On The Shelf
Mickie Cathers
In recent years, I.V. vitamin therapy has grown in popularity as a wellness must-have touted as a hangover cure, an energy or immune system boost, and a way to counteract aging. Infusions can be delivered in a spa or clinic setting, your home, office, hotel—even at music festivals. Is I.V. vitamin therapy all talk, no walk, or is there some clinical benefit?
Background and function
Ranging in price from $75 for standard hydration to over $1,000 for a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) session, I.V. vitamin treatment services offer several options of formulations to rehydrate with I.V. fluids; replenish with vitamins; resolve hangover and flu-like symptoms of nausea, headaches, and fatigue; and strengthen one’s immune system. Treatments last about 30 minutes to an hour and most drip bar menus will feature the “Myers’ Cocktail,” comprised of magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin C. This formulation was named after John Myers, MD, who used I.V. vitamins for the treatment of a wide range of clinical conditions in the 1960s.
Available infusions range from a simple saline and electrolyte solution to mix-and-match blends of B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, NSAIDs, glutathione, and minerals such as magnesium and zinc. As the price tag rises, I.V. infusions commonly include more complicated combinations recommended for pain recovery and weight loss support. Other selections include the addition of famotidine and an antiemetic for stomach-related issues.
The NAD+ options offered by I.V. treatment sites claim to support brain health and reverse aging.
Is there a benefit?
Certainly, saline and electrolytes are valuable in rehydration and replacing lost sodium.
Research articles suggest that high-dose I.V. infusions of vitamins B and C may not be more harmful than placebo, but some trials have reported adverse effects including raised BP, renal issues, electrolyte imbalances, glucose meter errors, and hemolytic anemia. I.V. administration of glutathione has shown some short-term efficacy in protection from oxidative stress.
Magnesium is important for regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sucrose levels, and BP. Zinc helps wounds heal and supports the immune system’s fight against bacteria and viruses.
NSAIDs are useful in treating pain and inflammation and famotidine addresses ulcers, heartburn, and a sour stomach by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach.
NAD+ is an important coenzyme for oxidation–reduction reactions and has a role in regulating metabolic rates. Low NAD+ levels have been linked to multiple disease states including metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases.
Daily requirements and dietary sources
For adults, the recommended daily amount of vitamin C is between 65 mg to 90 mg. I.V. infusions offer vitamin C in doses ranging from 2,000 mg to 25,000 mg, and B-complex vitamins in doses as high as 20,000 mg, most of which will be disposed through urine. Magnesium is safe at doses less than 350 mg/day while the Myers’ Cocktail may contain 4,000 mg or more.
Vitamins, such as vitamins B and C, and minerals such as magnesium and zinc are found in a variety of foods and most people can get the recommended amounts of these through diet alone. Berries, pecans, and green tea, among others, provide multiple vitamins and are rich in antioxidants. Glutathione, another powerful antioxidant, is found in almonds, kale, and broccoli.
For nausea and stomach issues, OTC famotidine is available as a tablet or powder. Recommended dosages are 40 mg orally once a day or 20 mg orally twice a day or, parenterally, 20 mg I.V. every 12 hours.
What to tell your patients
I.V. therapy can provide rapid rehydration, including electrolytes, for those suffering from dehydration whether from illness, exercise-induced fatigue, or overindulgences in toxin exposure, such as alcohol. I.V. vitamin supplementation is not inherently harmful; however, the trace amounts of vitamins our bodies need can be easily attained from a healthy and balanced diet. Overdoses of water-soluble vitamins are excreted through urine and fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in our liver, fatty tissues, and muscles, which can be dangerous in excess. Encourage your patients to exercise caution when pursuing I.V. vitamin therapy. ■