Can You Get Injections for Energy? A Scientific Look at Vitamin Shots and IV Drips

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

In 2022, 13.5% of U.S. adults reported feeling very tired or exhausted most days or every day [1.2.1]. This widespread fatigue has many asking: can you get injections for energy? These treatments promise a quick fix, but it's crucial to understand their effectiveness and safety.

Quick Summary

An exploration of injections marketed for energy, such as Vitamin B12, MIC, and glutathione drips. The focus is on their use for diagnosed deficiencies versus for general wellness, covering benefits, risks, and scientific backing.

Key Points

Deficiency is Key: Vitamin injections, especially B12, are most effective for individuals with a diagnosed nutrient deficiency [1.5.4].
Limited Evidence for Wellness Use: There is little robust scientific evidence that injections provide a significant energy boost for healthy people with normal vitamin levels.
Bypass for Bioavailability: The main advantage of injections is bypassing the digestive system for nearly 100% nutrient absorption [1.8.2].
Risks and Regulation: Risks include injection site pain, allergic reactions, and infection. Compounded injections are not FDA-approved, making provider choice critical [1.9.3, 1.10.1].
Common Types: Popular options include Vitamin B12, MIC (lipotropic), Glutathione, and IV drips like the Myers' Cocktail [1.4.1].
Cost Varies: Prices range from around $30 for a single B12 shot to over $200 for a complex IV vitamin infusion [1.13.1, 1.13.2].
Lifestyle is Foundational: Proven methods to fight fatigue include adequate sleep, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management [1.11.1, 1.11.2].

The Modern Quest for a Quick Energy Fix

Persistent fatigue is a common complaint in today's fast-paced world. According to 2022 CDC data, 13.5% of American adults felt very tired or exhausted on most days [1.2.1]. This has fueled a booming market for quick energy solutions, moving beyond coffee to wellness treatments like vitamin injections and intravenous (IV) drips. Often promoted by clinics and medical spas, these therapies promise to boost energy, enhance metabolism, and improve overall vitality [1.3.4]. But what does the science say about these popular treatments?

Understanding Energy Injections

Energy injections are treatments that deliver vitamins, minerals, and amino acids directly into the body, either through an intramuscular (IM) shot or an intravenous (IV) drip [1.3.4]. The primary argument for this delivery method is enhanced bioavailability; by bypassing the digestive system, nearly 100% of the nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream for immediate use [1.8.2]. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with absorption issues or diagnosed nutrient deficiencies [1.5.1]. However, their use as an elective energy booster for healthy individuals is a subject of debate.

Common Types of Energy Injections

Several types of injections are marketed with the promise of increased energy. The most prevalent include:

Vitamin B12 Injections: Vitamin B12 is essential for producing red blood cells and converting food into energy [1.3.1]. Deficiency can lead to significant fatigue and weakness. Injections are a standard, effective treatment for those with a deficiency, often caused by dietary restrictions (like veganism) or absorption problems [1.5.4].
MIC (Methionine, Inositol, Choline) Injections: Often combined with B12, these are known as "lipotropic" injections. Methionine, inositol, and choline are compounds that play a role in fat metabolism [1.6.2]. They are marketed to help the liver process fats, potentially boosting energy and aiding in weight management, although robust scientific evidence for these effects in healthy individuals is limited [1.6.3, 1.6.4].
Glutathione Injections: Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant naturally produced by the liver [1.7.1]. It plays a key role in detoxification and neutralizing oxidative stress, which can contribute to fatigue. Proponents claim IV glutathione can reduce inflammation, improve cellular function, and thereby increase energy levels [1.7.1, 1.7.2].
IV Vitamin Drips (e.g., Myers' Cocktail): The Myers' Cocktail is a popular IV infusion containing a mix of B vitamins, Vitamin C, magnesium, and calcium [1.12.1, 1.12.2]. It's used to treat a range of conditions and is often promoted for alleviating chronic fatigue. The direct infusion is intended to rapidly correct nutrient deficiencies and boost overall wellness [1.8.3].

Efficacy: Medical Necessity vs. Wellness Boost

The crucial distinction in the effectiveness of energy injections lies between treating a diagnosed deficiency and seeking a general energy boost. For someone with a Vitamin B12 deficiency, injections are a medically necessary and highly effective treatment that can resolve symptoms like fatigue [1.5.4].

However, for individuals with normal nutrient levels, the benefits are less clear. While many users report feeling more energetic after an injection, this effect could be due to the placebo effect or the hydration provided by IV drips [1.8.4]. There is limited robust scientific research to support the claim that extra vitamins provide a significant energy boost to those who are not deficient. The body is efficient at excreting excess water-soluble vitamins, like B and C, through urine [1.9.3].

Comparison of Popular Energy Injections


Injection Type	Key Ingredients	Purported Benefit	Typical Cost (per injection/session)
Vitamin B12 Shot	Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin or Methylcobalamin) [1.13.3]	Boosts energy, improves metabolism, supports nerve function [1.5.2]	$20 - $50 [1.13.3]
MIC B12 Shot	Methionine, Inositol, Choline, Vitamin B12 [1.6.2]	Aids fat metabolism, enhances energy, supports liver function [1.6.1]	$35 - $75 [1.6.4]
Glutathione IV	Glutathione [1.7.1]	Detoxification, reduces oxidative stress, boosts immune function [1.7.1, 1.7.4]	Varies widely, often part of a larger IV package.
Myers' Cocktail IV	B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Calcium [1.12.2]	Alleviates fatigue, enhances immune support, general wellness [1.12.1]	$160 - $200+ for a vitamin infusion [1.13.2]

Potential Risks and Regulatory Status

While generally considered safe, energy injections are not without risks. Common side effects are usually mild and include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site [1.9.3]. Less common but more serious side effects can include allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), irregular heartbeat, and muscle cramps, which require immediate medical attention [1.9.2, 1.9.4].

There is also a risk of receiving too much of certain vitamins, which can lead to nutrient imbalances or toxicity, although this is rare with water-soluble vitamins [1.9.3]. A significant concern, particularly with IV clinics and medical spas, is the sterility of the preparation. The FDA has highlighted concerns about insanitary conditions at some facilities that compound these injections [1.10.3]. Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved, meaning they do not undergo the same rigorous testing for safety and efficacy as mass-produced pharmaceuticals [1.10.1, 1.10.4]. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that any treatment is administered by a licensed professional in a sterile environment.

Evidence-Based Alternatives for Boosting Energy

Before turning to injections, several proven lifestyle changes can effectively combat fatigue:

Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
Stay Hydrated: Even mild dehydration can cause fatigue. Drink plenty of water throughout the day [1.11.3].
Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods, including complex carbohydrates (oats, brown rice), lean proteins (eggs), and healthy fats (nuts) for sustained energy [1.11.3].
Regular Exercise: Physical activity boosts circulation and energy levels.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress is a major drain on energy. Practices like meditation and deep breathing can help [1.11.2].

Conclusion: A Tool, Not a Cure-All

So, can you get injections for energy? Yes, but their effectiveness is highly conditional. For those with a clinical nutrient deficiency, injections are a powerful medical tool. For healthy individuals, they may offer a temporary, subjective boost, but they are not a magic bullet for fatigue and are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle [1.6.4]. The risks, though minimal, and the lack of strong scientific backing for wellness use warrant caution. Consulting with a primary care physician to diagnose the root cause of fatigue and discuss evidence-based solutions is the most prudent first step. Find more information on compounding from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common injection for energy is Vitamin B12. It is essential for red blood cell formation and converting food into energy, and shots are a standard treatment for B12 deficiency, which can cause severe fatigue [1.3.1, 1.4.4].

For individuals who are not deficient in Vitamin B12, the evidence of a significant energy-boosting benefit is weak. Since B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, your body will typically excrete any excess amount it doesn't need [1.9.3].

The cost varies. A single Vitamin B12 injection can cost between $20 and $50, while more complex IV vitamin infusions, like a Myers' Cocktail, can range from $160 to over $200 per session [1.13.1, 1.13.3].

When administered by a licensed professional, they are generally considered safe. However, risks include pain at the injection site, mild diarrhea, dizziness, and in rare cases, allergic reactions or nutrient imbalances. It's also important that the provider follows sterile compounding practices [1.9.2, 1.10.3].

A MIC injection contains Methionine, Inositol, and Choline. These are lipotropic compounds that play a role in the body's metabolism of fat. They are often combined with Vitamin B12 and marketed to aid in weight loss and boost energy [1.6.2].

Because injections deliver nutrients directly into the bloodstream, many people report feeling more energetic within hours of a treatment, especially with IV therapy [1.7.2]. However, the duration and intensity of this effect can vary greatly.

Effective natural alternatives include getting 7-9 hours of sleep, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods, getting regular exercise, and managing stress levels [1.11.1, 1.11.3].