For example, vitamin B6 has a maximum legal daily dose of 21 milligrams. A multivitamin infusion of Get A Drip contains 50 milligrams. “So that is above the legal amount,” says the Nutrition Center, which we also asked to look at the company’s offer. “High doses of B6 can lead to nerve damage. Symptoms are mainly numbness, tingling or pain in the hands and feet.”
‘Not for everyday use’
Get A Drip Nederland denies that the IVs they offer can cause nerve damage. “When taken on a daily basis on a long-term basis, nerve damage can occur. Our infusions are not for daily use. We use a maximum of once a month for many products.”
There is also an infusion with 25 grams of vitamin C. Vitamin C has no legal maximum per day, but there is a recommended daily amount of 75 milligrams. 25 grams is 333 times that recommended daily amount. “This is an extreme amount,” says the Nutrition Center. “Although there is no upper limit, more than 2 grams per day can lead to an increased excretion of oxalic acid in the urine. In short, it seems that many of these products have very high doses that can lead to adverse effects with some vitamins. “
A high excretion of oxalic acid is a risk factor for developing kidney stones. According to the company, scientific research shows that vitamin C infusions do not have to lead to kidney stones. “To avoid any risk, patients with kidney complaints included in our protocol are not given high doses of vitamin C.”
Infusion is reserved action
Inserting an IV is a so-called reserved procedure. “That means that this must be done by or on behalf of a doctor,” says the Health Care Inspectorate. “This doctor is responsible for diagnostics and treatment. We are also curious how well visitors are informed before the treatment and whether there is also an aftercare process.”
Get A Drip says it complies. “With us, a doctor always monitors the medical questionnaires and medical observations of the customer. At the request of the doctor, the infusion will then be administered by BIG-registered nurses who are qualified in administering infusions, or the doctor will do it himself .”
The company states that customers are satisfied and feel better. This way people would sleep better and have more energy. “Customers also take supplements for prevention or want to boost their immune system.”
‘Vitamins through food better’
The question remains whether these infusions are useful. According to Marian de van der Schueren, professor of dietetics and member of the Dutch Association of Dieticians, you get enough vitamins and minerals if you eat well and varied. “Of course it may be necessary for individuals to use supplements, for example during (severe) illness. But we always recommend that this is done under the guidance of a dietician or doctor, and based on the intake, need and laboratory results.”
She says it’s generally better to take vitamins and minerals through food. “They seem to work better than with a pill or infusion. Probably because food also contains many other nutrients, which enhances the effect. Water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C, are simply passed out again when doses are too high. Fat-soluble vitamins accumulate and can be toxic.”