Vitamin IV therapy is the latest wellness trend making waves. The concept is simple: when you’re feeling unwell, run down or hungover, you hook up to an IV drip filled with a cocktail of vitamins and minerals. Supporters say it can lift your energy, bolster your immune system and brighten your skin. But does the science back that up?
We asked two doctors to break it down—explaining how it works, who might benefit and what risks to keep in mind.
Does Vitamin IV Therapy Work?
Vitamin drip clinics often claim impressive benefits—from beating hangovers to curing colds or improving your complexion. But experts say most of those claims aren’t supported by strong evidence.
“I don’t know of any convincing proof that an IV drip of zinc, B12, vitamin C and magnesium will cure colds or the flu,” says family medicine doctor Dr Sidney Ontai.
That said, internal medicine physician Dr Albert Ahn, points out two benefits that do hold up.
First, vitamin IV therapy allows for faster absorption of nutrients compared to oral supplements. “Some people may prefer that quick fix,” says Dr Ahn. “Will it replenish your vitamin and mineral levels faster? Yes. But to maintain those levels, you’ll still need to take them regularly. You’re probably better off with a daily oral supplement.”
Second, IV therapy also hydrates you quickly. “For most people, improving hydration alone will make you feel better—whether it’s a cold, mild infection or even a hangover,” Dr Ahn adds.
Still, you could get the same hydration benefits from simply drinking water. And if you’re already well-hydrated and not vitamin-deficient, your body may just flush out the excess. “If you don’t actually need the drips, you’ll likely just pass them out through the day,” Dr Ahn explains.
You might feel better immediately after a session—but if you’re otherwise healthy, Dr Ahn says it’s likely due to the placebo effect rather than a physiological change.
Vitamin IV Therapy Benefits
Vitamin IV therapy is often promoted as a quick wellness fix—but it can serve a more practical purpose for certain people. Anyone with a medical condition that affects how their body absorbs or retains nutrients may benefit from an IV drip. Delivering vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream bypasses the gut, which can help restore nutrient levels more efficiently.
Doctors regularly prescribe IV vitamin therapy in clinical settings. Dr Ontai, says he might recommend IV thiamine for patients undergoing alcohol withdrawal, IV B12 for those on renal dialysis, or IV multivitamins for people who struggle to eat or absorb nutrients due to illness.
“Absorption through an IV can be quicker in some medical situations,” adds Dr Ahn. For example, someone with severe or chronic anaemia might find that oral iron supplements cause nausea or other digestive issues. An iron infusion can be more tolerable while helping to improve their levels faster.
However, Dr Ontai and Dr Ahn both agree—if you’re generally healthy, you probably don’t need it.
“For your average, healthy, young person, it’s not a necessity,” says Dr Ahn. “If they have good gut health and a decent diet, they should be able to get the nutrients they need through food.”
Vitamin IV Therapy Downsides
While vitamin IV drips might not live up to every claim, they’re unlikely to cause harm in most people. “If it makes someone feel better, there’s not a whole lot of downside,” says Dr Ahn.
Still, there are risks. “Any time you introduce something intravenously, there are potential complications,” he explains. This includes bruising, bleeding or an infection at the injection site.
To minimise the risk, it’s important to ensure the clinic you visit is properly staffed and certified. “You want to be sure everything is sterile,” says Dr Ahn. “Because you’re introducing something into the body that could cause problems if not handled properly.”
Then there’s the cost. Treatments are rarely covered by private health insurance. If your body doesn’t need the extra vitamins, you might just end up flushing them away—along with your cash.
Is Vitamin IV Therapy Worth It?
The takeaway? If you’re in good health, vitamin IV therapy is probably not worth the money. Experts agree you’re better off getting your nutrients from real food—unless you have a diagnosed medical condition that affects absorption.
“There are very few vitamins you can’t get through food,” says Dr Ahn. And if you’re low on a specific nutrient, it’s worth speaking with your GP about oral supplements.
“In most cases, oral supplementation is sufficient, safer and more practical for treating vitamin deficiencies,” adds Dr Ontai.
Getting your nutrients the traditional way saves time, costs less and offers the same benefits—without the drip.
Newsletter
