Should You Try Vitamin IV Infusions?
You may have noticed celebrities hopping on the intravenous micronutrient therapy train. But are they actually safe to use, and worth the splurge?
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One of the latest health and wellness trends is Vitamin IV (intravenous) nutrition therapy to help with hangovers, hydration, energy boosts, immune boosts and even beauty. Several celebrities have publically announced using IV therapy including Adele, Gwyneth Paltrow, Chrissy Teigen and Rihanna. But are these IV nutrition therapies worth trying, or even safe to try?
What Are Vitamin IV Infusions?
Vitamin IV infusions, also called intravenous micronutrient therapy, is when high amounts of vitamins and minerals are administered directly into the blood stream. Typically, blood absorbs nutrients slowly, but this type of therapy allows rapid absorption of nutrients at high doses.
You can find these therapies offered in-home, at centers, in mobile vans or even in hotels and day spas. Depending on the company, you can find these drips offered starting at about $125 per session but the price can go upwards of $800 each.
What Are the Risks of Vitamin IV Infusions?
There is little research to support the effectiveness of these IV infusions. However, there are numerous risks. First, because it involves bypassing the body’s gatekeeping functions, which regulate how quickly vitamins and minerals get into your blood, it can lead to an overload in your blood of vitamins and minerals – which actually can lead to toxicity. Toxicity depends on what is already in your blood stream based on your diet, other supplements or fortified foods and beverages you take, and if you have any health conditions. If there is an overload of vitamins and minerals in your blood, this will cause your kidneys and liver to work harder than usual to remove unneeded nutrients. It should be noted, even if your kidneys and liver are working overtime, you can still get vitamin or mineral toxicity.
Additionally, high doses of certain vitamins and minerals can lead to negative effects. For example, a high dose of vitamin C may cause your body to produce oxalates, increasing your risk of developing kidney stones. People with renal disease should be cautious about receiving IV vitamin therapy treatments. If someone is given too much thiamin, another water-soluble vitamin, it can lead to anaphylaxis, which is a severe, and even fatal, allergic reaction to the treatment. It can also lower blood pressure and cause dizziness. Fat-soluble vitamins like A can also be toxic when administered in large doses and can lead to side effects like loss of night vision.
People with heart issues should avoid IV nutrition because the increase in fluids in the blood stream can lead to heart or kidney damage.
IS IV Nutrition Therapy Regulated?
Vitamin IV nutrition therapies are not FDA regulated and are not covered by insurance. In 2021, the FDA released a statement as it had become increasingly aware of IV infusions being prepared under unsanitary conditions and not in accordance with state regulations. As such, it warns that these practices can lead to serious illness, or even death.
Should You Get IV Nutrition Therapy?
If you are considering IV nutrition therapy for beauty, immunity or similar concerns, as a registered dietician, I recommend trying food and fluids first. A balanced, nutritious diet should be your first line of defense in helping your body function at its best. Most people’s eating habits fall short of fulfilling dietary guidelines recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Departments of Agriculture (USDA). The average person aged two years and older eats only 58 percent in accordance with the guidelines.
If you’re considering IV nutrition therapy to combat a hangover, then be sure to hydrate beforehand and consume alcohol in moderation to avoid one altogether. The 2020-2025 dietary guidelines recommend that if choosing to consume alcohol, women should have no more than one drink per day and men should consume a maximum of two drinks per day.
If you do choose to get vitamin IV Nutrition Therapy, consult with your health professional first.
Bottom Line: Eating a well-balanced, varied diet is the best way to get the nutrients your body needs. Vitamin IV nutrition therapy isn’t regulated, is expensive and can be downright dangerous — so your best bet is to avoid it.
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