The IV Drip service on offer at Brown Thomas is based on ‘pseudo-science’ – with no evidence supporting the need for it, according to an Irish doctor.
The department store is offering the service at its new outlet in Dundrum – with prices ranging from €85 for ‘basic hydration’ to €950 for a ‘limitless’ drip.
On Lunchtime Live yesterday, the CEO of the company behind the service said the drips are administered by registered nurses – with doctors, nutritionists and dietitians on-site.
Meanwhile, Brown Thomas has said the service provides an alternative, more efficient and cost-effective way for people to supplement their diet.
‘Get A Drip’ chief Richard Chambers said the formulas have all been made in safe doses, with no adverse effects recorded from over 40,000 drips administered around the world up to now.
The drips are advertised as being beneficial for immunity, fitness, energy levels and even anti-aging.
On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Dr Trish Horgan from the Broadlane Family Practice in County Cork said the claims appear to be based on pseudo-science.
“I am not aware of any evidence that would support the use of these drips in any shape or form,” she said. “Certainly, this would appear to be pseudo-science.
“I am not aware of any evidence that would show that this prevents aging or slows down aging.
“We know that hydration is important and this is something people can achieve by drinking plenty of water.
“Vitamins and minerals we can absorb through our gut by taking them in by mouth by taking a balanced diet – vegetables and fruit. Lifestyle is important. Maintaining exercise is the most important anti-aging process we can engage in as far as I am aware.”
Concern
Dr Horgan said there are a number of risks surrounding the service.
“I suppose, first and foremost, my concern is the concept that someone who is feeling unwell would seek answers in a department store rather than contacting their family doctor,” she said.
“There is a risk of significant diagnoses – like a cancer or a heart disease diagnosis – being missed.
“So, my advice is, if someone is feeling unwell, they should attend their GP where someone who knows your medical history and your medications will carry out an examination. Blood tests need to be carried out.”
Risks
She said there are also inherent risks involved in administering an IV.
“There is a risk with actually injecting a substance into somebody’s vein,” she said.
“That is something we rarely do in the community and rarely do in general practice actually. Very often is it only done in an emergency setting.”
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