People are spending hundreds of dollars at IV drip bars in Boston. Are they worth the hype?

"For the next 45 minutes, the "cocktail," an IV solution of vitamins, dripped slowly into his bloodstream - a weekly ritual he believes helps him perform better at work and while running long distances. Blazo changes his order depending on his needs. That Friday, he selected a boosted version of an immunity treatment at Vivolo Wellness that includes a liter of fluids and smaller amounts of vitamins, and Blazo added 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C and 1,000 milligrams of the antioxidant Glutathione through an IV drip."

"Across Massachusetts, customers such as Blazo are paying hundreds of dollars for vitamins and supplements readily available for much less in pill and powder firm, and despite the fact their benefits have long been questioned. The trend started before the pandemic but has accelerated as consumers chase immunity boosts, quicker recoveries from everyday ailments, and perceived shortcuts to better health."

"Known as medspas, esthetic clinics, and standalone "drip bars," they advertise vitamin infusions that promise anything from recovering from a hangover or running a marathon, to clearer skin, sharper focus, and quicker bounce-backs after travel or illness. The field is also attracting nurses to administer the IVs, drawing them from already understaffed clinics and chaotic emergency rooms."

IV vitamin infusion clinics, known as medspas and drip bars, are growing in popularity across Massachusetts. Customers pay hundreds of dollars for intravenous vitamin treatments claiming to boost immunity, enhance athletic performance, and improve overall wellness. These treatments contain vitamins, antioxidants, and supplements like NAD+ that are available in pill and powder forms at significantly lower costs. The trend accelerated during the pandemic as consumers sought immunity boosts and faster recovery from illness. These clinics advertise benefits ranging from hangover recovery to improved skin clarity and mental focus. The expansion is drawing nurses away from already understaffed hospitals and clinics, raising concerns about healthcare workforce distribution.

Read at Boston.com