John Blazo settled into a leather recliner at a wellness spa in Charlestown, popped open a can of Raspberry Lime Polar Seltzer, and rolled up his sleeve. It was Friday afternoon — his weekly ritual of receiving an IV infusion of vitamins and supplements. For the next 45 minutes, a cocktail of fluids, antioxidants, and boosters dripped slowly into his bloodstream as he relaxed in the spa's softly lit room, surrounded by art and a menu of treatments that could have been lifted from a smoothie bar.

Blazo, a 34-year-old attorney, is part of a growing trend across Massachusetts where people are paying hundreds of dollars for IV vitamin infusions that promise everything from immunity boosts to faster recovery after illness or travel. The treatments, often marketed as medspas or "drip bars," have exploded in popularity since before the pandemic, fueled by wellness influencers and consumers chasing perceived shortcuts to better health.

On that particular Friday, Blazo received a liter of fluids, smaller doses of vitamins, 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C, 1,000 milligrams of glutathione, and a 100-milligram shot of NAD+, a supplement touted for its antiaging benefits. He says the infusions have helped him avoid the colds and flus he used to catch several times a year, and he credits them with improving his performance at work and during long-distance running.

"This is a much better experience than sitting in a waiting room with a bunch of sick people," Blazo said. "It's 100 percent worth it. You only get one body. It's worth investing in it."

But the return on that investment is far from certain. Medical experts warn that while IV infusions deliver nutrients faster than oral supplements, they also bypass the body's natural digestive filters, which can increase the risk of complications such as infections, vein inflammation, and electrolyte imbalances. Dr. Ali S. Raja, executive vice chair of emergency medicine at Mass General Brigham, said IVs are powerful medical tools that should not be marketed like spa treatments.

"The biggest danger might be the false sense of security," Raja said. "People think they're getting preventative care when they're really just buying an expensive, mildly helpful pick-me-up."

Most of the nutrients used in IV drips, including vitamin C and zinc, are important for health, but evidence that high doses prevent illness in healthy adults is limited. NAD+, which has gained attention for its supposed antiaging properties, lacks strong human data to support its benefits when administered periodically through IVs. Raja said side effects can include nausea, chest tightness, and electrolyte imbalances.

Despite these concerns, the medspa market continues to grow. In 2022, the industry was valued at $15 billion in the U.S., with nearly 9,000 facilities nationwide. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine last year found that, like dietary supplements, this market is largely unregulated, raising concerns about patient safety and the potential for financial exploitation.

In Massachusetts, medspas offering IV drips must be licensed by the Department of Public Health unless operated by a licensed medical provider. While there is no official count of IV lounges in the state, an online search shows nearly 100 businesses offering nonmedical IV infusions in the Greater Boston area. Some operate on membership models, offering discounts to encourage repeat visits.

Melissa Shaw, a former rehabilitation nurse, helped launch Vivolo Wellness after feeling burned out in traditional bedside nursing. She partnered with the owners of a nearby gym to create a calmer environment where she feels she is making an impact by helping people stay healthy. Aaron Landes, one of the owners, first encountered IV therapy during a bachelor party in Nashville and saw potential in combining wellness with preventive care, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"COVID was a clear time that the healthier you were, the less likely it was going to hurt you," Landes said. "Preventive wellness and preventive care are becoming more popular."

Alison Oxton, another nurse who entered the field, helped launch one of the state's earlier IV therapy businesses in 2017 after years in emergency rooms. She later coauthored a research article titled "How to Start an IV Drip Bar" as a guide for medical professionals. Oxton believes there isn't enough government oversight and draws a distinction between businesses run by medical professionals and those operated by nonmedical providers.

"There are businesses that are owned by nonmedical providers that just want to make money," she said. "But when you're actually an RN, doing it yourself and treating people for decades, you know it's not a waste of money."

Dr. Daniela Winston, who was among the first in Boston to offer wellness IVs, now runs a concierge medical practice and cautions against frequent use without a clear medical need. She recommends testing patients for documented nutrient deficiencies before considering IV therapy and emphasizes that most nutrients should come from food.

"I do not recommend IVs every week," Winston said. "That is too excessive and absolutely unnecessary."

As the industry grows, so do questions about its safety, efficacy, and regulation. While some customers swear by the treatments, medical experts continue to urge caution, reminding the public that traditional health habits remain far more impactful than any IV infusion.

Scorpion Journal Analysis

At Scorpion Journal, we see the rise of IV drip bars as a fascinating case study in how wellness culture intersects with modern healthcare — and where it sometimes veers into questionable territory. On one hand, the appeal is understandable: people want to feel better, perform better, and take control of their health. The spa-like environments and personalized service make these treatments feel both luxurious and proactive. But the science simply doesn't back up the marketing claims for most healthy adults.

What's most concerning is the lack of oversight in an industry that operates in a gray area between wellness and medicine. While some providers are experienced medical professionals, others may lack the training to safely administer IVs or screen for underlying health conditions. The result is a market where consumers are paying premium prices for treatments that, at best, offer mild benefits and, at worst, pose real health risks. As this trend continues to grow, we believe stronger regulation and clearer public education are essential to protect both patient safety and public trust.

Source: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/03/13/metro/iv-therapy-boston-massachusetts/