IV vitamin therapy: A celebrity-approved healthcare trend that's becoming popular
Intravenous (IV) vitamin therapy, a trend endorsed by stars like Rihanna, Adele, and the Kardashian sisters, has sparked interest in its potential health perks. This treatment delivers a blend of vitamins and minerals straight into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. Advocates argue it enhances immunity, energy levels, and overall well-being. However, experts hold differing views on its efficacy and safety. Here's what you need to know about the therapy.
What is IV therapy?
Simply put, IV vitamin therapy uses a needle that is injected into your vein to provide nutrients. The therapy ensures that your body gets all the nutrients you might not get from food or natural replenishment. Today's market offers a variety of drips. Popular ones include hydration IVs, which quickly supply electrolytes and fluids to treat the symptoms of dehydration; nutrient IV drips that instantly deliver essential vitamins into the bloodstream; and glutathione drips to lighten the skin.
Potential benefits
Typically, IV therapy is used by medical professionals on people with nutrient absorption problems or those unable to eat enough due to illness. These days, a lot of individuals use it to improve skin clarity, reduce extreme stress, recover from a hangover, or rehydrate after a hard sporting event like a marathon. Some individuals also use vitamin C drips to reduce the duration of ailments like the flu or fever.
Who should get it?
According to experts IV therapy mainly benefits those with poor diets, vitamin deficiencies, frequent travelers, or individuals experiencing significant oxidative damage due to lifestyle or environmental factors. The treatment is particularly popular among men and women aged 30-49. It enables nutrients to be more easily absorbed by the body's cells compared to eating food or taking supplements. However, individuals below 18, and pregnant women are not advised nutritional IV therapies.
Safety concerns and risks
A 2021 Nutrition Today report found insufficient evidence to support the idea that IV vitamin therapy is more effective than consuming food or taking dietary supplements for lowering deficiency risks or boosting immune health. The report also cautioned that frequent IV therapy use could lead to critical nutrient imbalances, adverse medication interactions, and increased infection risk. Besides, unqualified providers administering IV drips may do more harm than good.
Should you try it?
IV therapy which takes only about 30 minutes to administer helps in directly supplying vital nutrients to your bloodstream. This form of therapy, provided by several health and wellness companies can boost your immune system and may give you instant energy. However, research and regulation on the effectiveness and safety of these therapies on individuals are currently limited. If you wish to get an IV drip, consult a healthcare professional first to understand if it is necessary for you.
