Research & Evidence Summaries
The field of IV therapy includes a mixture of well-established clinical uses, emerging wellness trends, and areas where evidence remains limited or developing. This page offers objective summaries of the current research for key ingredients and infusion types used in the UK.
Vitamin C - Research Overview
Vitamin C is one of the most widely studied nutrients used in both clinical and wellness IV settings.
What the research shows:
- IV administration leads to significantly higher plasma concentrations than oral intake.
- Vitamin C plays a role in immune function, collagen formation, and antioxidant activity.
- High-dose vitamin C has been studied in certain clinical environments, though findings vary.
Evidence strength:
- Strong for correcting deficiency.
- Moderate for antioxidant support.
- Variable for symptom relief (fatigue, skin health, recovery).
B Vitamins - Research Overview
B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12) are essential cofactors in energy metabolism, neurological function, and red blood cell production.
What the research shows:
- IV administration rapidly increases levels, especially in individuals with deficiencies.
- Vitamin B12 is well-studied in cases of pernicious anaemia or malabsorption.
- Evidence for “energy enhancement” is mostly linked to deficiency correction rather than supraphysiological levels.
Evidence strength:
- Strong for deficiency treatment.
- Moderate for metabolic support.
Limited for energy effects in non-deficient individuals.
NAD+ - Research Overview
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is central to cellular energy production and mitochondrial function.
What the research shows:
- NAD+ declines with age and metabolic stress.
- Research is ongoing regarding its role in ageing, recovery, and neurological health.
- IV NAD+ raises plasma levels, but exact clinical implications are still under investigation.
Evidence strength:
- Moderate for mitochondrial support (emerging research).
- Early-stage for anti-ageing or neurological benefits.
Most current claims come from early studies and consumer reports, not large clinical trials.
Glutathione - Research Overview
Glutathione is a major antioxidant involved in detoxification, immune response, and cellular protection.
What the research shows:
- IV administration bypasses gastrointestinal breakdown and increases circulating levels.
- Studied for antioxidant effects, pigmentation pathways, and cellular protection.
- Evidence for skin-brightening effects exists but is variable and dose-dependent
Evidence strength:
- Moderate for antioxidant effects.
- Variable for skin-related outcomes.
Limited for wellness claims beyond oxidative stress modulation.
Magnesium - Research Overview
Magnesium supports muscle function, nerve conduction, and energy production.
What the research shows:
- IV magnesium is used in hospitals for acute conditions such as eclampsia or severe deficiency.
- In wellness settings, it is used for muscle tension, stress, and migraines – although evidence is mixed.
Evidence strength:
- Strong for clinical deficiency management.
- Moderate for muscle relaxation.
Limited for generalised wellness use.
Zinc - Research Overview
Zinc plays a key role in immune modulation, wound healing, and hormonal function.
What the research shows:
- Supplementation can shorten the duration of some viral symptoms in deficient individuals.
- IV zinc is less researched than oral zinc but may correct deficiency quickly.
Evidence strength:
- Strong for deficiency correction.
- Moderate for immune support.
Limited for symptom relief in non-deficient individuals.
Amino Acids - Research Overview
Amino acids support protein synthesis, muscle repair, and metabolic pathways.
What the research shows:
- IV amino acids are used medically for nutritional support.
- In wellness settings, they are used for recovery and performance, though evidence varies.
Evidence strength:
- Strong for clinical nutrition use.
- Moderate for athletic recovery.
Limited for non-specific performance enhancement.