IV Vitamin Drips, NAD IV and High-Dose Vitamin C: Claims, Evidence and Risks

Urgent first

During or after any infusion, call 911 for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, fainting, or chest pain. IV treatment is not a substitute for medical care, and nothing here is advice to change prescribed medicines. If you have cancer, talk to your oncology team before any IV product (see the cancer section below).

What these drips are

An IV vitamin drip gives high concentrations of vitamins and minerals directly into a vein. It is available at many IV bars and drip bars and is offered at medical spas, often under names such as "Myers' cocktail." [1] The Merck Manual says Dr. John Myers developed and gave the first IV vitamin treatments in Baltimore in the 1970s. [1] "NAD IV" means an infusion of NAD+ itself. For the biology, see NAD+, NMN and nicotinamide riboside and IV delivery science.

Where IV nutrients are legitimate

IV vitamins are used for a few serious medical conditions, such as malabsorption syndromes with severe vitamin depletion, Wernicke's encephalopathy or critical illness. [2] Injections of single vitamins or minerals are evidence-based for people with deficiencies. [1] Fluids through a vein are also used in hospitals for severe dehydration. [3] These are medical decisions made for a diagnosed problem, which is different from a drip sold for energy or immunity.

Claims checked

High-dose vitamin C and cancer

NCI's summary reports mixed results when IV vitamin C was given with other drugs, and notes that some studies had no comparison group, so the effect on side effects is unclear. [6] Some studies found better quality of life and fewer treatment side effects, but NCCIH says the findings are not conclusive. [5] NCI warns IV vitamin C may cause serious side effects in people with kidney disease, G6PD deficiency or hemochromatosis. [6] Do not use it in place of cancer treatment; see natural cancer cure claims.

Risks

• Mineral and fluid effects. Magnesium can cause problems with heart rhythm or muscle weakness in people with abnormal blood levels, and a high-dose infusion can cause fluid overload in people with heart conditions or high blood pressure. [1]
• Allergic reaction. Large IV doses of thiamine (a B vitamin) can cause anaphylaxis. [1]
• Infection. The Merck Manual reports severe side effects, including death, from severe infections due to improper sterilization of equipment. [1]
• Excess vitamins. There may be harms from taking high, non-physiological amounts of some vitamins and minerals. [2]

Oversight and marketing

The Merck Manual says there is no regulatory oversight of the administration of the Myers' cocktail at medical spas. [1] In 2018 the US Federal Trade Commission charged a company with making "deceptive and unsupported health claims" about such infusions. [1] The Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin says licensed injectable vitamins that are prescription-only should be supplied and given only by appropriately qualified healthcare professionals. [2] Rules differ by state, province and country, so ask who ordered the infusion, who administers it, and who checks sterility.

Who should check with a clinician first

The Merck Manual advises that pregnant and breastfeeding women and people with kidney disease, high blood pressure or a heart condition should avoid the Myers' cocktail. [1] It recommends discouraging IV vitamin therapy in healthy people, because none of the claimed health effects have been confirmed. [1] Ask a clinician if you take medicines, since which interactions occur depends on which vitamins and minerals are infused and their doses. [1]

Related pages

Claim check: IV vitamins boost energy and immunity, risks of IV therapy, chelation and injection treatments, NAD, NMN and longevity claims and IV vitamin and ozone therapy claims.