Myers' cocktail
Myers' cocktail is an intravenous (IV) vitamin therapy that lacks scientific evidence to support its use as a medical treatment.[1] The term, Myers' cocktail, is included in Quackwatch's index of questionable treatments.[2]
The name is attributed to Baltimore physician John A. Myers. Prior to his death in 1984, Myers allegedly had administered vitamin infusions to patients.[3] Despite claims to the contrary, the original formula is unknown; the current "Myers' cocktail" recipe was published by a physician, Alan Gaby, who took on many of Myers' patients after he died.[3]
Naturopaths and other practitioners of pseudoscientific medicine in the United States and Canada often administer the IV drip in clinics and health spas.[4][5][6]
In 2018, the US Federal Trade Commission filed a complaint against a peddler of Myers Cocktails and other IV treatments for making false health claims.[7]
References
- Ellin, Abby (2014-12-24). "IV Drips Touted as Hangover Relief". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-01-14.
- Barrett, S (2011-03-24). "Index of Questionable Treatments". Quackwatch. Retrieved 2013-01-24.
- "A closer look at vitamin injections". sciencebasedmedicine.org. 24 May 2013. Retrieved 2020-01-14.
- Gorski, David (24 September 2018). "The FTC cracks down on iV Bars for false advertising claims about its "intravenous micronutrient therapy"". Science-based Medicine. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
- Verner, Amy (12 July 2010). "Run-down execs and celebs embrace the vitamin drip". Globe and Mail. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
- Kirkey, Sharon (21 July 2015). "Hooking up to an IV drip is the latest health fad, but critics say there is little proof it works". National Post. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
- "FTC Brings First-ever Action Targeting "iV Cocktail" Therapy Marketer". Federal Trade Commission. 20 September 2018. Retrieved 20 May 2022.