How Do the Rich and Famous Get Their Supplements?
Top-tier celebrities, professional athletes, high-profile politicians, and tech millionaires routinely spend tens of thousands of dollars on intravenous infusions (IVs) of vitamins and minerals to boost energy, enhance performance, support immunity, improve appearance, and squash hangovers.
IV infusions are considered state-of-the-art, the most advanced forms of nutritional supplementation. Celebrities who openly endorse them include Adele, Rihanna, Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Kendall Jenner, the Kardashian sisters, Justin and Hailey Bieber, Gwyneth Paltrow, Brad Pitt, Madonna, Cindy Crawford, Simon Cowell, and Sofia Vergara.
Nearly $3 billion is spent annually in the United States at over 500 clinics, drip bars, and wellness lounges in wealthy metropolitan areas that provide hundreds of thousands of high-net-worth Americans with elective IV infusions.
At $200 to $350 per session, basic weekly treatments add up to $10,000 to $18,000 per year. More advanced treatments may reach $1,000 or more. Ultra-rich pay nurses to administer infusions at home or work for privacy and convenience, often at double or triple the cost. High-ranking government officials and CEOs of large companies usually rely on in-house medical staff.
The appeal of IV infusions stems from their promise to provide immediate effects through direct bloodstream delivery and by bypassing the digestive system. Unfortunately, none of it is true, and here is why:
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Outdated protocols. The clinical protocols behind nutritional IV therapies are over 70 years old. They were pioneered by Dr. John Myers (1900-1984), a Baltimore physician, who was the first to commercialize IV infusions to treat chronic fatigue, asthma, migraines, and other hard-to-treat conditions.
After Dr. Myers died in 1984, his work was further popularized by Dr. Alan Gaby (b. 1950), who named the therapy in Dr. Myers’ honor, hence the Myers’ cocktail name for these infusions.
Limited nutrients. The basic Myers’ cocktail includes only nine core nutrients that include water-soluble B-complex and vitamin C, along with calcium and magnesium:
Ingredient Typical Amount per Infusion % Daily Value (RDA) Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 5,000–10,000 mg 5,555–11,111% (RDA: 90 mg) Magnesium (chloride) 1,000–2,000 mg 238–476% (RDA: 420 mg) Calcium (gluconate) 100–200 mg 10–20% (RDA: 1,000 mg) Vitamin B12 (hydroxo or methylcobalamin) 1,000–5,000 mcg 41,667–208,333% (RDA: 2.4 mcg) Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) 100 mg 5,882% (RDA: 1.7 mg) Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) 250 mg 5,000% (RDA: 5 mg) Vitamin B1 (thiamine) 100 mg 8,333% (RDA: 1.2 mg) Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 2 mg 154% (RDA: 1.3 mg) Vitamin B3 (niacin) 100 mg 625% (RDA: 16 mg) Short-lived benefits. Water-soluble nutrients like B-complex and vitamin C are excreted from the body within 24 hours. Most benefits are short-lived unless infusions are repeated regularly.
IV doesn't include fat-solube vitamins. Vitamins A, D, E, and K aren’t compatible with IV infusions because fat and water don’t mix. Without these vitamins, the assimilation and regulation of calcium and magnesium may fail. It is also missing folic acid, one of the most critical B vitamins, because it doesn’t dissolve well in water.
No metabolic regulation. Bypassing the GI tract means skipping normal enzymatic conversion and hepatic (liver) metabolism, which, essentially, makes some of these supplements useless.
Episodic by design. Infusions are one-time interventions. They don’t restore nutritional balance or rebuild reserves unless done consistently, which few people maintain over the long term.
Liver and kidney damage. The liver and kidneys must process and clear large quantities of nutrients and pharmaceutical agents delivered all at once. When repeated often, these procedures place excessive stress on internal organs and may cause unintended side effects and damage, especially for people with pre-existing conditions.
Procedural risks. Needle-based delivery carries risks of localized infections, vein irritation, hematomas, and in rare cases, vascular injury. These risks increase with the frequency of needle insertion.
Overhydration. Each infusion delivers up to 1,000 mL of fluid (an equivalent of four glasses of water in a single hour on an empty stomach) into individuals who are not dehydrated. Repeated use causes loss of electrolytes, fluid retention, kidney damage, nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), hypertension, cardiac distress, and other complications, especially in older adults with preexisting conditions.
No standardization. IV formulas vary widely by clinic and provider. There is no unified dosing protocol, no quality benchmark, and no regulatory oversight over composition or medical claims.
Pharmaceutical agents. To enhance the perceived effect, some IVs include anesthetics, NSAIDs, antacids, or anti-nausea medications, none of which address nutrient status but do create visible pharmacological effects:
The sense of relaxation that recipients report isn’t from the vitamins, but from surreptitiously adding small doses of lidocaine, an anesthetic.
The near-immediate effect on hangover symptoms is the result of antiemetic and NSAID medications. You can accomplish a similar effect, though not as fast, by taking those drugs orally.
That skin “glow” seen after an infusion is the result of fluid accumulation, not nutritional intervention. The rapid infusion of fluids promotes mild subdermal edema. This outcome creates a temporary plumping effect that some interpret as improved skin tone. In reality, it is a temporary physiological result of fluid retention, not a sign of cellular repair or enhanced metabolic function.
In older men, an erection is often induced by adding pharmacologically active agents to the IV solution, typically arginine or citrulline to increase nitric oxide production, or, in some cases, low-dose Viagra (sildenafil) or Cialis (tadalafil) to prolong vasodilation. These effects have little to do with vitamins and everything to do with engineered pharmacological responses. In some cases, clients may not even know about it, but it brings them back for more of the same.
Profit motive. The wholesale cost of a typical IV infusion is around $17 to $30. The most expensive component is the saline bag itself, at around $12. The rest of the price reflects overheads and profit, not superior ingredients.
In most locations, IV technicians administer the service. To become one, a person needs a high school diploma or GED equivalent and to complete an IV therapy training course that takes about 40 hours.
Two technicians can attend up to 20 patients at the same time, making this business incredibly profitable. If clients run into any problem, and there is no nurse or doctor present, they simply call 911 for assistance. In the right location, this business is better than printing money.
Compare this with the content of professional-grade supplements, such as our Once Daily Multi formula:
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As you can see from comparing both tables, unlike the Myers’ cocktail with only nine nutrients, the Once Daily Multi formula provides 26 nutrients, including all four fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), eight essential minerals and microelements, and a full spectrum of eight B-complex vitamins, including fully methylated (coenzymated) vitamin B-12, B-6, and folic acid.
Alpha lipoic acid supports glucose metabolism and may help improve insulin sensitivity. Grape seed extract contains proanthocyanidins that help protect blood vessels and support circulation. Quercetin is a plant flavonoid known for reducing histamine-related inflammation. Marigold extract (a standardized form of lutein) supports eye health by protecting the retina.
The price difference between them is even more striking: a full-spectrum, professional-grade, state-of-the-art coenzymated supplement costs just 50 cents per day compared to a $200 to $350 one-hour weekly infusion with only nine ingredients.
And that’s just the beginning of the problems with the IV solution:
I am well familiar with this topic because between 2000 and 2003, I worked with a physician in Brooklyn, New York, who, among other things, specialized in IV therapy. There, I gained extensive experience with recommending IVs to my clients and getting them myself. Back then, I too was convinced that they were superior to consumer-grade supplements like One-A-Day or Centrum.
Later on, I discovered professional-grade supplements similar to our Once Daily Multi and never looked back because they work better, safer, and for a fraction of the cost. My results speak for themselves [link].
So if the IVs are useless, how come celebrities who use them look younger than their chronological age?
There are lots of reasons besides supplements why some people don't age as fast as others. They boil down to favorable genetics, privileged upbringing, quality of life, lower stress, better nutrition, regular exercise, safer healthcare, superior dental care, hair transplants, cosmetic surgeries and procedures, hormone replacement therapies, and good luck:
Favorable genetics. Some individuals age more slowly thanks to favorable inherited traits related to skin elasticity, fat distribution, bone structure, and resistance to hair loss.
Privileged upbringing. Being born in the right place, at the right time, and to the right parents has a huge impact on one’s health and appearance in adulthood. That meant extended breastfeeding, better nutrition, early-life stability, and higher-quality pediatric care.
Cosmetic procedures. Most undergo routine interventions with Botox, fillers, lasers, face lifts, blepharoplasty, and neck work that erase the visible effects of aging without being immediately obvious.
Exceptional dental care. Veneers, implants, and whitening create youthful, symmetrical smiles that subconsciously affect how age is perceived.
Hormone replacement therapy. Carefully managed HRT restores hormonal balance and slows down physical deterioration, especially in women post-menopause.
Lower stress. Wealth shields the wealthy from most everyday stressors. They don't commute, argue with insurance, deal with bad bosses, suffer from economic insecurity, and so on. Chronic stress is a major accelerator of aging.
Ecology. They live in areas with better ecology and climate, cleaner air, safer water, and less noise pollution.
Superior sleep environments. Climate-controlled, noise-insulated, air-purified bedrooms promote deeper and more restorative sleep, crucial for skin, metabolism, and cognition.
Optimized nutrition. Their food is fresh, organic, expertly prepared by private chefs, and tailored to personal health goals.
Time and help. They have time for daily exercise, regular massage, physical therapy, sauna, cold plunges, and high-end skin treatments, guided by professionals.
Vacations. They enjoy exclusive vacations and retreats multiple times a year and get there in private jets or yachts that bypass the hassle of public airports and exposure to crowds.
Timely and safer healthcare. The wealthy are treated at exclusive concierge clinics and private hospital wings by, presumably, the best of the best doctors and nurses.
Good luck. When all of the above factors are combined, they aren’t as exposed to bad luck as people from less fortunate circumstances. By this, I mean less exposure to random crime, safer cars, stable families, absence of reckless behavior, and other similar factors.
In that scheme of things, getting hoodwinked with IV drips plays a much lower role in their overall quality of life and rate of aging than in yours or mine.
Keep in mind that only a small subset of the wealthy Americans are into IV drips. The generational rich are less likely to fall for this gimmick for the same reasons they tend not to wear Rolexes and drive Ferraris to flaunt their wealth. Instead, they live normal privileged lives, and, just like their partners and grandparents, take professional-grade oral supplements throughout their lives.
I myself, my family, and many of my readers and clients have been doing the same for the past thirty years. Past 70, I am in a better mental and physical shape than most male celebrities of my age.
True, supplements make my urine more expensive, but, at the very least, I didn’t piss away my health and quality of life like most of my penny wise and pound foolish contemporaries.
Konstantin, so what supplements do you take?
I take Once Daily Multi, Hydro-CM to keep my long-standing colorectal damage under control, Coenzymated B-12, and Vitamins D-3 and Natural Vitamin E in their innate form. The last two are already included in the Once Daily Formula, but I take more to adjust for my age.
If you don't require Hydro-CM, then I recommend taking Calcium/Magnesium formula and extra Vitamin C because they don't fit into a single Once Daily Multi capsule.
Please keep in mind that your needs may be greater or less than mine, depending on your age, health status, and gender. For example, some women may require additional iron to compensate for menstrual losses.
Why, then, are so many doctors against taking supplements?
This is a myth. According to widely published research, "When asked whether they 'ever recommend dietary supplements' to their patients, 79% of physicians and 82% of nurses said they did. [link]"
And when doctors or their family members run into problems with nutritional deficiencies, they invariably consult standard medical references, such as The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, Professional Edition, to investigate what's going on. I rely on that source as well and strongly recommend you to do the same. It’s a sobering read.
All that said, I don't dispute that many people, including some doctors, are, indeed, skeptical or dismissive of supplements. That attitude stems from a combination of professional bias, consumer disappointment, misleading marketing, and the poor quality of many products on the market. Here are some other reasons why supplements got such a bad rap:
Substandard quality of consumer-grade brands.
Most supplements sold in drugstores, grocery chains, and big-box retailers contain low doses, poor-quality ingredients, and cheap fillers. Many use poorly absorbed forms of vitamins and minerals, and manufactured in China with minimal oversight. Labels are often misleading, with “proprietary blends” that obscure actual dosages. In independent testing, some of these products have been found to contain less of the active ingredients than claimed, or none at all. Others are contaminated with heavy metals, allergens, or unlisted compounds. These products are designed for long shelf life and high profit margins, not clinical efficacy. Their poor reputation and public mistrust are well deserved.Lack of public trust.
The supplement industry is filled with misleading claims, underdosed formulas, and companies that rely on celebrity endorsements instead of clinical results. Many people have been burned by cheap products or by influencers pushing pills with inflated promises.Short-term outlook.
For most people, health only becomes a priority when it starts to fail. Taking high-quality supplements regularly, without immediate visible effects, isn’t a priority for most people.Public policy discourages supplementation.
The official position of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the FDA, and the CDC emphasizes obtaining nutrients from food rather than supplements. The consistent message is: “Eat a balanced diet; most people do not need supplements.” If that were true, the U.S. wouldn’t rank lowest in health attainment among developed countries, and the wealthy wouldn’t be getting weekly vitamin infusions.Public policy doesn’t encourage longevity.
There’s little systemic incentive to help people stay healthier because longevity creates long-term liabilities for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid programs that already struggle to remain solvent.-
Lies about supplements safety.
By lies, I mean the near constant fear-mongering in the mainstream media that supplements are dangerous, unregulated, or a public health risk. In reality, the risk from vitamins and minerals is effectively zero. The CDC doesn’t report a single annual death from them. Meanwhile, prescription drugs kill around 250,000 Americans each year. Fewer than 100 deaths are linked to herbal supplements, mostly imported from Asia.
All of the above isn't a reason for not taking high-quality supplements from a trusted source to protect yourself and your family from preventable nutritional disorders, premature aging, and years of suffering from otherwise easily preventable diseases.
Author's note
By now, you know how some of the rich and famous get their supplements.
You've also learned that having money and fame doesn't protect anyone from being duped into IV drips to stay "young and beautiful" in their twilight years. But at least they're trying.
The opposite extreme is being poor and stupid. I once had a client tell me, "I'd rather die than pay a cent for your supplements!" And guess what—she did.
Yes, some doctors still roll their eyes at supplements because they were trained to dismiss anything that doesn't come with a billing code. Run away from those.
And because U.S. healthcare doesn't reward prevention, most people don't even think about supplements until they're already falling apart.
Meanwhile, the smart people across all income brackets take quality supplements every day. Just not the ones sold at Costco or CVS.
And no, you don't need to be a celebrity to afford professional-grade supplements like the ones I take myself and make available on this site.
Please share this post with your family and friends to support my work!
Thank you!
Konstantin Monastyrsky
Disclosure:
I co-own the company that distributes the supplements mentioned on this page. They are made in the United States by a top-tier certified contract manufacturer of professional-grade supplements and sold under our private label.
We started this business in 2001 to assist my clients and the readers in obtaining professional-grade supplements from a trusted source without the massive markups charged by celebrity doctors to their wealthy clients for the same or similar supplements.