Vitamin Drips

Do such vitamin drips really help give an instant glow to skin or any other aesthetic boost? Or is it a marketing gimmick?

The original vitamin or IV micronutrient mix was developed by Dr.Myer’s and is called the Myer’s cocktail. It contained a mixture of Vitamin B, C, magnesium and calcium. He used it for his patients suffering chronically from fibromyalgia and other medical conditions. Over the years modified versions of these were developed and are being used world over by several physicians for problems like asthma, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, depression, migraine, fatigue, fibromyalgia, cardiovascular disease, cold/flu, upper respiratory tract infections, hyperthyroidism, to improve athletic performance, to cure hangovers etcIt is also believed to increase mental alertness and a feeling of wellbeing almost as if one has returned from a vacation. Skin also felt great with good glow and tightness to the face hence it is widely being used by lot of celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Kate Upton, Kendall Jenner etc who use this as a pre party boost before taking to the red carpet. There are clubs in USA like the Hanover club that even send you vitamin drips home to cure hangovers.

In India and the far east most doctors in aesthetic clinics use a modified version of it with vitamin B, C , magnesium and glutathione for its skin glow properties.

Under what circumstances should they opt for vitamin drips?

This treatment is not FDA approved neither is it a mainline allopathic treatment. It is however being used by several doctors as an alternate therapy for various ailments. The therapy is based on science that tells us that oral absorption of a lot of vitamins and minerals is not as good as seen with IV administration. The levels that the concentration of these vitamins reach in the blood is far greater with IV therapy and at these high levels some of these vitamins and minerals seem to have positive benefits on the system. Most of it is anecdotal evidence however more studies are being conducted and some positive evidence is surfacing regarding the benefits. We will need more formal clinical studies to evaluate this treatment in future and to study its benefits versus risks. People need to understand that the treatment is not entirely risk free hence need to opt to do this with their known practitioners and doctors who have been doing this for long and who are equipped to deal with any reactions and emergencies. You will need a go ahead from your own general practitioner or be assessed by the medical doctor and understand the potential benefits and risks.

Would you recommend this procedure to anyone?

We give a cocktail of glutathione and vitamin C as an addition to some of the procedures we do at our clinic to enhance the effects of the treatment and for the skin brightening and glow. Glutathione is a master antioxidant that helps build immunity and boosts skin glow.

In case someone opts for such a session, what are the warning signs one should look out for?

The patient needs to be assessed for fitness for the IV infusion by the doctor thoroughly. People who have low blood pressure, cardiac problems and those that are on potassium depleting drugs like digoxin should be excluded. Older people need much gentler and lower doses. Asthmatics need to be monitored closely for any symptoms of bronchospasm (difficulty in breathing). There is a feeling of warmth in the body when the infusion starts running. Feeling too much heat too fast is a warning sign to stop the infusion as well as giddiness. The infusion should be stopped and blood pressure should be checked. The clinic should be equipped to deal with reactions and allergic reactions.

Vitamin drips is not recommended for whom?

Vitamin drips are not recommended for people with heart disease and rhythm abnormalities, people on medication that reduces potassium like digoxin, alcoholics, pregnant and breast feeding women, low blood pressure.

Any other information the readers can be benefited by?

This is not a treatment that should be taken lightly. Lot of clients buy the drugs online individually and bring it to the clinic for the injections. The source of the drugs is important as there are many adulterated and fake products out there that can cause reactions. Some multi vial preparations have preservatives and parabens which can cause reactions. Some clients take these vials to nurses or other para medical staff to be injected to avoid heavy costs by a doctor at the clinic. It is important not to be ‘penny wise and pound foolish’ as by choosing a place and person that is not equipped to deal with emergencies, you are increasing your chances of reactions and side effects.