Do You Need a Vitamin IV?
Remember back in the late 1990s when “oxygen bars” became the big fad? People were drawn to this oxygen therapy to help them with everything from increasing energy and relieving headaches to reducing hangover symptoms and stress. Medical experts advised that supplemental oxygen was not necessary or beneficial for people with healthy lungs, yet these oxygen bars were thriving.
Fast forward to today and the new craze- IV vitamin infusions.
This service is popping up everywhere from the doctor’s office to clinics specializing in infusions alone. Celebrities are posting pics of themselves and promoting it as a staple of their wellness routines. Proponents of vitamin IVs say they boost energy and immunity and are the perfect remedy for a hangover.
So, what’s the deal with vitamin IVs? Do we need them or is it all just a fad?
Our bodies need vitamins and minerals (aka micronutrients) in small amounts and, if you’re eating a healthy diet, you should be able to take in the amount you need. Water-soluble vitamins like Bs and C cannot be stored in the body, so they come out in the urine after your body takes what it needs. Fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K can be stored in the liver, muscle and fat tissue, so excessive amounts can be harmful.
That being said, let’s look at some of the pros and cons of IV vitamin infusion:
Pros:
Proponents say that since the IV vitamins go directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system, they can go to work immediately to improve the function of various body systems. The claim is that this results in better athletic performance, improved immunity and mental clarity, energy, reduced fatigue, better sleep, hangover recovery and slowing the aging process.
With immediate 100% absorption of the vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream, the claim is that IV infusions can support you during illness when nutrient demands are higher.
IV therapy hydrates the body and helps you feel better. Especially for those with digestive conditions like Chron’s and colitis, vitamins can be delivered without involving or disrupting an already impaired digestive system.
Some of the Cons, or warnings from the medical community:
There is a small risk of infection any time you puncture the skin, so use caution when choosing a clinic, make sure a trained professional administers your IV using sterile needles. There is also the risk of allergic reactions, so make sure you know what is in the IV and how and where it is prepared.
Doctors note that the reason people feel better following IV vitamin infusion is that it is a quick way to rehydrate the body, so if you’ve been sick or out drinking the night before, the hydration will help you feel better. But you can rely on water and sports drinks for hydration for a lot less money.
Massive doses of vitamins like Vitamin C are not stored in your body for continued immunity. They will be released from the body in your urine several hours later. Taking a lot of what you can’t use just results in expensive urine in the case of some of these water-soluble vitamins. And, as noted above, fat-soluble vitamins in excess amounts can be stored by the body and can be harmful.
Doctors say that bypassing the digestive system and delivering these nutrients to the bloodstream directly is not always a positive thing because you are bypassing your body’s built-in filters and safety mechanisms.
I think the bottom line here, as with all decisions about nutrition intake, is that it is personal. For people with digestive conditions who cannot effectively absorb nutrients, infusions can provide the necessary nutrients they are unable to absorb through their digestive systems.
For everyone else, we can get what we need from a healthier diet and supplements where needed. In other words, if you are not suffering from a condition that impairs the absorption of vitamins and minerals, you can get Vitamin C by consuming more foods like strawberries and kiwi. If you want more glutathione, you can get it from consuming more cruciferous veggies.
Plus, upgrading your diet has many of the same benefits of IV vitamin infusions- more energy, slower aging, glowing skin, improved immunity and more …and it’s less expensive than a $100- $300 IV treatment!
Whatever you choose, do your research and be safe!
