By Dr. Liew Wei Jie

Physician, Danai Medi-Well Clinic

We typically receive most of our nutrients from our meals. However, it is difficult to obtain everything our body needs through food alone. Supplements help in this scenario. While swallowing a pill is a traditional method, recent years have witnessed a growing trend revolving around the use of intravenous (IV) drips for nutritional supplementation.

Wondering what IV drips for nutritional supplementation are about? Let’s take a closer look.


Defining IV Therapy
We are all probably very familiar with oral pills, which are the most common form of supplementation. These can come in tablets, capsules or soft gels and are usually ingested once or multiple times a day. They make their way through our digestive system, where they are broken down before being absorbed in the bloodstream.

With IV therapy, vitamins and nutrients are delivered directly and immediately into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. This method allows for faster and more efficient absorption into the body, as well as the customisation of formulas to address specific health needs. As such, it may be a better solution for individuals who may not be able to absorb the nutrients as efficiently via their gut.


IV Therapy vs. Oral Supplementation
While both IV and oral supplementation share a common goal of delivering vital nutrients to the body, they work in different ways

Here is a comparison of how the two methods fare when it comes to:

Effectiveness and Speed
IV therapy is a superior solution in this aspect. With the direct delivery of vitamins and nutrients into the bloodstream, it can offer immediate results and is ideal for individuals who need a quick nutrient boost or have difficulty absorbing nutrients orally.

Nevertheless, most people with healthy digestion will find that oral supplementation can be adequate, providing effective and sustained benefits over time. As a plus, there’s no need to worry about the invasive nature of an IV drip. 

Cost and Accessibility
As a rule of thumb, oral supplements are the winner in this category. They are more cost-effective and widely available from health stores and pharmacies, where they can be purchased over the counter.

IV drips, on the other hand, often require a visit to the healthcare provider for the administration and can be more expensive.  

Health Considerations
IV drips can come with potential risks, including infection, vein irritation or adverse reactions to high doses of vitamins. This is why it is important to consult a healthcare professional before undergoing IV therapy, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Oral supplements, while generally safe for most people, can also cause digestive issues like nausea, constipation or upset stomach. Additionally, poor absorption rates in certain individuals can reduce their effectiveness.

Both IV and oral supplementations have their place, depending on individual needs and health goals. Before deciding between an IV drip or oral vitamin supplements, it is essential to consider your specific health needs, budget and personal preferences.

Danai Medi-Wellness offers a range of IV therapy and personalised oral supplements for different needs. Talk to us to see which is more suitable for you.

Get to know me:
Dr. Liew Wei Jie has comprehensive experience in delivering primary and tertiary care to patients. He is dedicated to promoting holistic wellness via the delivery of personalised care.