Vitamin infusions are said to ward off colds, counteract exhaustion and brighten the complexion. The nutrients are injected into the blood, where they are supposed to work quickly and effectively. Experts are critical of the health trend and warn about the risks of such nutrient infusions – what you should know before visiting the drip spa.
Healthier, more beautiful, more relaxed: luxurious drip spas have created a land of milk and honey for vital substances with their nutrient infusions. Vitamin C, biotin, glutathione, taurine – all of this is administered in high doses drop by drop and intravenously in the hip wellness oases.
More and more celebrities, influencers and health-conscious people are flocking to the city’s new healthy hotspots and choosing nutrients like they usually do from the lunchtime offerings in the canteen. However, you won’t find lunch prices here: an anti-hangover drip is available for around 100 euros – the immune infusion via drip flows into the bloodstream for 180 euros. But how healthy and useful are the nutrient infusions?
Vitamins by drip: What are drips?
Drips are intravenously administered nutrient mixtures that are administered to the body in a controlled manner in order to ensure greater well-being and compensate for supposed deficits quickly and easily. The infusions drip into the bloodstream in up to 60 minutes and therefore reach the body directly without any detours. This means that the nutrients work faster and more effectively than conventional dietary supplements.
Infusions for more health, beauty and relaxation
The nutrient infusions offered cover a variety of supposed benefits. The portfolios of corresponding companies include “beauty” and “pretty” drips, which are touted as beauty boosters for fuller hair and stronger nails. During the cold season, “Immune” and “Healthy” infusions invite customers to strengthen their immune system particularly effectively, and drips such as “Calm” and “Relax” promise relief from stress and hectic pace. But how effective is such an infusion therapy and who needs it?
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Who needs extra intravenous vitamins and minerals?
Nutrient infusions with individual vitamins or minerals are an evidence-based treatment for patients with a proven deficiency of these nutrients or are used to treat the side effects of certain medications. They are usually given to people who are already seriously ill, have intestinal damage, are immune deficient or suffer from chewing and swallowing difficulties. These nutrient infusions are then medically indicated and administered under medical supervision.
According to the MSD Manual, there are currently very few Studies who examined the effectiveness of high-dose intravenous vitamin infusions in healthy people who were not deficient in vitamins or minerals. Not a single one of these papers could prove that drips could prevent colds, tighten skin, boost fat burning, or relieve hangovers.
Administration directly into the blood ultimately says nothing about the effectiveness. Even if the nutrients are absorbed most quickly directly through the bloodstream, it is of no use if the body does not have a deficiency, according to MSD Manual.
“Evil profiteering without indications”
Dr. Matthias Riedl is horrified by the ever-increasing range of infusion therapies for the general public. The diabetologist and nutritional doctor heads the Medicum Hamburg, a large center for nutritional medicine – working with nutrients is his daily bread. His strict verdict:
“There is no medically comprehensible reason for such infusions. From a nutritional medical point of view, it is nonsense – the worst kind of charlatanry like in the Middle Ages.”
Dr. recommends against intravenous vitamin therapy without medical indication. Riedl rejects it because none of the alleged health effects have been scientifically confirmed.
Mana Witt is also one of the providers of infusion therapies. In her practice in Hamburg-Hoheluft, the surgical specialist sells, among other things, “tailor-made” drips, which she says are produced in collaboration with a pharmacy. According to Witt, anyone who has a vitamin drip placed here should not expect intravenous miracles:
“A ‘sports drip’ doesn’t make you a super athlete, nor does a ‘beauty drip’ make you wrinkle-free. I tell all the patients who come.”
But: “In the end you have to say very clearly: Drips are super nice to have. You really notice it, you’re treating yourself to something. You can ward off a cold or just feel better and more vital,” says Witt. However, you can also do a lot for your health with your diet, says the doctor. For example, the plate should always be as colorful as possible in order to benefit the diversity of the intestinal flora.
Is there a nutrient deficiency in Germany?
The nutrient infusion business is booming. There seems to be a great fear among the population of a lack of vitamins, minerals, etc. – this is suggested by the horrendous turnover that manufacturers of dietary supplements generate every year. The reported sales of almost 1.8 billion euros in 2022 Food Association Germany. Nutrients are no longer only available in pharmacies, but also in drugstores, supermarkets, on the Internet and also as infusions in drip spas.
Loud Federal Center for Nutrition Studies on nutrient supply show that most people in Germany have a good supply of all important nutrients. For this part of the population, the extra vitamins etc. are usually not necessary.
However, personal living conditions and dietary habits can promote a deficit and should therefore be examined more closely. The risk groups for undersupply include, for example, pregnant women, breastfeeding women and vegans. However, only a personal blood test can provide clarity about a possible nutrient deficiency.
Blood counts provide clarity in the nutrient jungle
Whether there is a nutrient deficiency can be clearly clarified in a general practitioner’s office, for example. A detailed anamnesis, including an individual blood count, reliably shows how your supply of vitamins, minerals and other markers is.
If an undersupply is diagnosed by a doctor, the nutrient stores can be replenished as needed using tablets, drops or infusions. It is important that the right nutrient is administered in the right dosage. Certified nutritionists, general practitioners or specialist pharmacists with the additional title of nutritional advice can provide support. What should be prevented in any case is an oversupply of nutrients.
Important: Weakness, susceptibility to infections, headaches and other unspecific symptoms can be indications of serious illnesses and should always be checked by a doctor.
Too much of a good thing: When vitamins make you sick
Vitamins and minerals are essential for the body. Among other things, they help ensure that vital processes in the organism can run smoothly. It is hardly possible to get too many vitamins from a natural diet. But anyone who takes nutrient infusions or dietary supplements can overdose, particularly on the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K – and this may have serious health consequences.
These so-called hypervitaminoses can lead to headaches, vomiting, hair loss, kidney stones, muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias. Also Dr. Matthias Riedl warns: “New current data shows that too much vitamin B3 is suspected of promoting hardening of the arteries – vitamin C promotes kidney stones.” So it makes sense to pay special attention to extra nutrients and not take them randomly.
How much vitamin C do I actually need?
Would you like an example of the vitamin madness? Here you go: The German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends a daily vitamin C intake of 110 milligrams for men and 95 milligrams for women for healthy adults. These values can be easily achieved with the help of natural foods. An orange provides around 100 milligrams of vitamin C – half a raw red pepper already supplies the body with 60 milligrams, like that Federal Center for Nutrition lists. Significantly higher amounts of vitamin C are achieved with the help of vitamin infusions. For example, in a Hamburg drip spa you can find a vitamin C infusion with an impressive 7.5 grams per infusion.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient. As a rule, it is difficult to overdose on these vitamins because excess vitamin intake is excreted via the kidneys and urine. The DGE writes that taking up to around 1 gram of vitamin C per day in addition to dietary intake should not be associated with harmful side effects. If you consume up to 4 grams per day, temporary gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea may occur. An expensive affair when you consider that the freshly bought vitamins cost up to 70 euros and are simply flushed down the toilet.
Fruit, vegetables, nuts: Cover your nutritional needs naturally
But there is another way – without a needle in your arm and cheaper. Because expensive vitamin infusions or nutritional supplements are not necessary for healthy people to cover their vitamin and mineral needs. The DGE has put together tips to help readers eat a balanced diet and be well supplied with all the important nutrients.
The most important foods include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and vegetable oils. All of this not only has positive effects on health, but also protects the earth’s resources. The DGE’s recommendations at a glance:
- It’s best to drink water
- Fruit and vegetables – lots and colourful
- Eat legumes and nuts regularly
- Whole grains are the best choice
- Prefer vegetable oils
- Milk and dairy products every day
- Fish every week
- Meat and sausage – less is more
- Sweet, salty and fatty foods – it’s better to leave them alone
- Enjoy meals
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Drip spa: 4 tips before checking in
1. Blood count as a basis
Only a detailed anamnesis including blood work can clearly clarify whether there is an undersupply of certain nutrients. Only then should an individual nutrient infusion be considered.
2. Pay attention to fat-soluble vitamins
Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble and can cause health problems if overdosed. It is therefore better not to include them in a wellness infusion. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) and the consumer advice center provide recommended values for individual vitamins in one Table available for reading.
3. Are there doctors on site?
Administering injections is generally reserved for doctors and alternative practitioners. However, under certain conditions, the activity may be delegated to trained people. However, there is no uniform regulation on the necessary basics. It is up to the offerers who they trust to carry out such an activity.
4. Be aware of drug interactions
Interactions can occur between supplements and medications. Ask your primary care physician for an assessment before administering a nutrient infusion.
Sources used: bzfe.de, dge.de, msdmanuals.com, verbraucherzentrale.de, lebensmittelverband.de