According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 2 billion people globally suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiency. These deficiencies cause fatigue, dry skin, brittle hair, depression, and poor immune response, among other symptoms. One effective way to boost your body’s vitamins and minerals is through vitamin IV infusions.
Vitamin IV infusion delivers key vitamins, amino acids, and minerals into the bloodstream to address a variety of medical conditions. Unlike oral supplements, IV infusions have higher absorption levels as they bypass the digestive tract and directly enter the bloodstream.
In this guide, learn the efficacy of IV nutrient therapy, its benefits, side effects, and more.
How Do Vitamin IV Infusions Work?
Vitamin IV drips replenish nutrient levels in the body, which is useful for addressing specific deficiencies or boosting overall health and well-being. Depending on your body’s requirements, you can take these treatments to strengthen your immune system, enhance energy, improve athletic performance, or as a detoxification regimen.
When getting an IV vitamin drip, you have to go through these stages:
- Preparation: A healthcare provider will assess your medical history, current health status, and your body’s specific nutritional needs.
- IV Line Insertion: They will insert a sterile intravenous (IV) line into your arm vein, creating a pathway for nutrients to enter your bloodstream.
- Nutrient Mixture Preparation: The healthcare provider will prepare a sterile nutrient mixture tailored to your specific health needs. This mixture usually contains vitamins such as C and B-complex vitamins and minerals like magnesium and zinc.
- Treatment Infusion: The nutrient mixture is typically administered as a slow drip into your vein and lasts for 30 minutes to an hour. This slow rate allows for better absorption and minimizes the risk of side effects.
- Treatment Observation: During Intravenous Vitamin therapy, your healthcare provider will monitor your vital signs to ensure your body is receptive to the treatment.
- Treatment Completion: Once the infusion is complete, the IV line is removed, and you are observed for a short period for the signs of any adverse reactions.
Benefits of Vitamin IV Drips
IV vitamin infusion has become a popular treatment as it offers various benefits, such as:
Improved Nutrient Absorption
IV vitamin treatments have a higher absorption rate than oral supplements. Oral nutrition supplements pass through the stomach and the intestines before absorption into the bloodstream. The stomach acid, digestive enzymes, and bile in the digestive tract decrease nutrient absorption.
In comparison, nutrients delivered through IV infusions enter the bloodstream at full strength and are immediately available for use by the body. This is highly beneficial for individuals who suffer from gastrointestinal problems that hinder the absorption of nutrients, like malabsorption disorders, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Elevated Energy Levels
As vitamin IV infusions deliver nutrients into the bloodstream, the treatment quickly replenishes the body’s nutrient supply and increases energy levels. Most vitamin drips are rich in B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12) that convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into energy.
As a result, you can stay focused on your tasks and efficiently complete them using your higher cognitive functioning. Due to high energy levels, you are bound to experience less mental fatigue and manage daily stressors effectively.
Enhanced Immune Response
Vitamin IV treatments are customized to include immune-boosting nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc, selenium, and glutathione. These nutrients can help you fight off chronic infections like pneumonia, sinus, Lyme diseases, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Additionally, antioxidants like vitamin C and glutathione in IV drips prevent inflammation in the body that can damage healthy cells and tissues, causing internal scarring. Meanwhile, an IV drip containing vitamin D strengthens bones, limits antibacterial activity, and regulates innate immune response.
Better Hydration Level
Vitamin IVs include saline (a mixture of sodium chloride and water) that quickly hydrates the body. Compared to drinking fluids, IV hydration is faster and avoids adverse reactions of vomiting or diarrhea. This is especially important in cases of severe dehydration, as water can dilute the low mineral amount in the body.
Therefore, it is better to administer a vitamin IV as it contains electrolytes like sodium and potassium to replenish lost electrolytes and support normal cellular function. IV therapy also allows the healthcare provider to inject electrolytes based on your body’s requirements and dehydration causes.
Improved Skin Health
Vitamin C in an IV drip helps produce collagen, an essential protein for maintaining skin’s elasticity and firmness. Due to this, you can obtain a healthier complexion and decrease the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
As IV drips also rehydrate your body, it improves the appearance of your skin and gives it a plumper and radiant look. Additionally, the antioxidants in the IV treatment reduce inflammation that can cause skin irritation and acne flare-ups.
Boosted Body’s Detoxification
Vitamin C and B-complex vitamins in an IV drip support the body’s natural detoxification pathways by protecting the liver from oxidative stress. These drips also neutralize harmful radicals to improve the detoxification process. Vitamin IV treatment increases the fluids in your body to flush out toxins and waste products from the body through frequent urination.
Common Vitamins Utilized in Vitamin IV Therapy
IV vitamin infusion for wellness contains a combination of vitamins and minerals, which are:
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports the immune system and helps escalate the healing process. It also protects against radicals produced during digestion and after exposure to tobacco smoke and UV-light radiation. It is included in the vitamin IV drip to boost immune response and skin health.
- B Vitamins: B-complex vitamins consist of B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin). These vitamins support energy metabolism, nerve function, and overall well-being.
- Vitamin D: This vitamin is also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” as you can also absorb it through sunlight. Vitamin IV infusions contain vitamin D to improve bone health and immune function while lowering the risk of osteomalacia.
- Vitamin A: Vitamin A maintains healthy skin and sharpens vision. It also supports the immune system, reproductive system, and function of heart, lungs, and other vital organs.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also decreases inflammation and decreases the risk of liver disease.
- Vitamin K: Vitamin K is important for blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding. Increasing its level through IV infusion also improves the production of healthy bone tissue.
- Zinc: Zinc supports immune functioning, wound healing, and skin health. It also regulates thyroid gland function and vision and protects against diarrhea and viral diseases.
- Magnesium: Magnesium is involved in numerous enzymatic reactions, such as protein synthesis, nerve and muscle function, and blood pressure and blood glucose regulation.
- Selenium: Selenium is an antioxidant mineral that supports immune function and helps protect cells from oxidative damage and infections. It is included in IV infusion therapy for its immune-boosting and thyroid hormone regulation properties.
- Calcium: Calcium is an essential mineral for healthy bones and teeth and muscle function. You can obtain it through dietary sources, but it is included in IV infusions to promote blood clotting, muscle contraction, and normal heart rhythm.
- Sodium: Sodium is an electrolyte for maintaining fluid balance, plasma volume, and neuron function. Saline solutions, which contain sodium, are often used for hydration in IV therapy.
Safety and Side Effects of Vitamin IV Therapy
Are IV infusions safe? Vitamin IV drip therapy is a safe treatment when administered by qualified healthcare professionals in a clinical setting. However, like any medical treatment, there are potential risks and side effects that you need to be aware of.
Side Effects
These are some potential side effects you can experience after taking IV vitamin treatment:
Discomfort at the IV Site
It’s common to experience some discomfort at the site where the IV needle is inserted for the treatment. You can even observe bruising, redness, swelling, or soreness at the insertion site. Mostly, these symptoms are mild and resolve on their own shortly after the IV is removed. In some cases, particularly if the IV is not placed correctly or the needle irritates the vein, more significant bruising or inflammation can occur.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to the vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes in IV infusions are possible but relatively rare. These reactions can range from mild symptoms like itching and skin rash to more severe reactions, including difficulty breathing, wheezing, and swelling of the face or throat. In rare cases, a patient can even go into anaphylactic shock, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic response. Therefore, choose a healthcare provider trained in recognizing and managing allergic reactions promptly.
Infection
IV administration has a bloodstream infection risk of 0.18% if sterile equipment is not used during administration. Signs of infection include redness, warmth, tenderness, swelling, or pus at the IV insertion site.
Vein Irritation
Repeated IV infusions can irritate the veins and potentially cause inflammation or phlebitis. Symptoms represent pain, redness, and tenderness along the vein. To reduce the risk of vein irritation, make sure your health provider monitors the IV site, use the smallest appropriate needle size, and rotate injection sites in each session.
Electrolyte Imbalances
IV infusions containing electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, must be carefully administered to avoid imbalances. Too much or too little of these electrolytes can affect heart rhythm and muscle function.
High Nutrient Levels
High doses of certain vitamins and minerals can lead to excessive nutrient levels in the body, leading to a condition known as vitamin toxicity or vitamin overdose. The specific symptoms depend on the nutrient in question but can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, organ damage.
Kidney Function Impairment
Excessive intake of some vitamins and minerals can potentially harm the kidneys, especially if you have pre-existing kidney issues. For example, excessive vitamin C intake can cause the formation of kidney stones.
Safety Measures
You can avoid certain side effects by following the below-mentioned safety measures:
- Take IV vitamin treatment from trained, qualified, and experienced healthcare professionals.
- Undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation before taking vitamin IV therapy to receive a therapy plan that matches your specific health needs and goals.
- Ensure that the treatment is administered in a clean and sterile clinical setting and that your nurse properly cleans and disinfects the insertion site to minimize the risk of infection.
- Make sure your healthcare provider uses the smallest appropriate needle size to reduce discomfort and the risk of vein irritation.
- Request your doctor/nurse to monitor your vitals during the IV therapy session to identify any signs of adverse reactions, including allergic responses, infection, or discomfort.
- Ensure that the dosage of vitamins and minerals administered is accurate and appropriate for your specific needs, as excessive doses of certain nutrients can lead to adverse effects.
- Conduct an allergy test for substances used in IV therapy to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.
- Make a follow-up appointment to evaluate your body’s response to IV therapy.
Frequency of Vitamin IV Therapy Sessions
Vitamin IV infusions are carried out one to two times per week or at least once every two weeks. However, your healthcare provider can change the frequency depending on your requirements and health history. Due to this reason, you must consult with a medical practitioner beforehand and undergo a complete assessment to ensure you receive a personalized IV treatment plan.
Cost of IV Nutrient Therapy
The cost of intravenous vitamin therapy is calculated based on your sessions and the number of used nutrient bags. You can spend around $200 to $400 per bag, but the final cost depends on your selected hydration and vitamin mixture. Since IV therapy is generally not covered by insurance, you have to pay for the therapy yourself.
Alternatives of IV Vitamins Drips
There are several alternatives to IV vitamin drips that can provide similar benefits and address various health and wellness needs. For example:
- Oral Supplements: Taking oral vitamin and mineral supplements can help address specific nutrient deficiencies and improve overall health.
- Dietary Changes: Improving your diet to include a variety of nutrient-rich foods is an effective way to obtain essential vitamins and minerals naturally.
- Hydration: Maintaining proper hydration by drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day can keep you hydrated without taking IV fluids.
- Sublingual Supplements: Sublingual supplements are placed under the tongue and absorbed directly into the bloodstream. These supplements are effective for treating deficiency of vitamin B12.
Find the Right IV Vitamin Clinic
Selecting the right clinic for your IV vitamin infusion lowers your risk of side effects and boosts the results of your treatment. Therefore, you need to look for a trusted and qualified clinic to administer IV therapy sessions. One of the reliable clinics for this therapy is Lively Med. It offers experienced healthcare professionals who work closely with you to tailor IV therapy to your unique needs. So, reach out to Lively Med professionals to receive personalized vitamin IV drip therapy in a safe and sterile environment.
