The Pros and Cons of Vitamin IV Therapy: What You Need to Know
Introduction
Vitamin IV therapy has recently gained popularity as a booming business, with several health clinics, spas, and primary care offices offering intravenous elixirs to improve health and wellness. This article explores the pros and cons of vitamin IV therapy to help you decide whether it is a suitable option for your needs.
Understanding Vitamin IV Therapy
Vitamin intravenous (IV) therapy delivers fluids, vitamins, minerals, and sometimes prescription medications directly into the bloodstream through a drip infusion. It is an evidence-based practice with protocols that medical professionals follow closely. Hospitals have used it for decades to give fluids to people who cannot swallow, are severely dehydrated, or need to replenish electrolytes quickly.
Pros of Vitamin IV Therapy
Fast Hydration
Dehydration can lead to several negative health effects, including fatigue, dizziness, electrolyte disorders, and mental status changes. Hydration fluid is a common ingredient in all IV therapies, and fast fluids can become beneficial and sometimes life-saving in patients who are unable to take in fluids orally due to specific reasons, such as nausea, vomiting, or digestive disorders.
Effective in Absorption Issues
In conditions where the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is impaired, delivering nutrients directly to the bloodstream may become essential. Diseases and treatments that can cause absorption issues include Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease, bariatric surgery, and chemotherapy, among others.
Placebo Effect
IV treatment is regarded as more potent than an oral one, and thus IV placebo effects are stronger. The power of the placebo effect varies based on how a treatment is administered. Some people believe that IV vitamin therapy makes them feel better, even though there is limited research supporting its benefits.
Cons of Vitamin IV Therapy
High Cost
Although prices for these elective treatments vary nationwide, they are generally not cheap, with some clinics offering packages that cost several thousand dollars. Furthermore, health insurance does not cover IV vitamin therapy, and only some plans allow patients to spend FSA and HSA dollars on the treatment.
Potential Toxicity and Side-Effects
Exposing the liver and kidneys to large quantities of vitamins can place them under significant stress, while high dose of vitamin C may increase the risk of developing kidney stones. Toxic levels of vitamin A may cause vision changes, potassium absorption into an IV bag could potentially lead to a heart attack, and overhydration has complications such as nausea, headaches, and confusion. Additionally, vitamins can interfere with or inhibit the performance of prescription medications. There is also the possibility of complications resulting from inserting an IV.
Proprietary Blends
Some companies sell proprietary blends of vitamins and will not fully disclose what’s in their infusions. This may not be suitable for people with specific conditions that require close monitoring of the nutrients taken in.
Conclusion
Vitamin IV therapy has pros and cons, and its suitability depends on individuals’ specific needs. Speak to your doctor before trying any supplementation, including intravenous ones, and opt for companies with the highest level of transparency in disclosing their products’ ingredients. While anecdotal evidence suggests that it makes some people feel better, more research is needed to understand its efficacy.
Originally Post From https://honehealth.com/edge/health/vitamin-iv-therapy-pros-and-cons/
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