IV drip bars and lounges are popping up everywhere, promising to help with everything from a hangover to signs of aging.  IV vitamin infusions can help with hydration, energy, and immunity. You can also receive one of these infusions in your home, or workplace.

IV hydration therapy can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance.  IV therapy goes beyond hydration. At most “bars” you can choose different IV “cocktails” depending on your goal.  This type of therapy is effective because it bypasses the digestive system and delivers the vitamins and minerals directly into the blood stream. With so many kinds of vitamins and supplements available, IV therapy can deliver a range of health and wellness benefits:

  • Promoting faster weight loss
  • Curing hangover symptoms
  • Treating nutrient deficiencies
  • Cleansing the body of toxins
  • Increasing energy levels
  • Promoting cardiovascular health
  • Helping with anxiety and promoting relaxation

IV drip bars are NOT regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). It is important to find out information about who will be administering the IV.  There is a chance of pain or bruising at the IV insertion site.  Also find out exactly what’s in the infusion as some “cocktails” may have medications in them as well as vitamins. The treatment may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours; depending on the infusion you choose.

Medical experts generally recommend against vitamin IV therapy because they may be expensive and most of the time unnecessary. Daily requirements of vitamins can be easily obtained through a well-balanced diet. Vitamin IV therapy infusions are a way to improve your health and energy; accelerate your recovery in a comfortable atmosphere. The benefit of IV therapy is the quick absorption where clients notice effects immediately.  It is an effective and fast way to bounce back from or prevent an illness; to support optimal wellness and recover from an athletic event. If this is something that you are truly interested in please do your research on the drip bar you choose as well as on the treatments/infusions.

Janet Domke, RN BSN is the Clinical Coordinator for the Bariatric Center of Excellence.  She has been a registered nurse since 2005. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Stony Brook University and has completed courses in holistic nursing. She joined the Bariatric team at Mather Hospital in 2014 and is pursuing her certification in Bariatric nursing.