While it’s been around for years, IV vitamin therapy is suddenly everywhere, and right now, it’s all the rage in South Africa.

From influencers to celebrities, everyone seems to be getting the IV boost. The treatment delivers a potent mix of vitamins and minerals straight into the bloodstream via an intravenous needle, with many claiming improved immunity, faster recovery, better skin and even weight loss.

IV clinics are popping up in malls, gyms and medical suites. But do they really work?

Some of the younger staff at the office swear by them for hangovers. Apparently, at university med res parties, it’s common to hook up to a drip before heading to lectures the next day. It sounds bizarre but maybe they’re onto something.

With the recent opening of IVology in Ballito, I was invited to try the treatment for myself.

I was curious but cautious, so I did some research first. The verdict? The science is still mixed. While some doctors are sceptical, others report promising results, particularly when used for specific conditions. It seems the effectiveness depends on which vitamins are used and why.

Encouragingly, there are a few positive findings. For example, IV magnesium has been shown in trials to reduce migraine severity and frequency. A 2014 clinical trial in the Journal of Translational Medicine also found that high-dose IV vitamin C helped reduce fatigue and improved quality of life in cancer patients.

As a busy mum of three, I am up for anything that promises more energy and fewer sick days. So, I gave it a go.

IVology is run by medical professionals, and a registered nurse administered my drip, which helped ease any nerves.

I opted for the MyersBoost, a wellness and immunity blend that includes Magnesium, B12, Vitamin C, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine, and more. I also added a folic acid and B12 top-up. The full package cost R1 025.

Once I was hooked up and comfy in a massage chair under a soft blanket, it felt more like a spa day than a medical treatment. Time flew. I checked my emails, caught up on the news and the drip was done in under an hour.

I am a little squeamish around needles, but the nurse was clearly a pro. I felt no more than a small prick.

How long do the effects last? According to the nurse, everyone’s different, but ideally, I should return in a month for my next session.

Do I feel different? Not dramatically. But knowing I have given my system a nutrient boost feels like a win. Let’s see if it keeps the office and playground sniffles at bay.

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