IV hydration spas thrive along the Gulf Coast

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

IV hydration spas are booming along the Gulf Coast, becoming part of the $15 billion wellness and med spa industry, with some clinics offering mobile services like IV parties for clients preparing for big events or trips.

Renee Cicarello, who is co-chairing the Southwest Florida Wine Festival with her husband, brother, and sister-in-law, is hosting an IV party to prepare for the two-day event. "My husband and I are co-chairing with my brother and sister-in-law, and our goal is to raise $3 million," Cicarello said.

She explained the benefits of the vitamin IV drips, saying, "So this is going to get us all the nutrients we need, all the vitamins to keep us going and pumped through the weekend."

The IV drips, administered by nurses who visit clients' homes, deliver nutrients directly into the bloodstream in higher concentrations than oral supplements.

Cicarello noted their preventative benefits, saying, "People are going to be indulging, and alcohol dehydrates you. You lose B vitamins, your electrolytes. So we are kind of preventing a hangover with complex vitamins, magnesium, and B12 for energy."

The drips are marketed as a way to rehydrate, recover, and replenish, offering increased energy, glowing skin, and boosted immunity.

"We add glutathione. It's an antioxidant. You make it in your liver and your brain. It helps get rid of cellular waste, any leftover from a virus or alcohol," Cicarello said.

The trend is gaining traction for various occasions, including recovery after illness, gearing up for weddings, or preventing jet lag.

"I do it when we travel, especially if I'm going out west. Long flights, germy flights, just to be able to boost my immune system. Because we all know how you can come back from traveling and have the travel funk," Cicarello said.

Doctors caution against using IV hydration as a substitute for medical treatment, emphasizing that real wellness comes from a balanced diet, exercise, hydration, and adequate sleep.

A recent NBC News investigation found that IV hydration spas operate with virtually no oversight or data supporting their claims.

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