimer
All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Moonee Valley Specialist Centre can consult with you regarding your individual health needs. Any invasive procedure carries risks.
References
- Weisshof R, Chermesh I. Micronutrient deficiencies in inflammatory bowel disease. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2015 Nov;18(6):576-81. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000226. PMID: 26418823. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26418823/#, [Accessed 28 January 2025]
- Bariatric Times, Intravenous micronutrient therapy (imnt) for gastric bypass patients: a solution to complications of an often unrecognized problem, [Accessed 28 January 2025]
- National Cancer Institute, Intravenous vitamin C, https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/vitamin-c-pdq, [Accessed 28 January 2025]
- Journal of Pharmacy Practice, use of intravenous vitamin C in critically ill patients with covid-19 infection, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/08971900211015052#, [Accessed 28 January 2025]
