Introduction
🌊 IV hydration spas are making a big splash in the wellness industry, offering nutrient solutions marketed to boost energy, enhance immunity, and even slow the aging process. ⚡
Once reserved for hospitals and recover centers, IVs are now helping fuel a $15 billion global MedSpa industry, according to a new report in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Today, anyone can book a “drip” at a boutique lounge, MedSpa, or get it from a mobile clinic directly to their doorstep. 💧
But the report reveals that most of these clinics operate with virtually no government oversight and very little scientific backing, making health claims “almost completely without evidence,” said Dr. Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest and co-author of the study, to NBC News.
As the industry continues to expand, the question remains 💉✨: is IV therapy the quick path to longevity, or just another wellness trend?
💧 The IV appeal
The idea behind IV therapy is to inject “cocktails” infused with vitamins, minerals, nutrients, amino acids, and other pharmaceutical-grade drugs directly into the bloodstream. Think vitamin C for an immune boost! 🍊 Magnesium for stress relief😌…
Bypassing the digestive system may increase the “bioavailability,” how much of a nutrient your body can actually use.
“We’re simply applying the science [on supplements] in a more targeted, clinical way,” says Dr. Will Haas, co-founder and CEO of Vyve Wellness, to Livelong.
For most people, the goal is to feel better faster.
🤢 Since IV bypasses digestion, it may be administered at higher doses without the same risk of side effects, such as upset stomach, cramps, and diarrhea.
💪 The increased bioavailability could mean that those nutrients are more effective at treating various symptoms, everything from dehydration to fatigue to burnout. Haas says many people notice results immediately.
And similar to many longevity treatments, it’s marketed as a proactive way to optimize cellular health, from boosting mitochondrial function to supporting DNA repair and preventing aging-related conditions to optimize health span.
The science of IV therapy for longevity and anti-aging
IV therapy began with basic hydration formulas that include vitamin C, B vitamins, and magnesium, which have been shown to support immune health, energy, and metabolism in supplement form, Haas says.
Many infusion centers are now experimenting with a larger array of nutrients and compounds, creating personalized formulations designed to promote longevity and anti-aging. 🌟
🌀 “Anti-aging infusions aim to combat the aging process by promoting cellular repair, reducing inflammation, and enhancing overall wellness,” writes Boston Applied Biologics.
Yet, as cocktails become more specific, the science behind them is becoming less verifiable.
Hypothetical longevity ingredients, such as NAD+, glutathione, and amino acid combinations, show some limited evidence supporting their role in optimizing cellular function and improving health span.
There’s even less evidence backing their use in an IV drip.
🔋 NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide): NAD+ is a coenzyme that decreases with age. This coincides with increased risk of diseases like cancer, heart disease, and dementia.
While it holds potential for boosting cellular function and extending lifespan, there are no large-scale clinical studies that demonstrate NAD+ IV slows aging… or treats any medical condition, for that matter. ⚠️ It is also very expensive and costs up to $1,500 per session, writes verywellhealth.
🌿 Glutathione: Nicknamed the “master detoxifier,” IV glutathione is a favorite among celebrities and athletes seeking recovery and performance.
In studies, oral glutathione has been shown to reduce damaging and inflammatory oxidative stress, improve energy, and support brain health. 🧠 But IV glutathione is not well-studied in adults, and lacks quality science, writes The Conversation.
💪 Amino Acid Blends: Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. 🥩 According to Boston Applied Biologics, IV amino acid formulations support muscle maintenance and boost cellular repair.
Verywellhealth adds that they may increase NAD+ production. But outside of medical purposes, few studies have shown that IV amino acids improve wellness.
In fact, they may lead to electrolyte imbalance in older adults, Mayo Clinic writes. But note, this can also be a risk with any IV injection.
The risk and regulation gap
🚨 The JAMA study sounds the alarm regarding regulation and the scientific rigor of IV therapy.🚨
In their enormous audit of hydration spa websites, only two out of 255 websites backed their claims with evidence.
And few mentioned any risks at all, despite experts continuing to warn about the possibility of infection, contaminated products, or allergic reactions. 🔔
There’s also a lack of federal health regulations, which means it’s up to individual states to establish standards. Further down that list is the responsibility of the actual facilities.
As part of the study, a secret shopper investigation led to the discovery that only around 27% of spas required a medical consultation, even though these drips are a medical procedure by law.
Most spas did not verify patient medical history either, which can be helpful in ensuring patients are medically fit to receive certain drips.
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✅ Safe practice checklist
If you are considering IV therapy, Haas says it’s necessary to choose a clinic led by a board-certified medical provider. 👩⚕️
You might also want to consider having a checklist of important questions to bring to your consultation. Here are a few, based on insights from Dr. Haas and Dr. Sam Torbati, co-chair of emergency medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, in an interview with AP News:
🧾 IV Questions Checklist:
What is your training and years of experience?
What ingredients are in the fluids to avoid allergic reactions?
Is the clinic clean?
How will the IV be prepared?
How long have you been doing IV services?
Where does your company source its ingredients?
Key takeaway
There might not be a ‘financial upside’ to funding studies about vitamins and minerals, Haas says, but it does not necessarily mean that IV infusions do not have benefits.
“IV therapy can jumpstart the healing process in ways that diet or supplements alone sometimes can’t,” Dr. Haas says.
Still, the evidence on IV for longevity and anti-aging seems more aspirational than science. 🌥️ Until IV is better ID’ed with research and regulations, it’s best to stay curious and keep reading Livelong for the latest.
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The information provided about wellness and health is for general informational and educational purposes only. We are not licensed medical professionals, and the content here should not be considered medical advice. Talk to a doctor before trying any of these suggestions.