Why Athletes Use IV Therapy

Athletes with a wide range of skills and training levels may use IV therapy as they strive to achieve peak performance. Some athletic organizations, including the World Anti-Doping Agency, restrict the use of IV fluids for otherwise healthy individuals. Nonetheless, many athletes still seek IV therapy while in training. Here are a few of the reasons athletes have been known to have an IV before or after exercise:

• To rehydrate efficiently: Athletes lose a lot of fluid while exercising, especially in hot weather. Dehydration can lead to lowered athletic performance, and severe dehydration can even become dangerous if it's left unaddressed. Because IV fluids bypass the digestive system and enter directly into the bloodstream, they can rehydrate the body more quickly than oral rehydration. Furthermore, IVs allow for direct absorption of any nutrients contained in the IV solution, which might include electrolytes, antioxidants or amino acids, so athletes may use IV therapy to rehydrate while also receiving vitamins and minerals tailored to their needs.
• To lower the chance of muscle cramps: Muscle cramps during competitions pose serious problems for serious athletes. Although many factors contribute to muscle cramps, dehydration and salt loss may play a significant role. Some athletes and sports teams choose to replace fluids and salts through IVs before a competition in the hopes of preventing cramps.
• To promote smoother recovery: To minimize inflammation and pain after exercise and promote a faster recovery, some athletes seek out IVs that contain glutathione, vitamin C and other antioxidants thought to promote wound healing and reduce oxidative stress that leads to post-workout soreness.

Some anecdotal evidence certainly supports the usefulness of IVs for certain athletes, and IV fluids can also provide symptom relief for athletes suffering from moderate to severe dehydration as a result of exercise. However, it's important to note that research has not found significant evidence to suggest that IV rehydration provides performance benefits over oral rehydration under normal circumstances, or that IV fluids effectively prevent muscle cramping.

If you're thinking about getting IV therapy, check with the athletic organization governing your competitions to make sure it's allowed.