Health Report 1/13/13

No more popping pills? There's a new vitamin trend.

Stars like Madonna and Cindy Crawford are doing it.

But is it really good for you, and is it safe? Lou Baxter has more.

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You pop them for a healthy boost. But would you take your dose of vitamins like this?

Beth Dail, vitamin infusion patient, said:

"Haven't had a cold. I haven't had strep. I haven't had anything wrong with me."

Beth Dail started IV vitamin infusions to combat the fatigue of Lyme's disease. Now, she's hooked.

Beth: "I think it's beneficial for everybody."

Chiropractic doctor Craig John says you only absorb 15 to 20-percent of oral vitamins. But with infusions, Craig John, DC chiropractic physician, said: "When they're going straight IV, intravenously, you get 100% absorption."

He says the infusions can boost energy, strengthen the immune system, protect against disease, and speed up muscle repair. Each vitamin cocktail is personalized for the patient and runs about 150 dollars. Most are made up of Vitamin C, calcium, potassium, magnesium and other trace minerals. But some, like Doctor David Riseberg say the infusions are unnecessary.

David Riseberg, MD medical oncologist, said: "I think that if you eat a healthy diet, you can get all the vitamins you need. Intravenous vitamins for a healthy person to me, seems like a waste of money."

There are also risks. With any IV treatment, bruising, infection and vein inflammation can occur; and there's a chance the wrong dose of nutrient could be infused.

Still, Beth says the infusions have given her energy she didn't have.

Beth: "Friends and family have commented 'what are you doing, you look better.'"

Is it a healthy boost or an unnecessary stick? It's a trend that more and more are willing to give a try.

Lou Baxter, Jet 24, Action News.