How do IV drips work?

1 in 3 people consume vitamin supplements along with their diet. But why? The same reason why celebrities like Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Brad Pitt and Adele use vitamin IV drips – to feel healthy, remain active and look young.

So why don’t you feel the same way as them? Is there a difference between oral vitamin supplements and IV drips? How do IV drips work? Are they safe? Let’s find answers to your questions below.

What are IV drips and how do they work?

Let’s start with oral vitamin supplements – they do provide valuable vitamins, the only trouble is, because they are consumed orally, they need to be absorbed through the gut. In doing so, not all of the vitamins are absorbed and many are lost. In addition, health issues can influence how effectively your body absorbs the vitamins, so you could only be utilising a very small part of the vitamin you have consumed.

IV drips are an intravenous method of getting vitamins. A catheter (small and flexible tube) is inserted into a vein. The catheter is then connected to a bag, via a lengthy tube, which holds a mixture of saline solution and your chosen vitamins. The tube attached to it regulates the flow of liquid into your bloodstream.

The goal of an IV drip is to provide the body with nutrients in a quick and effective way, bypassing the gut. An IV drip can also deliver antioxidants directly into the bloodstream. Once in the blood, they can be used directly by the body’s cells, without any being lost in the gut. This improves cell function and prevents cellular damage, which results in signs of ageing.

What are the benefits of an IV drip?

One of the greatest benefits of the IV drip is that you can take on a considerably greater volume of nutrients – and faster – than you can with oral supplements. There are also many other benefits, including:

• Increased energy levels

Studies have shown that some IV drips can provide increased energy levels for sustained periods of time, and they act as an effective treatment for people experiencing constant fatigue.

• Customisable treatment

No matter what kind of health optimisation your body may require, a custom drip with specific nutrients tailored to your goals can be achieved. This results in a bespoke treatment which is highly effective. For example, a patient suffering from poor skin and hair loss may be suggested a special IV drip containing ingredients that are most effective at targeting these issues and promoting healthy skin and hair. In recent years, advancements in medical technology have made such personalized treatments more accessible, with services like AZ IV Medics’s IV Therapy in Prescott, AZ, or in any other location, you can get a range of options to address various health concerns.

• Enhanced recovery

For athletes and people who lead an active lifestyle, an IV drip can not only aid performance, but can also help improve and speed up recovery post-workout.

• Reduced oxidative stress

Certain drips can help to prevent oxidative stress, a phenomenon which occurs when there are too many free radicals in the body and not enough antioxidants (which neutralise them). These free radicals, if not regulated, can cause cellular and DNA damage which can contribute to ageing.

• Reduced inflammation

You can expect improved cellular function which helps to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is widely considered to be a cause behind chronic diseases.

IV drip risks

Unfortunately, not everything in this world is perfect, and that includes IV vitamin therapy. All medical procedures carry risk of side effects, and whilst reactions with IV drips are not common, there are some to be aware of.

Infection/allergies: One of the most common adverse effects is the occurrence of an allergy to a particular ingredient. It is also possible to get an infection at the injection site, though this is rare. Symptoms of infection include swelling, redness, discomfort, and warmth at the injection site.

Blood clotting: A rare side effect, but serious, a blood clot may occur where the IV was inserted. Symptoms can include swelling, pain, and redness in the arm or leg.

It is important to note that every person’s body may react differently and hence it is advised to consult a doctor before undergoing IV drip therapy. We suggest always attending a doctor-led clinic for peace of mind and the knowledge that on the small chance something goes wrong, they will be well-equipped to handle it.

Should I get an IV drip?

Choosing to have IV drip therapy is a personal decision. Making the choice to improve your health is a positive one, but a prior consultation with a specialised health optimisation clinic is recommended to answer any questions you may have and make your decision easier.