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RIYADH: As part of a broader shift toward preventive health and self-care under Saudi Vision 2030, intravenous therapy is gaining traction across the Kingdom.

The treatment, which delivers vitamins and nutrients directly into the bloodstream, is increasingly being used as a quick fix for fatigue, stress, jet lag and overall wellness.

But as its popularity grows, so do questions about its necessity, safety and long-term benefit.

“In clinical settings, IV therapy allows for 100 percent bioavailability because it bypasses the digestive system,” Nada Al-Dogaither, a clinical nutritionist at King Faisal Specialist Hospital, told Arab News 

“It is commonly used for patients who are malnourished, have gastrointestinal disorders or are unable to absorb nutrients orally.”

In recent years, that use has expanded beyond the clinical. Vitamin infusions containing nutrients such as vitamin C, B12, zinc and magnesium are now offered to healthy individuals seeking an energy boost or immune support.

“In wellness contexts, IV therapy can be beneficial for correcting acute deficiencies, rehydration, boosting immunity and improving recovery in cases of fatigue, stress or post-surgical healing,” Al-Dogaither said.

She said that while the nutrients were delivered more efficiently than through oral supplements, the therapy should be approached as a complementary option, not a replacement for diet and lifestyle.

“IV therapy may help restore balance more quickly than oral supplementation. However, it should be viewed as a supportive measure, not a substitute for a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle,” she said.

The growing appeal of IV drips is also tied to the Kingdom’s wider wellness transformation. As ������Ƶ pushes forward with Vision 2030, preventive care and personalized health are becoming visible across the country’s evolving health landscape.

As for the safety concerns surrounding the therapy, Al-Dogaither said that “strict regulation is non-negotiable in this space.”

“In ������Ƶ, we’re fortunate to have a robust and proactive regulatory environment. Both the Ministry of Health and the Saudi FDA conduct regular inspections, enforce high clinical standards, and ensure that wellness therapies like IV infusions are administered safely.”

According to a 2023 report by Horizon Grand View Research, ������Ƶ’s IV hydration therapy market generated SR94.8 million ($25.3 million) in revenue, with projections estimating it will reach SR148 million ($39.4 million) by 2030.

This growth reflects a shift in how health and wellness are understood by the public, particularly among Gen Z and millennials.

“The interest from younger generations reflects a positive shift toward preventive and personalized health,” Al-Dogaither said. “Gen Z and millennials are more wellness-conscious, tech-savvy and open to integrative approaches.”

While IV therapy can offer benefits in certain situations, administering it without proper medical evaluation can carry risks.

In December 2024, a Dubai resident was hospitalized after experiencing severe convulsions, vomiting and shortness of breath following her first IV drip session. According to the Khaleej Times, she had received a NAD+ infusion at a clinic where no preliminary medical tests were conducted.

NAD+ is a natural molecule found in the body that plays a key role in energy production and cellular function. It is commonly used in IV therapy for its potential to support healthy aging and overall wellness.

“When IV therapy is used without proper evaluation, risks can include electrolyte imbalances, nutrient toxicity — especially with fat-soluble vitamins — allergic reactions and infections at the injection site,” Al-Dogaither said. 

“Overuse can also mask underlying health conditions that require proper diagnosis and treatment.”

Despite these concerns, IV therapy continues to expand. In ������Ƶ, services are now offered in wellness clinics as well as through at-home visits; sessions typically cost between SR1,000 and SR5,000, depending on the type of infusion and service provider.

������Ƶ’s broader wellness economy, currently valued at $19.8 billion, according to the Global Wellness Institute, continues to open new avenues for services that promise faster recovery and greater control over personal health.

“While this trend shows promise, it’s important to pair curiosity with education,” Al-Dogaither said. “Understanding when and how IV therapy is appropriate helps maintain its credibility and ensures that it’s used effectively — as part of a broader, balanced approach to health.”

She added: “Education, regulation and interdisciplinary collaboration will be key to ensuring it remains safe, effective and accessible.”

Munirah Al-Harbi is a Saudi national who sought the treatment during a period of physical exhaustion.

“I tried it because I was going through long periods of stress and exhaustion, and I felt like my body needed a strong boost to get my energy back quickly,” she told Arab News.

Having previously relied on supplements, Al-Harbi said that she noticed a distinct difference after her first IV session.

“I used to always take regular supplements, but I never felt a clear difference, so I decided to try something different for myself,” she said. “After the session, I felt an energy boost and mental clarity that I’ve never experienced from vitamin pills.”

She said that the fast-acting effect of the therapy was what made it stand out.

“I think the main difference is that it delivers the nutrients directly into the bloodstream, so the effect is much faster.”

“It’s not something I do all the time, but when I really need a strong boost, I feel it’s worth it because the results are quick and noticeable,” she said.

She added that the experience has shifted her view of wellness. “Health isn’t just about taking medicine or treating illness, but also about prevention and improving your lifestyle,” she said. 

Abdulrahman Al-Angari, chairman of the Saudi Longevity Society and CEO of Evercare, said that IV therapy was emerging as a promising tool in ������Ƶ’s move toward preventive health care.

“IV therapy is just at the threshold of longevity medicine, and it will play a role in increasing both lifespan and health span,” Al-Angari told Arab News.

“As Saudi shifts toward proactive health care, IV therapy is one of the tools that can support that transition when backed by scientific data.”

Al-Angari said that demand was growing in the Kingdom for effective and regulated longevity solutions

“There is a dire need in the Saudi market for healthy longevity solutions,” he said. “While longevity is multifaceted, we now focus on IV therapy as it is the most medically relevant at this stage and requires a highly skilled workforce and robust supply chain infrastructure.”

He said that ������Ƶ maintained a strong health regulatory framework, with regular inspections to ensure compliance.

“������Ƶ has very strong health regulatory standards. Almost monthly, we are inspected by the Saudi FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and Ministry of Health to ensure stringent adherence to their guidelines,” he said.

“������Ƶ has one of the highest indices of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes, according to Ministry of Health data,” Al-Angari said. 

“NAD+ supplements might help prevent pancreatic aging and delay the onset of adult diabetes. Delaying diabetes by even one year could reduce the burden on our health sector, support the economy and improve overall health span.”

He added that one of the key drivers behind the rise of IV therapy in the Kingdom was a shift in public awareness.

“People are becoming more health-conscious and are looking for ways to take better care of themselves,” he said. “Convenience plays a role too, many want fast, effective support for stress, fatigue or low immunity.”