Is the Hype Worth It?: Vitamin Infusions
Once a medical treatment reserved for individuals with severe deficiencies or specific health conditions, vitamin infusions have now found their way into the mainstream, embraced by those wanting to try the alluring procedure that influencers and celebrities endorse at high-end spas and clinics.
Is getting a vitamin infusion no different to getting a luxurious facial or massage?
We explore this question throughout the article, to help you decide for yourself whether rolling up your sleeve for one is worth the hype.
What are Vitamin Infusions
Vitamin infusions, often touted for their rapid absorption and health benefits, involve administering a concoction of vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream via an intravenous (IV) drip. Some swear by these, claiming a host of benefits ranging from raising energy levels and enhancing immune function, to improving skin and even hangover relief! Providers and users of these claim that this method bypasses the digestive system, allowing for better absorption and quicker results compared to traditional oral supplements and without the additional calories.
However, the question remains: are they worth the hype for your average healthy individual?
This is a complex question, as while certain vitamins play critical roles in cognitive function and overall health, the benefits of vitamin infusions for performance are not straightforward and largely depend on individual circumstances.
Would they benefit you
Typically, those who benefit most, in terms of health, are generally individuals who for one reason or another are more prone to vitamin deficiencies such as people with Crohn's disease, coeliac disease, patients recovering from major surgeries or critical illnesses, strict vegetarians or vegans, those with chronic fatigue or adrenal fatigue who can benefit from energy-boosting nutrients like B vitamins and magnesium, and individuals with conditions such as fibromyalgia or autoimmune disorders.
There is little evidence on the benefits of vitamin infusions for athletic performance, skin health benefits and anti-ageing effects. Some athletes use IV hydration with electrolytes to rapidly replenish fluids and electrolytes lost during intense exercise or competition, however the only evidence regarding efficacy of infusions for athletic performance is generally only from small scale studies with mixed results. On skin health and ageing, we’ve only managed to find anecdotal evidence of efficacy, as most scientific studies examining vitamins and antioxidants for skin health have focused on topical applications or oral supplementation rather than IV administration.
There is, however, plenty of evidence suggesting the toxicity effects of vitamin/mineral overdose. These effects can manifest acutely or chronically, and generally can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hair loss, and internal organ damage, just to name a few. Other, more serious and potentially painful and life-threatening negative side effects may be experienced with supplementation overdose.
Having this in mind, just as with any other health trend, for your own benefit, it’s best to consult with your medical practitioner about IV treatments. After you undergo various health tests as prescribed by your medical practitioner, they will then be able to give you a referral to clinics qualified to administer them if required.
How much do they cost
Vitamin infusions are pricey, which is why they generally attract high net worth individuals and celebrities. However, there are an increasing number of ‘wellness spas’ which offer this service at anywhere between AUD$100 - $550+ per session, depending on what infusion you’re getting.
Vitamin infusions that are administered as part of a treatment plan set by your healthcare provider, rather than spa clinics, and which are necessary for your medical condition, may be covered by Medicare and/or Private Health Insurance.
The final dose
There is a certain allure of vitamin infusions, tied with luxury, exclusivity, and celebrity beauty, however the efficacy of vitamin infusions remains a topic of debate among experts. They may offer a benefits for some of us, however, the scientific evidence supporting their widespread use in healthy individuals is lacking. Some studies suggest that the body may regulate vitamin levels more effectively when obtained through dietary sources or oral supplements, rather than through IV infusion.
Having this in mind, we believe it's worth treating your health with caution and approaching these trends with a critical eye, considering the possible tangible benefits beyond placebo effects, as well as the side-effects of vitamin toxicity. In most cases, the boring, less sexy everyday balanced diet, regular exercise, and taking appropriate oral supplements, as advised by your healthcare professional, may provide more effective, sustainable, and cost-effective ways to support your overall health and wellness.
To your health!