Do Vitamin Ivs Actually Work Here’s Everything You Need To Know
On Assignment For HuffPost
What if you could cure a hangover, boost your immune system, fight lethargy, and get healthier skin all in one shot? Thats what vitamin IV drips promise.
The process works by providing the user with a direct infusion of vitamins and minerals, like high doses of vitamin C or magnesium. Receiving vitamins through an IV allegedly allows the nutrients to bypass the digestive system for a quicker shot of vitality. There are various different formulations of vitamins you can receive depending on your needs.
Fans of the treatment from Bravo reality stars to Adele to Chrissy Teigen and companies that offer the service believe it helps with a number of health complaints. As with most wellness fads, the benefits seem almost too good to be true. I decided to test it out myself and chat with experts on the unconventional practice.
What Is Vitamin Iv Therapy
Vitamin IV therapy delivers a custom blend of nutrients directly into your bloodstream for an instant boost of health and wellness. Research shows that vitamins and fluids given intravenously are significantly more powerful and effective, with 100% bioavailability compared to a 20-30% absorption rate through oral consumption. Sit back, relax, and take your vitamins in a whole new way.
What Happens At A Consultation
Fast-forward a week and I arrive for my full medical consultation with the clinics nurse. Im feeling on the edge of a cold, exhausted and anxious. I input my medical history on an iPad. My blood pressure is measured.
Oddly for a treatment involving vitamins and minerals, Im asked little about my diet. I volunteer that Ive never eaten meat. Youre probably deficient in vitamin B12, says the nurse. You might have anaemia because of it. She also puts my anxiety down to low magnesium.
The nurse shows me the clinics menu of vitamin drip cocktails, and confirms that I should opt for the immune- boosting mix of vitamins C, B12, B5, B6, B complex, calcium, selenium, magnesium, zinc, and various amino acids.
I ask if this treatment will correct any deficiencies and stop my sore throat creeping into flu she nods, and Im game to try what their vitamin drips have to offer.
Beneath the marketing spiel is little consensus on what happens when we intravenously inject nutrients that, if consumed in the right amount through food, are essential for health.
But there is some evidence supporting the use of high-dose IV vitamin and mineral injections for genuine health problems.
But the results shouldnt be used as evidence backing IV vitamin C for healthy people, says Alan Shenkin, professor of biochemistry at the University of Liverpool.
But individuals self-reported fatigue scores only dropped by about 15%, says Shenkin.
Read Also: What Is Iv Vitamin Therapy
Can Iv Vitamin C Cure Cancer
Experiments with vitamin C for cancer treatment date back several decades. The well-known Scottish surgeon Ewan Cameron and two-time Nobel-laureate Linus Pauling treated 100 terminally ill cancer patients with vitamin C in the 1970s. They compared these patients to controls who were treated at the same hospital for a similar type of cancer and clinical stage but did not receive vitamin C. The results showed that the patients treated with vitamin C had a four times higher average survival time. A follow-up study found that 22 percent of cancer patients treated with vitamin C survived one year compared to 0.4 percent of those who did not receive the treatment.1
Subsequently, the Mayo Clinic conducted randomized double-blind trials on the use of vitamin C in cancer patients. These trials failed to demonstrate any positive effects of high-dose vitamin C in cancer patients. However, the Mayo Clinic trials consisted of vitamin C treatment for an average of 2.5 months, whereas the Pauling-Cameron study lasted for 12 years. Also, the Mayo Clinic study consisted of 10 grams of vitamin C by mouth. The Pauling-Cameron trial administered vitamin C both orally and intravenously, producing 25 times higher peak plasma concentrations. This suggests that intravenous administration of vitamin C can achieve and sustain high plasma levels that are sufficient to kill cancer cells.1
This May All Be A Placebo Effect
It is entirely possible that the noticeable improvement in health many feel after an IV drip may not be due to the IV at all. They may feel better because they believed that they would.
So, in onestudy, half of a group of fibromyalgia patients were given an IV solution with vitamins and half without. Both groups showed improvement.
You May Like: How Much Vitamin C Is In A Bell Pepper
What About The Cost
While the benefits of IV fluids on demand are unproven and the medical risks are low , the financial costs are clear. For example, one company offers infusions for $199 to $399. The higher cost is for fluids with various vitamins and/or electrolytes and other medications. Keep in mind that the fluids and other therapies offered can be readily obtained in other ways for only a few bucks.
Are Iv Fluids Effective Or Necessary For These Things
Some people who get the flu need IV fluids, but theyre generally quite sick and belong in a medical facility. Most people who have exercised a lot, have a hangover, jet lag, or the flu can drink the fluids they need. While Im no beauty expert, I doubt that IV fluids will improve the appearance of a person who is well-nourished and well-hydrated to start with.
And its worth emphasizing that the conditions for which the IVs-on-demand are offered are not conditions caused by dehydration or reversed by hydration. For example, jet lag is not due to dehydration. And while oral fluids are generally recommended for hangover symptoms , dehydration is not the only cause of hangover symptoms.
Finally, theres a reasonable alternative to IV fluids: drinking fluids. If youre able to drink fluids, thats the best way to get them. If youre too sick to drink and need rehydration, you should get care at a medical facility.
Recommended Reading: What Vitamins Are Good For Ringing In The Ears
Are Iv Treatments Safe
“For the most part, people report feeling better after these treatments because it’s a rapid way to receive hydration,” says Dr. Sam Torbati, co-chair of Emergency Medicine at Cedars-Sinai.
“If you’ve been sick or out drinking, you’re dehydratedso hydrating will make you feel better.”
Proponents of the therapy say the IV drips work because they bypass the stomach and go straight into the blood stream, but that isn’t necessarily a good thing, says Dr. Torbati.
“When you put something straight into the bloodstream, you bypass all of your body’s built-in safeguards and filters,” says Dr. Torbati.
“You want to make sure you know exactly what’s in it.”
It’s also important to make sure you’re getting the treatment in a safe, clean environment. Be sure the IV is administered by a trained professional using only sterile needles.
Intravenous Therapy Is A Quick Way Of Administering Essential Fluids Vitamins And Minerals Directly Into Your Bloodstream
How much does it cost to get iv fluids at home. Hydros vitamin and hydration therapy. With an iv infusion, your body absorbs 100% of the nutrients. While we think about this for constipation, here& #x27 s why it helps cure dog dehydration.
Emergency medical products offers a complete line of iv & drug delivery supplies at affordable prices. Luckily for anyone who has ever needed an iv bag to replenish lost fluids or to receive medication, it is also one of the least expensive. How much does it cost to get an iv for hangover?
Alexeyenko discusses the cost of iv therapy, insurance coverage for iv treatments, the different types of iv fluids and the safety of iv vitamin infusions. Drip hydration delivers the maximum benefits to your body in the most efficient manner possible. Travelers to bali can often be affected by what is known as ‘bali belly’ which is basically an upset stomach or travelers’ diarrhea.
$787 for an adult, $393 for a child at one hospital, and $546 for the saline, plus $127 for administering it, at another. Iv nutritions founders saw an opportunity for a new niche within this growing industry. Not only does iv therapy allow for the absorption of liquids, it allows for much more effective absorption of vitamins.
Pay less on iv therapy supplies like syringes, needles, iv administration sets and much more. Hospitalization with intravenous fluids is the best way to correct dehydration. Does iv therapy really work?
Pin on Pregnancy
Also Check: What Is The B6 Vitamin
I Tried A Vitamin Iv Drip: Here’s My Review
How far would you go in pursuit of your healthiest self?
As I watch a nurse insert a cannula into my arm and see flecks of blood fall onto my inner elbow, I realise that Ive probably hit my PB.
Just relax, Ill be back shortly, a slender woman clear-eyed and glossy haired says, stilettos clicking out the door.
A plastic tube snakes from my arm to a transparent sack on a tall metal stand. Its filled with a lurid yellow liquid an exclusive blend of vitamins, minerals and amino acids: this vitamin injection is essentially my VIP ticket to winter wellness.
What Kinds Of Vitamins Or Minerals Would This Method Work Best For
DW: Theres no limit to which vitamins the IV therapy can work to infuse into your body. The best vitamins for this treatment, however, are those that are natural to a persons body and can be measured with levels to ensure that the IV infusion is given at a healthy dose.
LS: Commonly seen ingredients in an IV vitamin drip are vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium, and calcium. IV vitamin drips may also contain amino acids and antioxidants, such as glutathione. Talk with your doctor about what nutrients you may be lacking.
DS: Vitamins are infused at IV drip vitamin clinics and usually contain either a single vitamin such as vitamin C or a cocktail of vitamins and minerals. I would not, however, recommend IV vitamin therapy unless theres a medically diagnosed reason for the infusion and it was prescribed by a physician based on the patients diagnosis and body composition.
Don’t Miss: What Does Vitamin C For Skin
What Is A Myers Cocktail
A Myers cocktail is a Nutritional IV Therapy. It is named so after Dr. John Myer and is commonly misnamed a Meyers cocktail.
It is unknown what the true Myers cocktail was, as there was no written account of the exact treatment. Patients of John Myer reported that he used a 10-mL syringe to perform a slow vitamin push of various nutrients into the vein. Today, IV nutrient therapy or IV vitamins is used interchangeably with the name Myers cocktail and consists of various different vitamins and minerals in combination to treat specific diseases.
The Myers cocktail is now done in an IV bag, rather than a vitamin push from a syringe. The patient receives more hydration and nutrients this way. Common nutrients found in IV vitamin therapy are:
- Ascorbic acid
- Magnesium chloride
- Calcium chloride
The Myers cocktail can be personalized to any patient for their specific needs. For example, a migraine cocktail can be formulated for a patient suffering from chronic migraines.
The Myers cocktail also differs from a banana bag, which is administered in the hospital. This is because it has many more vitamins and minerals and it is formulated to treat specific conditions for each individual patient. A typical banana bag contains thiamine , folic acid, and magnesium sulfate and is in either normal saline or dextrose water.
Iv Hydration Therapy Packages & Pricing
Rocky Mountain IV Medics has packages designed to alleviate almost any symptom. Whether you want to rehydrate after a marathon or need the flu-fighting power of our Myers’ Cocktail, we have an IV therapy solution to get you back on your feet. Our IV therapy costranges from $100 to $275. Our treatments are both fast and affordable.
Also Check: How To Know If A Vitamin Is Fda Approved
Drip Bars: Ivs On Demand
And this brings us to a relatively new trend: the option to receive IV fluids even when its not considered medically necessary or specifically recommended by a doctor. In many places throughout the US, you can request IV fluids and youll get them. A nurse or physicians assistant will place an IV catheter in your arm and youll receive IV fluids right at home, in your office, or at your hotel room. Theres even a mobile tour bus experience that administers the mobile IV hydration service. Some services offering IV hydration include a special blend of vitamins and electrolytes, and, depending on a persons symptoms , an anti-nausea drug, a pain medication, heartburn remedies, and other medications may be provided as well.
And no, its not covered by your health insurance more on the cost in a moment.
What Are The Benefits Of Iv Vitamin Therapy
Many benefits come with getting IV vitamin therapy in Calgary, including:
1.) Customized, potent treatments for many conditions
Medical professionals will create a customized plan that addresses the nutritional deficiencies and treatment goals of each patient. You will get an IV therapy plan just for you.
2.) Its more fast and effective than digestion
Most medications, including vitamin supplements, are taken orally, which means that they go through the digestive system, which takes too look to become active. With IV therapy, the vitamins are entirely absorbed into your cells so that your body will feel the positive effects almost instantly. At the same time, you can cut back on the number of pills you take.
3.) The process is safe and secure
Despite the idea of putting needles into your arms regularly sounding uncomfortable, the process is actually safe. To administer IV vitamins, you have to have a licence and be a trained medical professional.
4.) Its considered Pro-Active
Rather than waiting to feel worse, taking IV vitamin therapy is regarded as a preventative treatment. You can keep your body healthy by taking action with IV therapy so that you always feel healthy.
Also Check: How To Absorb Vitamin C
What Is Nutrient Iv Therapy
Page Contents
Licensed naturopathic physicians use IV vitamin therapy as a tool to replenish a patients micronutrient and nutritional status. Studies have found that IV vitamins can be a great way to improve many health conditions and achieve optimal health and wellness. IV vitamin therapy is an effective and efficient treatment at replenishing vitamins and minerals because it bypasses the digestive system, allowing for 100 percent absorption.
Food or medications such as multivitamins must be chewed or swallowed whole. They pass down the esophagus to the stomach where the acidic environment begins the breakdown. The small intestine then starts the process of digestion and absorption. Enzymes break the foodstuff down into their smaller molecular pieces, and eventually into amino acids .
The small intestine absorbs these amino acids and passes them into the blood where they are carried to the liver. The liver acts as our primary detoxification organ. It receives everything that we put into our body and processes it to be transported in the blood or excreted as urine or stool.
The Risks Associated With Nutritional Iv Therapy
There are also a few risks to be aware of. For one, these clinics arent regulated, so there may be differences in quality and cleanliness from clinic to clinic. Theres also the possibility that youll be given vitamins and nutrients in too-high concentrations, which can be dangerous. Compared with oral vitamins, this can happen more easily with IV drips, as none of the vitamins are lost during the absorption process or excreted through urine. Its difficult to predict how your body will respond. Supermodel Kendall Jenner was hospitalized in 2018 after having a bad reaction to an IV drip .
Taking in too much vitamin C, for instance, can lead to stomach issues, including cramps and diarrhea, according to the Mayo Clinic. And a previous study found taking in high doses of certain supplements may increase your risk for certain types of cancer. Vitamin D toxicity, though rare, could lead to a buildup of calcium in your blood, which may bring on nausea, weakness, and increased urination, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Fazylova says people with allergies should be careful and need to know all the ingredients before the IV is administered. She also advises people with heart conditions to be extra cautious because taking in too many extra electrolytes can lead to heart arrhythmias. If you are managing kidney disease, ask your doctor before trying IV nutritional therapy, as you may need to monitor intake of minerals, including sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.
Also Check: What Vitamins Help The Immune System
Does Iv Drip Therapy Really Help Hangovers
Hangovers can be hard, especially as we age.Surprisingly, IV therapy help hangovers pass you by a lot faster. Because we are so dehydrated when were hungover, pumping fluid into our bloodstreams helps us along the path to hydration. A lot of IV blends include lots of water, as well as vitamins that will help replenish electrolytes. The relief is a lot faster than drinking a bottle of water and taking aspirin.
Schedule Your Nad+ Iv Therapy Now
NAD+ IV therapy usually requires increased infusions times ranging from 1-4 hours to maximize patient comfort during your IV therapy and/or reverse aging with anti-aging IV therapy.
Give your NAD+ IV Therapy an all-inclusive vitamin boost by adding the ingredients from a MIVM Cocktail to your NAD+ IV for $999.
At Mobile IV Medics, were committed to delivering fast and reliable service so that you get the IV therapy you need, precisely when you need it. When you , well send someone to your house within the hour, who will assess your symptoms and vital signs to determine the best IV solution for your needs.
When you choose us, youll be able to customize any IV drip or NAD+ IV treatment to meet your needs based on your specific ailment. Our service areas reach across Southern California, Orange County, Los Angeles, Inland Empire, San Diego, Newport Beach, the Florida coast, Central Texas, and beyond. View our full service area here!
Dont wait get a blast of nutrients, vitamins, fluids and antioxidants and skip the hassle, time and added expense of going to the ER to get health benefits on the celullar level. Our NAD+ IV treatment is virtually painless due to the topical numbing spray we use and will be administered by our compassionate and knowledgeable team of Registered Nurses.
You May Like: What Vitamins Are Good For Seniors
