NEW TREND: IV hydration. Should you do it?

Triathlon Nutrition Academy

Proper recovery and performance enhancement have always been top priorities for athletes. But what happens when new trends promise to deliver these benefits with the allure of convenience? Is it worth the investment, or even safe? Today, we delve into the growing trend that is IV hydration and explore whether it truly lives up to the hype.

What is IV Hydration?
In simple terms, IV hydration involves bags of hydration, vitamins, amino acids, or a mix thereof being administered directly into your bloodstream through a cannula. Originally, this practice was strictly for medical use in hospitals to treat severe dehydration and nutrient deficiencies or deliver medication when oral intake wasn’t possible.

Now, companies offering IV hydration have extended these services to healthy individuals for various perceived benefits, such as rapid rehydration, improved skin health, and curing hangovers. For athletes, especially triathletes, they’re even promising quick recovery and performance enhancement post-race.

Reality Check:
That all sounds great, but can IV hydration actually deliver on these promises? The short answer for healthy athletes is no.

Your hydration needs are unique and vary based on multiple factors, including genetics, environmental conditions, and fitness levels. Oral hydration is a far safer and more efficient way of meeting these needs than opting for a quick fix like IV hydration, so if you can drink your liquids, you should.

If an athlete is extremely dehydrated or unable to orally consume fluids, IV hydration can be beneficial, but this should be done at a medical station after being assessed by a medical professional.

The Risks:
Any procedure involving a needle carries risk, and IV hydration is no exception. Infection risks, vein inflammation, and even complications like blood clots can occur. Proper hygiene and a qualified professional administering the infusion can lower but not eliminate these risks.

Additionally, there is the risk of overloading your body with fluids, which, without proper medical supervision, can lead to severe complications like hyponatremia – a life-threatening condition caused by low sodium levels in the blood.

For competitive athletes, there are even risks that go beyond your health. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibits intravenous infusions of more than 50 mL per six-hour period, both in and out of competition. Athletes found violating these regulations could face severe consequences, including bans.

Is It Worth the Cost?

The financial aspect of IV hydration is another important point to consider. Costs can range from 200 to 300 dollars, or even higher if you add vitamins and amino acids. Considering the risks involved and that there are no performance benefits compared to just drinking, IV Hydration just isn’t worth it. Investing your money in long-term hydration strategies tailored to your needs is far more beneficial.

The bottom line when it comes to hydration and recovery is if you can drink, do so. If you can’t then you don’t need IV hydration therapy, you need to go to the medical tent and get help from healthcare professionals! For reoccurring hydration issues, work with a professional to address the root cause and develop long-term strategies tailored to your individual needs.

LINKS:

Check how well you’re doing when it comes to your nutrition with our 50 step checklist to Triathlon Nutrition Mastery: dietitianapproved.com/checklist

Start working on your nutrition now with my Triathlon Nutrition Kickstart course: dietitianapproved.com/kickstart

It’s for you if you’re a triathlete and you feel like you’ve got your training under control and you’re ready to layer in your nutrition. It's your warmup on the path to becoming a SUPERCHARGED triathlete – woohoo!

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