IV Therapy Trend in Massachusetts

Blazo, a 34-year-old attorney, shared his experience with frequent colds and flus, saying, “I would always get flus and colds a couple times a year. But what really drove me here is performance and wellness. I don’t get sick at all now.” This reflects a growing trend in Massachusetts, where customers are willing to spend hundreds of dollars on vitamins and supplements, even though these can be found in much cheaper forms.

This trend, which started before the pandemic, has intensified as people seek ways to boost their immunity and reduce recovery times from common illnesses. Interestingly, it’s also drawing nurses from already stressed clinics to administer IVs.

These establishments, often referred to as medspas or “drip bars,” promote vitamin infusions claiming benefits such as hangover recovery, enhanced athletic performance, clearer skin, and quick recoveries from travel or illness. Prices for treatments typically hover around $200, but some, particularly those featuring newer compounds like NAD+, can cost as much as $600.

During an infusion at Vivolo, Blazo remarked on the ambiance, which felt more like a café than a medical clinic. He expressed that this experience was far preferable to sitting in crowded waiting rooms. “It’s 100 percent worth it. You only get one body. It’s worth investing in it,” he said. However, one can’t help but wonder about the true return on such investments.

Unlike oral vitamins, IV infusions can deliver higher doses directly into the bloodstream, resulting in quicker effects, yet this also raises the stakes regarding potential risks. Evidence supporting the benefits of IV infusions for healthy individuals is scant, and experts caution that improper administration can lead to complications such as infections and electrolyte imbalances.

Dr. Ali S. Raja, a prominent authority in emergency medicine, believes IVs are potent medical tools best used under strict professional oversight. He frequently sees emergency room patients facing complications from IV infusions done outside hospital settings. “It’s usually things like infections at the site, vein inflammation, or people getting too much fluid because of underlying health conditions,” Raja explained, asserting that the false sense of security from such treatments might be the biggest danger.

Raja noted that while key nutrients like vitamin C and zinc are important, evidence doesn’t strongly support their efficacy in high doses for healthy adults. He also commented on NAD+, which is often marketed for its supposed anti-aging properties but lacks robust human data on its effectiveness.

Despite growing concerns, the medspa market continues to thrive, ballooning into a $15 billion industry in 2022, featuring nearly 9,000 facilities nationwide. As highlighted by a recent study, this sector remains largely unregulated, raising alarms about the potential risks associated with unverified treatments

In Massachusetts, medspas offering IV drips must typically be licensed, unless they are run by qualified professionals. While an exact count of IV lounges isn’t available, nearly 100 establishments in the Greater Boston area offer these services, often employing membership models to encourage repeat visits.

Melissa Shaw transitioned from nursing in rehabilitation to help launch Vivolo Wellness. Feeling burnt out in a traditional nursing role, she found this new environment to be more calming and fulfilling, emphasizing the importance of promoting health and well-being.

Vivolo’s inception came after its owners, Aaron Landes and Stacy Kroon, were inspired by their previous exposure to IV therapy. They recognized the shift in health-focused conversations during the pandemic and saw preventive wellness as a burgeoning market. Landes remarked, “COVID was a clear time that the healthier you were, the less likely [it] was going to hurt you.”

While Massachusetts laws mandate that all IV treatments be administered by nurses, not every nurse has extensive experience in this area. Alison Oxton, who co-founded one of the state’s earlier IV therapy businesses, emphasized the absence of sufficient government regulation in this field, highlighting the risks of non-medically licensed businesses.

Dr. Daniela Winston, a pioneer in wellness IVs, cautions against frequent use without specific medical needs. “I do not recommend IVs every week. That is too excessive and absolutely unnecessary,” she stated, adding that most nutrients should ideally come from food. She advocates for testing to identify any nutrient deficiencies before resorting to IV therapy.

Recommendations for Consideration

• Ask about medical oversight: Determine who supervises the treatment and how reactions are managed.
• Check experience: Inquire about the clinic’s history and the nurse’s specialized IV training.
• Know the health risks: Be aware of possible complications such as bruising and allergic reactions, and consult with providers if you have underlying health issues.
• Ask about ingredients: Clarify vitamin sources and potential side effects.
• Understand limits: IV drips should not replace routine care, vaccines, or a healthy lifestyle.

The IV therapy landscape includes various offerings like Myers’ Cocktail, known for fatigue relief; Glutathione for purported detox benefits; immunity drips containing vital nutrients; and NAD+ infusions, which are popular but supported by limited research regarding their long-term benefits.