Infusions with vitamins and minerals are often offered as an energy or beauty cure. What they can actually do depends above all on one question: is there a deficiency, or not? This article explains when an infusion can make sense, when rather not, how it works and what risks there are.
Treatment at Alpha Skin: Infusion therapy in Bonn – price from €99 and appointment
What happens in infusion therapy
In an infusion, vitamins, minerals or other active substances reach the vein directly via a small access. The gastrointestinal tract is bypassed. This makes it possible to reach higher blood levels than with tablets, and absorption does not depend on how well the gut absorbs a substance.
This is an advantage above all when tablets are not tolerated or are poorly absorbed, or when a pronounced deficiency is to be corrected quickly.
Which infusions there are
- Vitamin C: high-dose, for example as an accompaniment in stressful phases or during allergy season.
- B vitamins: such as vitamin B12 and folic acid, above all in cases of proven deficiency.
- Minerals: magnesium, zinc or selenium, as needed.
- Glutathione: an antioxidant produced by the body itself, which is used in infusions.
- Iron: exclusively in cases of proven iron deficiency and under special monitoring.
The composition is determined individually; not every infusion suits everyone.
When an infusion can make sense
- in the case of a deficiency proven in the blood, for example of iron or vitamin B12
- if tablets are not tolerated or the gut absorbs nutrients poorly, for example in chronic bowel diseases or after operations on the stomach
- as an accompaniment in stressful phases, after medical consideration
What an infusion does not replace
In healthy people without a deficiency an additional benefit of vitamin infusions is not scientifically proven. An infusion replaces neither a balanced diet nor enough sleep. And persistent tiredness often has other causes – such as a thyroid disease, anaemia, sleep disorders or a depressive mood – which need to be clarified.
Tablets or infusion?
For most people tablets are the first step: they are cheaper, easy to use and usually sufficient for a mild deficiency. An infusion comes into question if tablets are not tolerated – iron tablets, for example, often cause gastrointestinal complaints –, if they do not work after a few weeks or if a pronounced deficiency is to be corrected quickly.
Common: iron deficiency in women
Iron deficiency is among the most common deficiency states, especially in women with heavy periods, in pregnancy and with a vegetarian or vegan diet. Typical are tiredness, reduced performance, pale skin, brittle nails and increased hair loss. Whether a deficiency is present is shown by the ferritin level in the blood. In the case of hair loss, clarification in the hair consultation is also worthwhile.
First the blood values, then the infusion
At the start there are a detailed conversation and, if sensible, a blood test. Typical values are the iron store (ferritin), vitamin B12 and folic acid. In this way what is lacking can be supplemented in a targeted way instead of infusing across the board. After a series a check shows whether the values are in the target range.
How an infusion works
- Conversation: Symptoms, pre-existing conditions, medication and allergies are discussed and the suitable infusion is determined.
- Access: A thin venous access is placed in the arm.
- Infusion: You sit or lie comfortably while the infusion runs in slowly – usually 30 to 45 minutes.
- Observation afterwards: After a short rest period you can go home.
How often?
That depends on the goal. In the case of a deficiency a limited series is planned until the stores are replenished; afterwards maintenance with tablets is often enough. Regular infusions without a deficiency and without checking the values do not make sense.
Side effects and risks
A small bruise or a feeling of pressure at the injection site is common. Some feel warmth, a changed taste or slight dizziness during the infusion. Rarely there is irritation of the vein or allergic reactions; with iron infusions monitoring is therefore particularly careful.
When treatment is not carried out
In severe heart or kidney diseases, in allergies to components and in certain metabolic disorders, infusion is not carried out or only after careful consideration. High-dose vitamin C is not suitable in cases of a deficiency of the enzyme G6PD and a tendency to kidney stones, iron in cases of iron overload. In pregnancy and breastfeeding treatment is carried out only after consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Does it hurt? Only the brief prick when the access is placed.
Can I work or drive afterwards? As a rule yes. If you feel dizzy after the infusion, wait until it has passed.
Does health insurance pay? In cases of proven deficiency and a medical reason sometimes; vitamin infusions on request usually not.
What should I observe before the infusion? Eat something beforehand and drink enough; that makes placing the access easier and prevents dizziness.
Cost and consultation
An infusion starts at Alpha Skin from €99; the price follows the German medical fee schedule (GOÄ) and the composition. More on procedure and appointments on the page Infusion therapy. For allergy season the article Vitamin C infusion for allergy explains what is possible as an accompaniment. The practice is located at Theaterplatz 1b in Bonn-Bad Godesberg.
Important medical note
The information described is for general education and does not replace personal medical advice, examination or consultation. Whether a treatment is suitable depends on skin type, initial findings, pre-existing conditions, medication and individual goals.
Effect, durability, tolerability and possible side effects can vary from person to person. Specific results or a particular time course cannot be guaranteed.