Does IV Nutritional Therapy Really Work?

Author

Dr. Stephen Cosentino

IV nutritional therapy works for some patients.

It produces the best results when it’s supervised by a licensed, board-certified medical professional who has completed an IV nutritional therapy training course and earned IV nutritional certification, and when it’s tailored to the patient’s specific health needs.

IV nutritional therapy isn’t a miracle cure, however. Yes, it delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream — a more efficient pathway than oral supplements. And IV nutritional protocols are evidence-based, with years of study behind them.

But it can’t correct every medical issue under the sun. Read on to learn how it works, its benefits, and its limitations.

What Is IV Nutritional Therapy?

Also known as micronutrient therapy, IV nutritional therapy delivers high doses of vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream.

It’s increasingly popular with healthcare professionals and medical aesthetics practices and is often integrated into a broader approach to anti-aging therapy. This approach extends to other injectable nutritional therapies, such as micro infusion fat burner shots (which generally combine MIC and Vitamin B12 injections).

Research into this emerging field is still ongoing, but it’s already clear that IV nutritional therapy offers benefits to those suffering from certain chronic conditions, including chronic fatigue.

What Nutrients Are Used in IV Vitamin Therapy?

The nutrients most commonly used in IV nutrition drips include:

B-complex vitamins, including Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacinamide), and Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Folate (folic acid)
Calcium, magnesium, and other minerals
Various essential amino acids

Benefits of IV Nutritional Treatment — Does It Work?

IV nutritional treatment has some clear benefits, but it’s not a miracle cure. It’s best used to address specific conditions, and patients should always mind the potential risks.

What Conditions Can IV Treatments Address?

Providers may recommend IV nutrient infusions to treat:

Chronic fatigue
Autoimmune conditions
Memory problems, including dementia
Conditions that inhibit motor function, such as Parkinson’s disease
Atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular issues

What Are the Potential Benefits of IV Drip Therapy?

The evidence for some IV drip therapy benefits is clearer than for others. Potential benefits include:

Boosting immunity and aid recovery from infection
Improving energy and mood
Improving motor function
Improving memory and mental function
Removing harmful substances from the body, including heavy metals like lead and cadmium

What Are the Potential Risks of IV Therapy?

IV drip therapy might boost the immune system and help remove heavy metals from the bloodstream, but it’s not without risks.

Most significantly, IV drips with high doses of electrolytes like potassium and calcium can affect cardiovascular function and cause potentially harmful heart arrhythmias. That’s why IV treatment should always take place under close medical supervision.

Types of IV Nutrient Therapy

The term “IV nutrient therapy” describes several distinct but related therapies or “cocktails,” each of which uses different nutrient mixes. These are some of the most popular; note that different providers may refer to them by different names.

Myers Cocktail

The Myers cocktail is perhaps the earliest IV nutrition cocktail still in use. It combines high doses of B-complex vitamins with magnesium, amino acids, and some other nutrients. Many providers offer customized cocktails based on the Myers formula.

Immune Boost Cocktail

The active ingredient in immune-boosting cocktails is Vitamin C, which evidence suggests can help strengthen the immune system in high doses.

Metabolism Boost Cocktail

Metabolism-boosting cocktails contain high concentrations of B-complex vitamins like niacinamide, which may increase metabolic rate. They may also include amino acids shown to boost metabolism.

Energy Cocktail

Energy-boosting cocktails contain Vitamin C, Vitamin B-12, B-complex vitamins, and amino acids that may reduce fatigue and shorten recovery times following exercise.