Most IV therapy providers offer a base drip menu along with a list of optional add-ins, sometimes called boosters or enhancements. These are individual vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or compounds added to your IV bag at an extra cost. Understanding what they do helps you make informed choices rather than just picking the most expensive option on the menu.
How Add-In Pricing Works
Add-ins are typically priced on a tiered structure. A single add-in usually runs $20 to $35. Bundles are common: providers often charge $40 to $50 for two add-ins and $55 to $70 for three. After three, the incremental cost per add-in usually drops. This structure encourages customization while keeping the average ticket higher.
Some providers also offer intramuscular (IM) injections as alternatives to IV add-ins. An IM shot delivers the compound into muscle tissue rather than directly into the bloodstream. Absorption is slightly slower than IV but faster than oral supplements. B12 shots, for example, are offered as IM injections at many clinics for $25 to $35 as a standalone service.
The Most Common IV Add-Ins
Glutathione
One of the most popular add-ins across all provider categories. Glutathione is often called the "master antioxidant" because it supports liver detoxification, neutralizes free radicals, and recycles other antioxidants including vitamin C and vitamin E. It is administered as a separate slow IV push at the end of the drip rather than mixed into the bag. Side effects are rare, and patients often report improved energy and clearer skin with regular use. Glutathione is a key ingredient in beauty and detox drips, and it is also popular as a standalone add-in to any other IV.
Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)
B12 is involved in red blood cell production, nerve function, and energy metabolism. Deficiency is common, particularly among vegetarians, vegans, older adults, and people with digestive absorption issues. IV-delivered B12 bypasses the intestinal absorption limitations that make oral supplements less effective for deficient individuals. You may see it listed as methylcobalamin (the active form) or cyanocobalamin (a synthetic precursor). Most providers use methylcobalamin, which does not require conversion in the body.
Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. Low magnesium is associated with muscle cramps, anxiety, poor sleep, and migraines. IV magnesium can cause a warm, flushed feeling as the infusion enters the vein, which is harmless and temporary. It is particularly useful in Myers Cocktail formulations and migraine recovery drips.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
At IV doses, vitamin C behaves differently than oral supplementation. While oral doses max out blood levels around 220 micromol/L due to intestinal absorption limits, IV delivery can achieve concentrations 50 times higher. At these levels, vitamin C acts as a pro-oxidant rather than an antioxidant, a mechanism being studied in complementary cancer care settings. For everyday immune support, typical IV doses are 5 to 10 grams, well above what you could achieve orally.
Zinc
Zinc plays a central role in immune function, wound healing, and protein synthesis. It is a standard component of immune boost drips and is often added during cold or flu recovery. High-dose zinc has evidence for shortening the duration of upper respiratory infections. IV zinc is more reliably absorbed than oral forms, especially when digestive upset accompanies illness.
Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Biotin is widely marketed for hair and nail health. The research on oral biotin for this purpose is mixed, but IV delivery ensures the compound reaches systemic circulation without the variable absorption of supplements. It is most commonly found in beauty drips alongside glutathione and vitamin C. Results are generally cumulative with regular sessions rather than immediate.
L-Carnitine
L-carnitine is an amino acid derivative that transports long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production. It is a component of weight loss and athletic performance drips. Evidence supports its role in reducing exercise-induced muscle damage and supporting fat metabolism, particularly in carnitine-deficient individuals (common among vegetarians and older adults).
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)
NAC is a precursor to glutathione and is used clinically in high doses to treat acetaminophen overdose and as a mucolytic agent. At lower wellness doses, it supports glutathione production, liver function, and respiratory health. It is found in detox and immune drips, and some providers offer it as an individual add-in for its antioxidant and liver-supportive properties.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
ALA is a universal antioxidant: it works in both water-soluble and fat-soluble environments, giving it broader cellular reach than most antioxidants. It regenerates other antioxidants including vitamin C and glutathione. It is most commonly used in nerve health and anti-aging formulations, and some research supports its role in diabetic neuropathy management at therapeutic doses.
Taurine
Taurine is an amino acid concentrated in heart muscle, brain, and retinal tissue. It supports cardiovascular function, helps regulate electrolyte balance, and is used in energy and athletic recovery drips. It is one of the main active components in energy drinks, but IV delivery provides it without the caffeine and sugar that accompany those products.
B-Complex
B-complex contains B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), and B6 (pyridoxine). These vitamins work together to support energy metabolism, nerve function, and red blood cell production. B-complex is a baseline component of most wellness drips and is added to hangover and energy IVs to replenish what alcohol and stress deplete.
Calcium Gluconate and Calcium Chloride
Calcium is included in some formulations for nerve and muscle function support. The Myers Cocktail uses calcium gluconate as a standard component. It is generally a supporting ingredient rather than a primary add-in for most wellness purposes.
Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral with antioxidant properties. It works alongside vitamin E and glutathione in protecting cells from oxidative damage. It is a component of some immune and anti-aging formulations. Selenium levels in food vary significantly based on soil content, making deficiency more common than most people realize.
Tri-Immune Boost
Several providers offer a proprietary blend called Tri-Immune Boost containing zinc, vitamin C, and glutathione as a combined add-in. Some formulations include quercetin, a flavonoid that supports zinc uptake into cells and has antiviral properties being studied in respiratory infections. This combination is particularly popular during cold and flu season.
Add-Ins to Approach with More Caution
Not all add-ins carry the same evidence base. A few categories worth discussing with your provider before choosing:
- Methylene Blue: A clinical agent being studied for mitochondrial function and cognitive enhancement. It has legitimate uses in emergency medicine but has more specific contraindications than typical wellness add-ins. Not appropriate as a casual add-on without proper screening.
- High-dose amino acid blends: Amino acid IVs can be beneficial but should be tailored to actual deficiency or goal-specific protocols rather than added generically to any drip.
- Fat-soluble vitamins (D3, K2): These require a lipid carrier for IV administration. Confirm your provider has the appropriate formulation if these are offered.
How to Choose the Right Add-Ins
The most effective approach is to match add-ins to your specific goal for the session. A hangover recovery drip does not benefit much from biotin. A beauty-focused IV is most enhanced by glutathione and vitamin C. An immune drip should include zinc. Rather than selecting add-ins by price, ask your provider which additions directly support your primary goal for the visit. A good provider will have a clear rationale for each recommendation.