From celebrity Instagram stories to local wellness spas, IV nutrition therapy is having a moment.
Promising everything from improved energy and glowing skin to boosted immunity and hangover cures, IV drips filled with vitamins and minerals are now available at clinics, mobile units and even in people’s homes. But is this trend backed by science – or are patients simply pouring money down the drain?
While the verdict is mixed, it seems the procedure can be beneficial for some purposes when properly targeted and administered.
IV nutrition – also known as IV vitamin therapy or IV infusion therapy – involves delivering vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fluids directly into the bloodstream. Unlike oral supplements, which must pass through the digestive system, IV nutrients bypass the gut entirely, allowing for quicker and more efficient absorption, according to adherents of the procedure.
Originally developed for hospital patients who couldn’t eat or absorb nutrients properly, IV therapy has now found its way into the wellness world, changing both how it’s used and who it’s targeting.
Proponents say IV nutrition can improve hydration and energy levels, support immune function, help with recovery from workouts or illness, enhance skin appearance and even ease hangover symptoms. Some formulations – like the popular “Myers’ Cocktail,” which includes a blend of B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium and calcium – are marketed as cure-alls for conditions ranging from fatigue to fibromyalgia.
“There’s really no one-size-fits-all approach to IV nutrition,” says Joel Shields, operations director at Quality Health Care and Wellness Clinic. “We customize our IV infusions based on each patient’s condition from a medical standpoint. We review their bloodwork and sometimes even their genetic test results. One of our reports is over 100 pages long and analyzes about 90 genetic markers. It can flag issues like the MTHFR gene mutation, which affects how the body metabolizes nutrients and is linked to increased risks for blood clots and attention deficit disorders. Another genetic test can determine your risk for developing early dementia or Alzheimer’s and we have a special IV to help with those cognitive impairment issues.”
According to Shields, this personalized approach allows for a more precise and effective treatment. “Once we get the test results, we create a summary that guides which IV formulation would benefit that specific patient,” he says. “We go over every component with the patient, so they know exactly what’s being infused and why.”
Advanced testing also helps identify underlying issues such as metabolic disease, chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalances, allowing for more targeted care.
As IV therapy grows in popularity, however, a gap in regulation has opened the door for spas and gyms to offer treatments with names like “Wellness Booster” or “Beauty Drip.” In many of these settings, the therapies consist of little more than saline and a touch of vitamin C – hardly a personalized solution. More concerning is that these infusions are often given without any knowledge of the patient’s lab values, medical conditions, or current supplements and medications, raising the risk of vitamin toxicity.
“The biggest problem with these spas is that whoever is administering the IV often isn’t medically trained to handle any complications,” says Dr. Deepti Sadhwani, co-owner of Quality Health Care and Wellness Institute.
“Fortunately, I haven’t seen any issues in the 10 years I’ve been doing IV nutrition therapy, but should something happen – like an allergic reaction to an ingredient – a doctor needs to be present to respond. IV therapy goes directly into the bloodstream, and every infusion should be tailored to the patient’s needs and performed under medical supervision.”
Dr. Sadhwani has been administering IV nutrition therapy for over a decade and asserts that under the right medical supervision the therapy is safe and highly effective. She says that every single IV infusion in her practice is prescribed by one of the physicians and sent to Shields with precise measurements of each vitamin and nutrient to include in the formula. Shields and his staff then prepare and administer the IV to the patient.
“We even show the patient exactly what is included so they have a complete understanding of what is going into their bloodstream and what results can be expected,” Shields explains.
“Sometimes, if a patient has a lot of toxins in their body or they’re fighting something, or if they have autoimmune diseases, they may feel a little tired one or two days after the therapy so I tell them they should rest. After 24 to 48 hours they start to feel revitalized. Other patients feel great immediately after the procedure.”
Shields maintains that he’s worked with hundreds of patients and that IV nutritional therapy is very effective in treating gut health and immune system problems. He claims a 90-percent success rate in alleviating pain and discomfort for patients with Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis and other intestinal disorders.
Because IV nutrition isn’t regulated by the FDA, it remains controversial. But as its use becomes more mainstream, additional research is emerging.
Numerous studies, including one published in 2021 in PubMed at the National Library of Medicine, have found evidence that high-dose intravenous vitamin C may act as a potent anti-cancer agent. Early-phase clinical trials have shown that high-dose IVC can effectively target tumor cells in various cancer types, according to the study. The research also suggests IVC works well alongside conventional chemotherapy, both enhancing its effectiveness and reducing its side effects.
Ultimately, it is believed by many medical professionals that IV therapy can be an excellent way to deliver nutrients for those with digestive disorders or specific medical needs that prevent proper absorption of nutrients from food, and for some other conditions. However, it should never replace a healthy diet or proper hydration. If you’re considering IV therapy, it is important to talk to a licensed healthcare provider to determine whether it’s safe and appropriate for your situation.
Joel Shields, certified medical assistant, is the operations director and health specialist for genetic testing and IV nutrition at Quality Health Care and Wellness Institute. He has a master’s degree in naturopathic medicine and works with doctors to help patients maintain a healthy lifestyle. His office is at Quality Health Care and Wellness Institute in Sebastian. Call the Wellness Institute at 772-732-7330 if you want to find out whether IV nutritional therapy is right for you.
