While they may seem similar, an IV and a shooter (a vitamin shot) are actually quite different! At IV Revival, we offer both because we know that not everyone has the time from an IV and some need to feel better, faster! So, what is the difference between an IV and a vitamin shot? Let’s break it down.
If you’re still not quite sure what the differences between an injection and infusion are, here are some key points:
- An injection doesn’t require any IV equipment
- Injections absorb slower than IVs
- IVs are felt faster, but the effects don’t last as long as injections
- IVs are an effective way to rehydrate
- An IV vitamin infusion is typically used to treat some type of chronic issue
Vitamin Shots
A vitamin shot is an intramuscular injection. It’s used to deliver vitamins or medication deep into your muscles to be absorbed into your bloodstream. They use the same type of needle as a flu shot!
At IV Revival, you can choose to have your vitamin shot administered in your upper arm or your buttocks. These spots are ideal due to muscle mass. Injecting medicine or vitamins into the layer of subcutaneous fat, especially areas with a lack of blood vessels, may not work! This is because the fat has little access to the bloodstream, therefore the injection can’t move through your body as intended.
When given a vitamin shot, the contents are absorbed slowly so you don’t feel results as quickly, but it stays in your system longer.
There are several methods of injection or infusion used in humans, including intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intraosseous, intraperitoneal, intrathecal, epidural, intracardiac, intraarticular, intracavernous, and intravitreal.
A B12 Shooter
A B12 shooter is a quick and nearly painless B12 vitamin shot. As mentioned above, they can be injected into your upper arm or buttocks by one of our nurses at IV Revival. The needle is tiny and the injection is over in under 10 seconds, so you’ll hardly feel a thing.
Because it is injected, you’ll start feeling more energized or be in a better mood within minutes.
B12 is a wonderful vitamin. It fights fatigue, reduces depression, improves mood, promotes bone health and density, and more. That means if you’re feeling down or need a long-lasting boost of energy, but don’t have the time for a full IV treatment, a B12 vitamin shot may benefit you.
IV Therapy
Intravenous therapy (IV therapy) is different because the infusion of vitamins and pH-balanced fluids is injected straight into a vein, meaning right into your bloodstream. It is sometimes referred to as an IV drip, because that’s how it works — the contents are pulled down by gravity and drip down into the IV tubing and catheter, which helps avoid air bubbles.
Intravenous therapy may be used to correct electrolyte imbalances, rehydrate, provide medications, and help you feel better.
An IV is the fastest way to deliver fluids, vitamins, and medications throughout the body.
IV Vitamin Therapy
An IV and a shooter may be different, but you’ll get all the same benefits of just a B12 shot, mixed with other wellness optimizing nutrients. You can choose from water-soluble choices like magnesium, glutathione, vitamin C, zinc, and more.
IVs are built to optimize your health because it circumvents your body’s digestive tract. Many essential vitamins and nutrients are water-soluble and are not efficiently processed when you eat them. That’s why IV vitamin therapy with water-soluble nutrients works — it lets your body get exactly what it needs and flushes out those that it doesn’t.
In an IV, your body absorbs it faster so you feel the results of it more quickly, but it doesn’t last as long in your system as a shooter. This is because a shooter needs time to move from your muscles into your bloodstream, while an IV has a direct line into it.
IV therapy is safe when done by a trained nurse, like our staff at IV Revival, and takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. It is practically painless and can be done from the comfort of your own home.
Experience the Difference for Yourself
As always, the IV Revival Team is committed to being there for you when you need it. We’ve taken steps to make our mobile IV Therapy and vitamin shooter services safer than ever. Our registered nurses are trained in disease prevention and new procedures are active to protect you.
We are require the following:
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COVID-19 screening questions MUST be answered before booking an appointment
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Any clients who tested positive for COVID in the past 14 days are not eligible for treatment
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Our registered nurses will come to your home to administer treatment at home
If you’re concerned about the safety of IV Revival, check out our past blog on the topic. You can also contact us today if you have any questions or concerns or to request an appointment.