Intravenous vitamin therapy delivers micronutrients directly into the bloodstream, but this route does not make a treatment necessary, suitable or proven for general wellbeing. Evidence for wellness uses is limited and variable. A clinician should assess symptoms, medical history, medicines and possible alternatives before discussing whether an infusion is appropriate.[6]
Comparison Table
| Infusion | Ingredients may vary | Questions to discuss | Evidence context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myers' Cocktail | Magnesium, calcium, B-complex and vitamin C may be included | Whether a deficiency or another cause of symptoms needs assessment | Evidence for wellness uses is limited |
| Glutathione | Formulation may include reduced glutathione | Medicines, renal and liver history, and intended treatment goal | Long-term wellness benefits are unproven |
| NAD+ | Formulation varies | Evidence uncertainty, possible adverse effects and alternatives | No established anti-ageing indication |
| Vitamin C-based infusion | Vitamin C with variable added micronutrients | Whether oral treatment or clinical assessment is more appropriate | Higher levels do not establish a wellness benefit |
Myers' Cocktail
Named after Dr John Myers who pioneered IV micronutrient therapy in the 1960s, this formulation typically contains magnesium chloride, calcium gluconate, B-complex vitamins and vitamin C. Evidence for wellness use in fatigue, migraine or fibromyalgia is limited and does not establish a routine clinical benefit. Whether any infusion is appropriate requires an individual clinical assessment, including discussion of relevant risks, alternatives and follow-up.
Glutathione
Glutathione is involved in cellular antioxidant systems. That biological role does not establish that an IV formulation is necessary, suitable or effective for general wellbeing. The potential benefits, uncertainties, risks and alternatives need individual clinical discussion.[4]
NAD+
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is involved in cellular metabolism. Human evidence for IV NAD+ in wellness, cognitive performance or anti-ageing remains insufficient to establish routine clinical benefit. Sessions can be lengthy, and suitability needs individual clinical discussion.[5] Read our full NAD+ evidence review →
Immune Boost
Vitamin C-based IV infusions are marketed for immune support, but this does not establish that they prevent illness or speed recovery for most people. One trial reported a short-term fatigue outcome in a specific workforce population; that result should not be generalised to all symptoms or illnesses.[3]
Safety note
An IV treatment can have risks, including local reactions, fluid or electrolyte problems and allergic reactions. Suitability, safeguards and alternatives require individual clinical assessment; the clinic confirms the relevant route at booking.[6]
Evidence-only decision point
Whether testing or treatment is appropriate depends on symptoms, medical history, medicines, a suspected deficiency and relevant risks. General wellness benefits should not be assumed; alternatives and follow-up should be discussed first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which drip is best for energy?
If fatigue is your primary concern, a clinician should assess possible causes before recommending treatment. If B12 or iron deficiency is confirmed, the appropriate treatment plan depends on the clinical assessment. For fatigue without a confirmed deficiency, it should not be assumed that a wellness infusion will help.
How often should I have IV vitamin therapy?
There is no general wellness schedule that is suitable for everyone. Any treatment schedule needs an individual clinical rationale and discussion of alternatives.
Are IV drips safe?
IV vitamin therapy can involve risks including local bruising, phlebitis and rare allergic reactions. Suitability and any monitoring arrangements depend on the selected treatment and clinical assessment; the clinician will explain the relevant process before the infusion.
Can I combine different drips?
Whether any formulation is suitable depends on the proposed treatment, medical history, medicines, risks and alternatives. Do not use this page to select or combine treatments.
Do I need a blood test first?
Testing may be appropriate in some circumstances, but it depends on symptoms, history and the proposed treatment. A clinician can advise on a suitable assessment route.
How quickly will I feel a difference?
Responses to IV vitamin therapy vary, and it is not possible to predict a timescale or benefit. If you are considering treatment, the clinic confirms suitability, potential risks, the expected process and availability at booking.
Related Guides
What Is IV Vitamin Therapy?
Benefits, safety, and what to expect
NAD+ IV Therapy Evidence
What the research says
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Symptoms, testing, and injections
IV Vitamin Drips Service
Book your infusion
References
- [1] Cathers M. I.V. vitamin therapy: miracle or malarkey? Pharmacy Today. 2022;28(10):28–29. View source
- [2] Gaby AR. Intravenous nutrient therapy: the 'Myers' Cocktail'. Altern Med Rev. 2002;7(5):389–403. View source
- [3] Suh SY, Bae WK, Ahn HY, et al. Intravenous vitamin C administration reduces fatigue in office workers: a double-blind randomised controlled trial. Nutr J. 2012;11:7. View source
- [4] Pizzorno J. Glutathione! Integr Med (Encinitas). 2014;13(1):8–12. View source
- [5] Rajman L, Chwalek K, Sinclair DA. Therapeutic potential of NAD-boosting molecules. Cell Metab. 2018;27(3):529–547. View source
- [6] Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin. Intravenous micronutrient therapy. DTB. 2023;61(10):151–154. View source