Chances are high that you’ve heard of Vitamin C drips from social media. My indoctrination into this relatively new beauty fad had come while watching a scene on The Kardashians where Kendall Jenner was seen getting vitamin C drips with her long-time best friend and model colleague, Hailey Bieber.
Vitamin C drips have grown popular in recent years as they help to address a number of health concerns. But what exactly is vitamin C, its infusions and the health issues it can treat?
Vitamin C
Vitamin C (also called Ascorbic acid) is a water soluble vitamin found in citrus, berries and other fruits. It is also found in vegetables and a deficiency in this vitamin causes scurvy.
This vitamin is essential to maintain normal growth, development, and one’s overall health. In addition, vitamin C helps in collagen production and acts as an antioxidant, but quite unlike some other vitamins, the human body cannot produce vitamin C on its own, and it is unable to store it in significant amounts.
What are Vitamin C Drips
Vitamin C drips, which are also called intravenous (IV) vitamin C therapy, is the process of delivering high doses of vitamin C directly into the bloodstream with the help of an IV infusion. The uniqueness of this method is that it allows for higher concentrations of vitamin C in the blood than what can be achieved through oral supplementation.
How This Works
There are about 3 stages to getting an intravenous (IV) vitamin C therapy
Stage 1: Preparation
A healthcare professional prepares a sterile solution of vitamin C. This solution is often mixed with saline or another fluid that is compatible.
Stage 2: Administration
In this stage, the solution is administered through an IV line that is inserted into a vein, usually in the arm.
Stage 3: Infusion
The vitamin C solution is gradually infused into the bloodstream over a period of time. The time can vary depending on the dosage and the patient’s requirements.
It’s Benefits
There are various benefits to the vitamin c therapy one some of them include:
1. Enhanced Absorption: IV administration bypasses the digestive system, allowing for almost 100% absorption of the vitamin.
2. Immune Support: High doses of vitamin C can boost the immune system, helping to ward off infections and illnesses.
3. Antioxidant Properties: Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant as it neutralizes free radicals and decreases oxidative stress.
4. Collagen Production: It boosts the production of collagen, which is essential for skin, cartilage, and bone health.
It’s Drawbacks
While vitamin C drips can offer several health benefits, there are also potential risks and side effects to consider and some of them are:
1. Vein Irritations: The IV insertion can cause irritation or inflammation at the site of the injection.
2. Allergic Reactions: Although this is rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the components of the drip.
3. Kidney Stones: High doses of vitamin C can increase the risk of a patient developing kidney stones, especially in individuals with a history of kidney issues.
4. Electrolyte Imbalance: Large doses of vitamin C can affect electrolyte levels, potentially leading to imbalances.
5. Gastrointestinal Issues: Some patients might experience nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal cramps.
6. Iron Overload: While vitamin C boosts iron absorption, this can be problematic for individuals with conditions like hemochromatosis (excess iron in the body).
What to Consider Before Getting Vitamin Drips
While vitamin C drips offer several health benefits, they should be administered under medical supervision to ensure safety and limit the potential drawbacks already mentioned in this article.
- It is of vital importance to have vitamin C drips administered by a qualified healthcare professional so that they can monitor for any adverse reactions.
- Individuals with certain health conditions, such as kidney disease should avoid high-dose vitamin C therapy and consult with their doctors first before taking any step in that regard.
- Finally, the correct dosage should be determined by the medical supervisor based on the patient’s health needs and conditions to reduce risks.
