What Is IV Vitamin Therapy?
Benefits, Evidence, and What to Expect
Intravenous micronutrient therapy delivers vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants directly into the bloodstream — achieving concentrations not possible with oral supplementation.
In brief: IV vitamin therapy delivers micronutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. This allows plasma concentrations to be achieved that are not possible with oral supplementation — particularly for Vitamin C, where IV administration achieves plasma levels 70 times higher than the oral maximum.[5] At Victoria Medical, all IV therapies are prescribed and supervised by a doctor.
Available IV Drips and Infusions
| Drip / Infusion | Contents | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Myers' Cocktail | Magnesium, B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12), Vitamin C, Calcium | Energy, immune support, fatigue, migraines, fibromyalgia |
| High-dose Vitamin C | Ascorbic acid 7.5–25g IV | Immune support, post-illness recovery, antioxidant therapy |
| Glutathione | Reduced glutathione IV push | Antioxidant, skin brightening, liver support, detoxification |
| B12 injection | Hydroxocobalamin or methylcobalamin IM/IV | B12 deficiency, fatigue, neurological symptoms, vegetarian/vegan diet |
| Hydration drip | Normal saline or Hartmann's solution with electrolytes | Dehydration, hangover recovery, pre/post-event preparation |
| NAD+ infusion | Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide IV | Cellular energy, anti-ageing, cognitive function, addiction recovery |
From Our Practice — Dr George Xynopoulos
"I approach IV vitamin therapy from a clinical perspective. For patients with confirmed deficiencies — B12, Vitamin D, magnesium — IV or intramuscular administration can be genuinely therapeutic, particularly where oral absorption is compromised. For wellness-focused infusions, I always recommend a blood test first to establish baseline levels and ensure the treatment is appropriate. The goal is to supplement what is genuinely needed, not to provide a blanket infusion of everything."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IV vitamin therapy safe?
When administered by a qualified medical professional in a clinical setting, IV vitamin therapy is generally safe. At Victoria Medical, all infusions are prescribed and supervised by a doctor. A medical history review and, where appropriate, blood tests are performed before treatment. Rare side effects include bruising at the cannula site, mild nausea, and — in very rare cases — allergic reactions.
Is IV vitamin therapy better than oral supplements?
For most healthy individuals, oral supplementation is sufficient. However, IV administration bypasses the gastrointestinal tract, achieving plasma concentrations that are not achievable orally — particularly for Vitamin C. A 2004 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that IV Vitamin C achieves plasma concentrations 70 times higher than the maximum achievable orally.
Who benefits most from IV vitamin therapy?
Patients who may benefit include those with confirmed nutritional deficiencies (B12, Vitamin D, magnesium), those recovering from illness or surgery, patients with malabsorption conditions (Crohn's disease, coeliac disease), and those with high physiological demands such as elite athletes. Wellness-focused infusions are also popular among busy professionals seeking energy and immune support.
How long does an IV vitamin drip take?
Most IV vitamin drips take 30–60 minutes. A B12 injection takes approximately 5 minutes. A high-dose Vitamin C infusion may take 60–90 minutes. You can relax in our comfortable infusion suite during treatment.
Do I need a GP referral for IV vitamin therapy?
No. At Victoria Medical you can self-refer for IV vitamin therapy without a GP referral. A medical consultation is included to ensure the treatment is appropriate for you.
References
- [1]Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017;9(11):1211. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9111211
- [2]Holick MF. Vitamin D Deficiency. N Engl J Med. 2007;357(3):266–281. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra070553
- [3]Shenkin A. Micronutrients in health and disease. Postgrad Med J. 2006;82(971):559–567. https://doi.org/10.1136/pgmj.2006.047670
- [4]Gaby AR. Intravenous nutrient therapy: the 'Myers' cocktail'. Altern Med Rev. 2002;7(5):389–403. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12410623/
- [5]Padayatty SJ, Sun H, Wang Y, et al. Vitamin C pharmacokinetics: implications for oral and intravenous use. Ann Intern Med. 2004;140(7):533–537. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-140-7-200404060-00010
- [6]Riordan HD, Hunninghake RB, Riordan NH, et al. Intravenous ascorbic acid: protocol for its application and use. P R Health Sci J. 2003;22(3):287–290. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14619456/
Dr George Xynopoulos
Consultant Physician & Cardiologist | GMC Registered | MRCP (UK)
Dr Xynopoulos is a Consultant Physician and Cardiologist at Victoria Medical, 170 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London.
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Doctor-supervised IV vitamin therapy at Victoria Medical. Same-day appointments available.
020 3146 9508