In the past decade, there’s been a growing trend of seeking IV Vitamin Treatments as a health treatment. These infusions have become so prominent that a range of special IV clinics has opened to make them available. These clinics are popularly referred to as ‘drip bars’ and are the topic of some controversies. More recently, these services have started being offered as a “concierge service,” where the provider will come to your home to administer these infusions. These services can run as much as $300 for a treatment lasting 30 to 60 minutes. With rates like these, it’s essential to ask whether they’re safe or benefit the recipient.
The Rise of IV Infusions In Spa Trends
The origin of the IV infusion can be found in the 1960s with Dr. John Myers. These treatments were developed with the hope that they’d aid those with asthma, migraines, and fibromyalgia. A specific type of cocktail was developed by Myers and underwent extensive scientific study after years of being administered. Unfortunately, these studies revealed there was no notable benefit in those patients who were receiving it. As a result, this cocktail would slowly be phased out. Recently, however, there’s been a notable resurgence in infusion therapy.
Unfortunately, the power of hype and trendy internet fads is the driving force behind this. No new information has been brought forward that shows the earlier studies were faulty or challenged their findings. Instead, it was a collection of Hollywood debutantes with no medical training or authority who began hyping their so-called effectiveness. Chrissy Teigen and Gwyneth Paltrow are notable advocates of these “treatments” for boosting energy, curing hangovers, and reversing signs of the aging process. The less reputable clinics offering these services will repeat these claims, adding that they can ease heart disease, fight cancer, manage diabetes, and countless other dangerous claims.
Experts quote the following facts to debunk the effectiveness of these treatments:
- Vitamin C – This nutrient has long been proven effective at preventing colds. However, this is misleading at best. It is known that those taking it often recover more quickly, but there’s no proven prophylactic effect. Despite the body of evidence showing otherwise, these clinics claim it will keep you from getting sick.
- Vitamin B3 and NAD+ – The claims they make about this being able to reverse brain aging and treat Alzheimer’s are misleading. These two vitamins help prevent the onset of these conditions. However, there is no evidence showing that they can do anything to reverse them once they’ve begun. A simple infusion isn’t enough to address the problems associated with aging.
Vitamin Infusions Can Actually Cause Harm
One thing you won’t hear from these clinics is the potential risks of receiving vitamin infusions. While our bodies need vitamins and minerals to remain healthy, it’s possible to receive too much. Vitamin toxicity is a genuine danger for those receiving infusions regularly. As some vitamins get stored in the muscles, liver, and fat, they can quickly go above safe levels over multiple treatments. You would be better served by eating healthy, seeing your physician regularly, and getting plenty of exercise.
