Are IV Vitamin Infusions Worth the Cost?

The Rising Popularity of IV Therapy in Massachusetts

“I used to catch flu and cold multiple times a year,” shared Blazo, 34, an attorney and frequent visitor of Vivolo. “However, my main motivation for coming here was to enhance my performance and overall wellness. Since then, I haven’t fallen sick at all.”

Throughout Massachusetts, individuals like Blazo are investing hundreds of dollars in vitamin and supplement infusions that are often less costly in traditional pill or powder forms, even though the efficacy of these treatments has been widely debated.

This trend began before the pandemic but gained momentum as people sought ways to boost their immunity, recover faster from common ailments, and achieve health enhancements perceived as shortcuts. Medical staff, particularly nurses, have been drawn into the field, administering IVs in settings that often suffer from shortages and high pressure.

Known by various names such as medspas, esthetic clinics, or “drip bars,” these venues promise vitamin infusions that claim to assist with issues ranging from hangover recovery and marathon preparation to improved skin clarity, mental sharpness, and faster recovery post-travel or illness.

IV treatment prices can vary significantly; some sessions are around $200, while others featuring newer compounds like NAD+ can soar to $600.

In the infusion room at Vivolo where Blazo was receiving treatment, soothing lighting, artwork, and a menu that resembled that of a smoothie bar rather than a typical medical facility were noticeable.

“It’s far better than waiting among sick individuals in a traditional clinic,” Blazo remarked. “Every penny spent here feels worthwhile. You only have one body, so investing in its health is essential.”

However, the actual value of this investment remains uncertain.

Unlike oral vitamins, IV infusions offer higher doses directly into the bloodstream, thereby bypassing the body’s digestive system. This can accelerate effects, but it also increases potential risks.

The evidence supporting IV treatments for otherwise healthy individuals is scant. Medical professionals caution that improper administration can lead to complications such as infections and electrolyte imbalance.

Dr. Ali S. Raja, the executive vice chair of emergency medicine at Mass General Brigham, emphasized that IVs should not be marketed as casual spa-like therapies but as serious medical procedures.

“IVs can be used safely outside of hospitals, but they require stringent oversight from qualified professionals,” he commented.

Raja noted that he often encounters patients in the emergency room who have experienced adverse effects after receiving infusions in non-hospital settings.

“Common complications include site infections, vein inflammation, or excessive fluid intake due to heart or kidney problems,” he explained. “We’ve also seen reactions to specific components.”

While most issues are manageable, Raja pointed out that some could have been avoided with better screening. For individuals with good health, the advantages of IV therapy might be minimal.

“Perhaps the most significant risk is a false sense of security,” he added. “People believe they are receiving preventative care when, in reality, they are just purchasing an expensive, slightly beneficial treatment.”

Many nutrients in IV drips, like vitamin C and zinc, are crucial for health; however, the evidence supporting high doses to prevent illnesses in healthy adults is limited. NAD+, which plays a role in cellular metabolism and energy production, is gaining attention for its potential anti-aging effects.

“It’s trendy,” Raja commented. “However, we lack solid human data that demonstrates the effectiveness of its periodic use for aging.”

IV therapy can result in side effects, including nausea, electrolyte imbalances, and chest tightness. For the majority, adopting traditional healthy habits is likely to yield far more significant benefits.

Nonetheless, the medspa market is thriving. In 2022, it reached a staggering $15 billion, with nearly 9,000 facilities operating across the U.S. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine last year found this sector to be largely unregulated, similar to dietary supplements.

“There’s concern surrounding this rapidly growing form of medical service, which often falls between state and federal regulations, posing risks of significant adverse effects, plus financial burdens for consumers,” stated Dr. Peter Lurie, director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest and a co-author of the study, to JAMA.

In Massachusetts, medspas that offer IV drips, Botox, fillers, and other cosmetic procedures must obtain a license from the Department of Public Health unless they are run by licensed medical personnel.

While the exact number of IV lounges in the state is unknown, a quick online search reveals nearly 100 businesses offering non-medical IV infusions in the Greater Boston area. Some establishments, like IV League Hydration in South Boston and Salem, NH, offer membership programs that entice patrons to visit monthly for discounts.

Melissa Shaw transitioned from years of nursing in a rehabilitation center to help launch Vivolo Wellness in collaboration with the team from Monument Fitness, a local gym she frequented.

“I felt a significant burnout from bedside nursing and wanted to shift careers while still making a difference in people’s lives,” she said. “This environment is much more serene, and I feel I’m contributing to people’s health and happiness.”

Vivolo opened in September after meticulous planning by Monument Fitness co-owners Aaron Landes and Stacy Kroon. Landes reminisced about discovering IV therapy at a bachelor party in Nashville, where the group ordered IVs for hangover recovery.

That idea remained with him. As discussions around health shifted due to the pandemic, the couple began to consider a wellness-centric venture and joined forces with Shaw and a medical director to make it a reality.

“The pandemic underscored that maintaining better health reduces the risks associated with illness,” Landes stated. “Consequently, preventive wellness and care have gained immense popularity.”

Though Massachusetts mandates that all IV treatments must be administered by nurses, not every nurse has the experience needed to start IVs.

“IV insertion is not necessarily taught in nursing schools,” mentioned Alison Oxton, who works at RN Esthetics, with branches in Lynnfield, Salem, and Newburyport. “Emergency room nurses do IVs daily, honing their skills.”

Oxton helped establish one of the state’s pioneering IV therapy businesses in 2017 after accruing years of experience in emergency rooms. She later co-authored a research article titled “How to Start an IV Drip Bar,” providing a framework for medical professionals entering the sector.

She expressed concerns about the lack of oversight in the industry, differentiating between establishments operated by healthcare professionals and those that are not.

“Some businesses are run by non-medical providers focused purely on profit,” she stated. “Conversely, when a registered nurse with decades of experience treats clients, it’s notably different.”

Oxton and her colleagues established a nonprofit organization called Aesthetic Medical Providers of Massachusetts to advocate for clearer regulations defining aesthetic and medical responsibilities in this emerging field.

Dr. Daniela Winston has monitored the evolving trend of IV treatments for nearly ten years, having been among the first practitioners in Boston to offer wellness IV infusions when she initiated Cryomed in 2016, blending therapies like cryotherapy and vitamin infusions.

Currently, she operates a concierge medical practice on Newbury Street called Wellness Atelier. Winston believes while IV therapy might benefit those needing electrolyte replenishment or recovering from illness, frequent usage should be approached cautiously unless there’s a medical necessity.

“I do not recommend IVs on a weekly basis,” Winston cautioned. “Such frequency is excessive and entirely unnecessary.”

She emphasized that most essential nutrients should ideally be sourced from food. Furthermore, she criticizes certain wellness marketing strategies that suggest IV treatments can cure flu symptoms, especially when combined with alcohol.

In her practice, Winston often advises testing patients for existing nutrient deficiencies before considering IV therapy.

“With today’s technology, we have the capability to analyze nutritional status in labs,” she noted. “This allows us to replenish vitamins as necessary.”

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• Ask about medical oversight: Inquire who supervises the treatments (often a physician or medical director) and understand the protocol for handling adverse reactions.
• Check experience: Query the clinic’s operational history and whether the administering nurse has specialized IV training.
• Know the health risks: Although generally safe, possible complications include bruising, infections, allergic reactions, and vein inflammation. Dr. Raja suggests consulting healthcare providers prior to undergoing an IV, especially for pregnant individuals or those with compromised heart or kidney functions vulnerable to fluid overload.
• Ask what’s in the bag: While many clinics acquire vitamins from established compounding pharmacies, it’s vital to inquire about the specific ingredients and any potential side effects.
• Know the limits: Experts advise that IV drips should not replace consistent medical care, vaccinations, sleep, physical activity, and a nutritious diet.

• Myers’ Cocktail: This well-known IV blend consists of vitamin C, B vitamins, magnesium, and calcium, originally used since the 1960s and often marketed for fatigue, migraines, and general wellness.
• Glutathione: This antioxidant is included in IV therapies for its purported skin-brightening and detoxifying effects.
• Immunity drips: Generally containing vitamin C, zinc, and other nutrients aimed at promoting immune support.
• NAD+ infusions: Referring to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme essential for cellular metabolism and energy production. In wellness circles, NAD+ has gained popularity due to claims regarding its potential to support cognitive function, energy levels, and even aging, although much research remains preliminary.

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Sarah Rahal can be reached at sarah.rahal@globe.com. Follow her on X @SarahRahal_ or Instagram @sarah.rahal.