Why IV vitamin drips are becoming popular and why doctors consider them unnecessary

Last year, actress Soha Ali Khan posted a video on Instagram showing her holding an IV in one hand and a book in the other. She wasn’t undergoing any clinical procedures, as you might expect. Instead, she explained on her Instagram account @Sakpataudi:

“Simply getting ready for the week with a dose of wellness via IV infusion… This method ensures fast and efficient absorption of vitaminsminerals and other essential nutrients, making it a popular choice for rehydration, nutritional support and improving wellbeing. I have had six sessions… customized by the doctor based on my health goals.” It appeared to have been a “collaboration” with a skincare clinic, but more and more people seem to think similarly.

Ayesha Gulati (not her real name) wants “glass skin” (which is short for clear, radiant, luminous skin) for her wedding in November. “I want to look my best. I’ve read that a lot of stars wear glass skin” Intravenous drip “Athletes take a lot of vitamins and antioxidants before red carpet events to help them detox and look radiant. I thought I should give it a try,” says the 28-year-old from Delhi, who works in a multinational. “I have signed up for a detox therapy that will infuse the body with essential vitamins and nutrients in a much faster manner than taking supplements.”

An intravenous drip (of saline, glucose or drugs) is a treatment often prescribed for medical conditions. Now, healthy people are making an effort to receive a cocktail of micronutrients in the hope that it will beautify their skin and hair, give them stamina to work long hours and improve their immunity.

Although cosmetologists and wellness centers have jumped on the trend, many doctors dismiss the claims and advise caution. “There is no need,” says Dr. Randeep Guleria, former director of AIIMSDelhi, and Chairman, Institute of Internal Medicine and Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Medanta Medicity, Gurgaon.

Dr. Anoop Misra, President of Fortis C-DOC Hospital Dr Usha Beloskar, a consultant dermatologist at Delhi University, is also critical of the intravenous vitamin trend. “Patients believe that vitamin injections can improve strength and doctors often give them without any clear reasons. They can be given if there is a genuine vitamin deficiency. This trend of giving high-dose vitamins intravenously is baseless and those supporting it are making irrational propaganda,” she says. Some differ, arguing that the technique offers a wide range of benefits and can be tailored as per need. SL Raheja Hospital In Mumbai, she says they have seen an increase in the number of people turning to IV vitamins. “The main reason people opt for this treatment is to help with skin care and ensure better cosmetic results. People who use it belong to different age groups, from 25 years to 60 years. Many brides are keen to use it because it helps them get an instant glow. People in the 50-60 age group see it as an anti-ageing treatment,” she says, adding, “IV therapy ensures 100% absorption while providing better hydration and immunity. It can help with skin and hair-related issues, and the treatment can be modified as per the patient’s requirements.”

A person associated with a wellness centre in Gurgaon says on condition of anonymity that intravenous vitamin “therapy” is gaining ground and the footfall at the centre is increasing every month. “The number of people opting for intravenous vitamins has increased by 30-40% over last year,” he says, adding, “We offer packages based on what one wants. Our in-house doctor does an assessment and then a cocktail is decided.” Instead of taking multivitamin tablets, why do people opt for intravenous drips? “When vitamins are taken orally, the absorption rate is 20-50%. However, it is 90-100% when administered intravenously,” the person says. People from metropolises seek it out, he adds.

The best-selling product is a dose of glutathione and vitamin C. “People often opt for a dose containing glutathione, which helps fight signs of ageing,” says the person associated with the Gurgaon-based wellness centre.

DRIP POINT
You could say that this trend was started by reality TV star Kim Kardashian, who reportedly underwent a “hydration treatment” just before the Met Gala in 2016. The Daily Mail reported at the time that Kardashian opted for a “$399 ‘Beautify’ treatment, which contains a blend of B vitamins, electrolytes and anti-inflammatory drugs to help support healthy skin and hair” from a New York-based service called The IV Doc. Many Hollywood stars have followed in her footsteps. Now it’s reached Bollywood with actors posting photos with IV drips in their arms.

The non-medical IV drip started out as a bag of bananas to cure a hangover. Now its customers and complaints are numerous.

Mumbai-based runner Pritika Arvind underwent “sports IV therapy” last week, two days before she was due to take part in an event.

“The therapy was formulated to rebalance the vitamins, minerals and various salts needed to get going before intense activity. I am happy with my performance and I credit the wellness center for telling me about it,” says the 30-year-old.

A wellness centre in Delhi says a client came to them seeking an infusion of vitamins and minerals because she needed stamina to deliver long lectures for two days. “Since she had to be on her feet, she wanted an extra boost of energy,” says a person working at the centre. The cost of these sessions, she says, ranges from Rs 3,000 to Rs 25,000, depending on the ingredients being infused.

However, Dr Meenakshi Jain, director of internal medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, Delhi, warns, “People have been taking vitamins intravenously to improve energy levels, but that is not correct. Micronutrients like vitamins should be taken only if the laboratory parameters suggest that there is a deficiency of them in the blood. Patients should opt for the intravenous route only if they are unable to take oral supplements or if these are not absorbed.”

Meanwhile, dermatologist clinics offer all kinds of services to attract customers. People don’t even need to visit a clinic, as many of them offer intravenous drip at home.

Vitamin infusions are not approved by health authorities. “There is no evidence to suggest that vitamin infusions are more beneficial than the original form, which includes eating and drinking in moderation, getting enough sleep and exercising,” says a doctor in Mumbai who did not want to reveal his name, adding: “Intravenous drips and injections at unregulated dermatologist clinics are risky. People can get infections and other injuries as these clinics operate with little oversight.”

While she warns that these infusions are expensive, overpriced and misleading, she urges potential customers to at least get a proper consultation before opting for them. “Since there are many types of micronutrients on offer, a person interested in using this method should consult with a healthcare provider to avoid potential side effects,” she says.