You may have come across these ads: «vitamin cocktails» administered via IV, marketed as a quick fix for more energy, a stronger immune system, or more radiant skin. The intravenous vitamin therapy is gaining ground in Quebec, driven by private clinics offering attractive packages. But what does the science actually say, and what do the professional bodies responsible for protecting the public think of this practice? This article takes stock of the situation—without being either complacent or alarmist—and explains why our network has made a specific decision on this matter.
On this page
- What Is Intravenous Vitamin Therapy?
- The Position of Quebec's Professional Associations
- What International Science Says
- What Quebec Researchers Have to Say About It
- Genuine Medical Indications
- The Very Real Risks
- Why doesn't our network offer this service?
- What to Do If You're Feeling «Down»
- Myths and Misconceptions
- Frequently asked questions
What Is Intravenous Vitamin Therapy?
Visit intravenous vitamin therapy — also known as a vitamin infusion, IV therapy, or the «Myers» cocktail” — involves injecting a mixture of vitamins, minerals, and other substances directly into the bloodstream. The infusion usually lasts between 20 and 60 minutes.
The best-known formula, the Myers« Cocktail, was developed in the 1970s by Dr. John Myers in Baltimore. It combines B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, and calcium diluted in sterile water. Today, there are dozens of variations: »energy,« »detox,« »anti-aging,« »immunity,« »NAD+,” and so on.
The selling point is always the same: by bypassing the digestive system, nearly all of the injected nutrients are absorbed, compared to only a fraction when taken orally. This appealing argument, however, warrants scrutiny in light of the scientific evidence.
The Position of Quebec's Professional Associations
In January 2024, four professional associations issued a joint opinion Regarding professional practice: the Collège des médecins du Québec, the Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec, the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec, and the Ordre des diététistes-nutritionnistes du Québec. The title is unambiguous: «Intravenous Vitamins: Comply with Your Ethical Obligations.»
Three Key Findings
- The scientific literature does not support the use of IV vitamin therapy in people who do not have a vitamin or mineral deficiency. There is no evidence to support its use for reducing fatigue, improving brain function, or alleviating musculoskeletal pain.
- This practice carries real risks. The advisory notes the death of a man in Montreal from sepsis following an infusion administered from a contaminated vial.
- Since vitamin requirements vary from person to person, a blanket prescription should not be used for this type of treatment: each infusion should be based on a comprehensive individual medical evaluation, documented in the patient’s medical record.
The conclusion of the four guidelines is clear: they discourage the use of IV vitamin therapy in patients who do not have a diagnosed health condition.
Key Takeaways
- Four professional associations issued a joint statement in January 2024.
- There is no scientific evidence to support its use in people who do not have a deficiency.
- The claimed «energy» or «detox» benefits have not been proven.
- A death from sepsis has been reported in Montreal.
- Each infusion should be based on an individual assessment.
- Regulations discourage healthy people from engaging in this activity.
What International Science Says
The position of Quebec's professional associations is not an isolated one. The Merck Manual, one of the world’s most widely consulted medical references, concludes in its July 2025 review that the use of IV vitamin therapy should be discouraged in healthy individuals, as none of the claimed effects have been confirmed.
The available studies are few in number, often small in scale, and lack a placebo group; several have shown that the infusions were no more effective than a placebo. No data published to date demonstrate the effectiveness of this treatment for a serious or chronic illness in an otherwise healthy person. In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission even sued a company in 2018 for health claims deemed misleading and unsubstantiated regarding the ability of these IV drips to treat cancer, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, fibromyalgia, or heart failure.
What Quebec Researchers Have to Say About It
In Quebec, too, several scientists have spoken out publicly about this practice, notably in the pages of La Presse.
Mathieu Ferron, a biochemist and director of the Molecular Physiology Research Unit at the Montreal Clinical Research Institute, reviewed the literature cited by the companies offering these infusions. According to statements attributed to him, he believes that these arguments are more a matter of scientific window-dressing intended to sell a commercial product than solid evidence, and he laments the lack of regulation: Since these products are considered supplements rather than drugs, their manufacturers are not required to demonstrate their effectiveness.
Dr. Christopher Labos, a cardiologist and epidemiologist, summarizes the medical consensus by emphasizing that these infusions do not treat anything, except in the case of very specific patients with very specific needs—for example, someone with a specific vitamin deficiency who is unable to eat by mouth. He points out that when the body already has enough vitamins to function properly, it simply excretes excess water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins B and C, in the urine.
Professor John White of the Department of Physiology at McGill University agrees: for a healthy person, these intravenous therapies would be unnecessary. He points out a simple principle: the body is designed to absorb vitamins from food, a method that is both more economical and more accessible. For its part, the Collège des médecins du Québec, through its spokesperson quoted in the same report, urges the public to exercise the utmost caution and to discuss the matter with a doctor first, noting that this treatment is not supported by solid scientific evidence.
This convergence—between professional associations, the international literature, and Quebec researchers—sends a strong signal that this practice, as it is marketed today, is not based on sound medical foundations.
Key Takeaways
- An internationally recognized reference such as the Merck Manual has been added to Quebec's professional registries.
- Existing studies are few, small, and often lack a placebo group.
- Researchers in Quebec describe the commercial arguments as unfounded.
- These products are classified as dietary supplements, not as drugs.
- The body generally eliminates excess water-soluble vitamins.
- Orders, international science, and researchers all point to the same conclusion.
Genuine Medical Indications
This does not mean that all vitamin injections are useless. There are clinical situations where intravenous or intramuscular administration is warranted and well-established—but such cases are rare and depend on a diagnosis.
- A vitamin B12 deficiency confirmed by blood tests, particularly in cases of malabsorption.
- A documented severe iron deficiency, when oral treatment is poorly tolerated or ineffective.
- Certain severe digestive disorders or postoperative conditions that prevent the normal absorption of nutrients.
- Specific hospital indications governed by clinical protocols.
In all these cases, this is a medical procedure that is based on a diagnosis, follows an individualized prescription, is administered by a licensed professional, and is subject to follow-up care. This is very different from a «wellness cocktail» offered on a mass scale, without a prior assessment, to healthy individuals.
Key Takeaways
- There are actual indications, but they are always based on a diagnosis.
- Examples include B12 deficiency, iron deficiency, or malabsorption disorders.
- The action follows an individual order and a follow-up.
- It is administered by a licensed professional.
- A «cocktail» sold as a standard treatment is by no means a regulated medical procedure.
- A preliminary assessment makes all the difference.
Persistent fatigue deserves a thorough evaluation, not a quick fix. Take a appointment, choose a online consultation anywhere in Quebec, or explore our services. Organizations that wish to support the health of their teams can explore our solutions for companies.
The Very Real Risks
An intravenous infusion is never a trivial procedure. The Merck Manual and the joint statement from the four professional associations highlight several risks documented.
| Risk | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Severe infection or sepsis | Inadequate sterilization of equipment (cause of death reported in Montreal) |
| Heart rhythm disorders or muscle weakness | Magnesium or potassium in a person whose levels are already out of balance |
| Liquidity Surplus | Increased risk in cases of heart disease or high blood pressure, which can affect the kidneys, brain, or heart |
| Severe allergic reactions | Up to anaphylaxis, particularly with certain vitamins taken in high doses |
| Nerve damage | Excessive doses of vitamin B6 |
| Drug Interactions | Antihypertensives, antibiotics, and medications that stimulate red blood cell production |
The guidelines issued by the four professional associations are also very clear on one point: a layperson may not, under any circumstances, administer, monitor, or discontinue an intravenous infusion. If they do so, they risk being reported for the illegal practice of medicine or nursing.
Why doesn't our network offer this service?
Within our network of clinics in Quebec, we have made the choice not to offer intravenous vitamin therapy as a service.
This decision is based on a simple premise: as long as the scientific community and the professional organizations that regulate our practice do not recognize the value of this procedure for healthy individuals, there is no medical reason to offer it. We prefer to focus our resources on services with proven benefits: medical consultations, health checkups, management of chronic conditions, prevention, vaccinations, screening, and nutritional counseling provided by qualified professionals.
What to Do If You're Feeling «Down»
Persistent fatigue, lack of energy, or feeling «drained» are signals to be taken seriously. Before looking for a quick fix with an IV, it’s worth asking the right questions, step by step.
- See a doctor : A consultation can help identify possible causes—insufficient sleep, anemia, vitamin D or B12 deficiency, hypothyroidism, depression, chronic stress, or an unbalanced lifestyle.
- Have a targeted blood test done : If a deficiency is suspected, specific blood tests (iron, ferritin, vitamin B12, vitamin D) can objectively determine the actual need. Testing before taking action is what distinguishes a useful treatment from a pointless intervention.
- Develop a tailored plan : Depending on the results, targeted oral supplementation, dietary adjustments, nutritional monitoring, or—in rare, justified cases—a B12 injection or iron infusion administered in accordance with standard protocols.
In the vast majority of cases, regaining energy comes down to the basics: getting enough sleep, eating a varied diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and treating any underlying medical conditions, if present.
Myths and Misconceptions
«Vitamin IV drips give everyone energy.»
False. In people without a deficiency, there is no evidence to support an increase in energy. Professional organizations and the Merck Manual discourage this use in healthy people.
«Since it's intravenous, it's obviously better than a pill.»
Nuanced. Route IV increases absorption, but this is only beneficial if there is a genuine need. In the absence of a deficiency, this excess offers no proven benefit and carries additional risks.
«Any vitamin injection is useless.»
False. There are actual indications, such as a documented B12 or iron deficiency. The difference lies in the diagnosis, the individualized prescription, and follow-up by a healthcare professional.
«A vitamin infusion is safe.»
False. Risks include serious infections, heart rhythm disorders, fluid overload, severe allergic reactions, and drug interactions. One death due to sepsis has been reported.
«Anyone can administer an IV in a private clinic»
False. A layperson may not administer, monitor, or stop an IV infusion. Doing so may result in a report for the illegal practice of medicine or nursing.
Frequently asked questions
Is intravenous vitamin therapy recommended for boosting energy?
No. For people without a diagnosed deficiency, there is no scientific evidence to support this use. Professional organizations in Quebec and international guidelines expressly discourage it.
Are there situations in which a vitamin injection is warranted?
Yes, but these cases are rare: confirmed vitamin B12 or iron deficiency, certain malabsorption disorders, or specific medical indications requiring hospitalization. In such cases, it is a regulated medical procedure based on a diagnosis.
What are the main risks associated with a vitamin infusion?
These include serious infections or sepsis, heart rhythm disorders, fluid overload, severe allergic reactions, nerve damage, and drug interactions. One death from sepsis has been reported in Quebec.
Why doesn't Clinique Omicron offer this service?
Because neither the scientific community nor professional organizations recognize the value of this practice for healthy individuals. The network prioritizes procedures with proven benefits.
What should you do if you're experiencing persistent fatigue?
It’s best to consult a doctor, have targeted blood tests done if a deficiency is suspected, and then follow a tailored plan. Assessing the situation before taking action helps avoid unnecessary treatments.
Could a vitamin D or B12 deficiency be the reason for my fatigue?
This is one possible cause, among others such as anemia, hypothyroidism, or lack of sleep. Only a medical evaluation can confirm the cause and guide you toward the right treatment.
Sources
- Quebec College of Physicians, Quebec Order of Pharmacists, OIIQ, and ODNQ — «Intravenous Vitamins: Comply with Your Ethical Obligations,» joint advisory, January 2024. cmq.org
- Merck Manual (Consumer Edition) — Intravenous Vitamin Therapy (Myers' Cocktail), revised July 2025. merckmanuals.com
- La Presse — Report on IV therapy in Montreal, August 26, 2022 (featuring comments from Mathieu Ferron, Dr. Christopher Labos, Professor John White, and the Collège des médecins du Québec). lapresse.ca
- Federal Trade Commission — Action Against the Deceptive Marketing of Intravenous Cocktails, 2018. ftc.gov
- Quebec Order of Dietitians and Nutritionists (ODNQ). odnq.org
- Le Devoir — «Unauthorized Vitamin Cocktails Administered Intravenously,» June 17, 2023. ledevoir.com
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