Nutrient IVs: What You Need to Know

Photo: Trunk Archive

The most recent beauty fad to grab our attention? NutrientIV’s, also known as ‘party girl drips,’ and ‘hangover cures.’ In simple terms,they’re a fast and easy way to receive a quick dose of vitamins straight into your bloodstream. Not surprisingly, celebrities are huge fans. Rita Ora and Cara Delevingne have Instagrammed photos of their arms hooked up to IV’s, Madonna and Cindy Crawford are said to get them, and most recently Delevingne’s elder sister, Poppy, posted an Instagram photo of herself hooked up to a drip whilst enjoying a cup of tea.

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Photo: Instagram.com/poppydelevingne

Originally called the Myers cocktail after John Myers, M.D., a Baltimore-based physician who created the first formulation in the 1960’s to treat patients with chronic fatigue, depression, fibromyalgia, and cardiovascular disease, the nutrient IV is typically a solution consisting of B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, zinc, folic acid, and biotin—amongst other ingredients that each doctor may add according to their own recipe. The aim is to provide vitamins that will “supercharge” the body almost instantaneously (because the body accepts the vitamins intravenously, it reacts far more quickly). Effects are said to include more energy, alertness, loss of headache, and in the argument heard from models and celebrities, the prevention of flu, cold, and general fatigue.

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But is the replacement of nutrients and vitamins from food a good thing? “Nutrient IV’s condition people to use them as a band aid rather than take a preventive approach by incorporating nutrients and whole foods into their diet,” says Esther Blum, dietician, holistic nutritionist, and author of Eat, Drink, and be Gorgeous. “I do believe that nutrient IV’s can be used for fibromyalgia or detoxification from heavy metals or environmental toxins, but they shouldn’t be relied upon as a main source of receiving vitamins.” Instead, Blum suggests focusing on the quality of food we eat to provide the nutrients and vitamins we need. Homemade bone broth, which is rich in collagen and trace minerals, is easy to digest and supports digestive systems; fresh green vegetable juices boost energy and are full of calcium, D vitamins, and folate. She also recommends Wild Alaskan Salmon, an incredible food source that contains BMAE, which contracts the nerves under your skin to help contour the face.

So while the quick fix of a nutrient IV might sound appealing, it’s not the best option for a better body in the long run. And for those post-party hangover cures? “Drink some fresh coconut water the morning after,” suggests Blum. “It has nothing synthetic in it and is full of electrolytes. It’s basically nature’s Gatorade!”