What is vitamin and mineral application?
Vitamin and mineral application is the administration of vitamins and minerals by the intravenous route, to people in whom a physician’s assessment has demonstrated a deficiency and whose oral intake is inadequate or unsuitable. It rests on the examination and the laboratory results; it is not a ready-made mixture given to everyone.
Three points to know first:
- The procedure is not performed unless a deficiency has been demonstrated. Laboratory assessment determines which vitamin or mineral is deficient.
- Oral intake is the first-choice route. The intravenous route is considered where oral intake is inadequate or unsuitable, or where absorption is impaired.
- It does not replace a balanced diet. The World Health Organization (opens in a new tab) recommends that adults consume at least 400 grams of vegetables and fruit a day; day-to-day diet is the basis for meeting vitamin and mineral requirements.
When is the procedure considered?
- Where a vitamin or mineral deficiency has been demonstrated by laboratory testing
- Where there is impaired absorption (bowel diseases, people who have had stomach or bowel surgery)
- Where oral intake is unsuitable (persistent nausea and vomiting, difficulty swallowing)
- In demonstrated deficiencies that have not responded to an oral supplement
- Where oral intake cannot be tolerated
The decision on suitability is made by assessing the examination and the laboratory results together.
In which patients is the procedure not performed?
- In patients who do not have a demonstrated deficiency
- In patients with a known allergy to the substance to be given
- In patients with infection or inflammation of the vein at the application site (the procedure is carried out from a different site)
Situations that require separate assessment
- Advanced kidney failure (some minerals may accumulate; the opinion of the relevant specialty is obtained)
- Advanced liver failure
- Heart failure and risk of fluid overload (the volume of fluid given may cause problems)
- Uncontrolled electrolyte disturbance (this is assessed first)
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (suitability and dose are determined separately)
- A condition that prevents an intravenous line from being placed (the procedure may not be possible)
- Active oncological treatment (follow-up is with the relevant specialty)
- The patient being under 18 years of age (assessment lies within the field of paediatrics; this page has been prepared for adults)
How is the procedure performed?
- Assessment. The complaint, the diet, current medication and supplements, and co-existing conditions are recorded.
- Laboratory. The complaint determines which vitamin and mineral levels are checked. Kidney and liver function tests are also assessed.
- Decision on suitability. If a deficiency is demonstrated and oral intake is not suitable, the procedure is considered.
- Information and consent. The procedure, the substances to be given and the possible side effects are explained in writing and verbally; consent is obtained.
- The procedure. An intravenous line is placed; the prepared solution is given over a set period. The patient remains under observation throughout.
- Observation and follow-up. The patient is observed after the procedure; the course of the levels is monitored with follow-up investigations.
How long does it take, and how many sessions are needed?
The duration of the procedure varies with the solution given and its volume. The number of sessions and the interval between them are determined by the level of the demonstrated deficiency and the follow-up results; no definite number can be given in advance.
Once the deficiency has been corrected, the procedure is not continued. Levels are monitored with follow-up investigations and the plan is updated accordingly.
What should you do before and after the procedure?
Before the procedure, report:
- A list of all the medicines and supplements you use (or simply the boxes themselves, if you prefer)
- Your known allergies
- Your most recent test results
- Your pregnancy status
What is given intravenously, together with the supplements you take by mouth, may add up to an excess; for this reason, report every product you use.
You are advised not to arrive on an empty stomach, but to have eaten a light meal.
After: there may be tenderness and bruising at the application site. Adequate fluid intake is advised. Recommendations specific to you are given in writing at the end of the procedure.
Risks and side effects
An intravenous line is placed by passing a needle through the skin into a vein; for this reason, the procedure itself carries certain risks.
Those that may be related to the intravenous line and to the procedure:
- Pain, a stinging sensation, bruising and haematoma at the application site
- Inflammation of the vein (phlebitis) and tenderness along the vein
- Leakage of the solution outside the vein and irritation of the tissue
- Infection at the application site
- Dizziness, a drop in blood pressure, a feeling of faintness
- Nausea, a metallic taste in the mouth
- An allergic reaction to the substances given; rarely, a severe allergic reaction
- Palpitations and weakness if given rapidly
- Fluid overload (particularly in people with heart and kidney failure)
- Electrolyte imbalance
Those that may be related to excessive intake: some vitamins may accumulate in the body. Unnecessary or high-dose use provides no benefit and may lead to unwanted effects. Supplements taken by mouth therefore also need to be reported.
Results vary from person to person.
When should you see a physician without delay?
If you experience these symptoms during treatment, contact your physician without delay:
- Increasing redness, increased warmth, swelling, hardness or discharge at the application site
- Pain and redness spreading along the arm
- A high fever
- A widespread rash, itching
- Marked dizziness, palpitations
In the event of shortness of breath, swelling of the face or tongue, difficulty swallowing, altered consciousness or fainting, go directly to the emergency department.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have it even if I do not have a deficiency?
No. The procedure is not performed in people who do not have a demonstrated deficiency. Giving a vitamin or mineral when no deficiency has been demonstrated does not give the expected benefit and may lead to unwanted effects related to excessive intake.
Why is it given intravenously rather than by mouth?
Oral intake is the first-choice route. The intravenous route is considered in situations such as impaired absorption, an inability to tolerate oral intake, or a lack of response to an oral supplement. Which route is suitable is decided according to the examination and the laboratory results.
Which tests are requested before vitamin and mineral application?
The same screening list is not applied to everyone. Your complaint determines which levels are checked; kidney and liver function tests are also assessed. If you have results from the past year, bringing them avoids unnecessary repetition.
How many sessions are needed for vitamin and mineral application?
No definite number can be given in advance. The number of sessions and the interval between them are determined by the level of the demonstrated deficiency and the follow-up results. Once the deficiency has been corrected, the procedure is not continued.
Can I have it for my fatigue?
Fatigue on its own is not a reason for the procedure; its cause needs to be assessed first. Anaemia, thyroid function, the course of blood sugar and the sleep routine are part of this assessment. For details, see the article Persistent Fatigue: In Which Situations Should a Physician Be Consulted?.
I also take supplements by mouth; will that be a problem?
You need to report this. What is given intravenously, together with what you take by mouth, may add up to an excess. Bring a list of all the products you use; if you prefer, you can simply bring the boxes themselves. For details, see the article Telling Your Physician About Supplement Use.
What will I feel during the infusion?
There is a stinging sensation as the intravenous line is placed. During the procedure, you may feel coolness or slight pressure in the arm. If you feel dizzy, notice palpitations or any discomfort, tell us straight away; the procedure is performed under observation.
Sources
- World Health Organization, Healthy diet fact sheet, 26 January 2026. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-diet (opens in a new tab)
- Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency, Sağlık Beyanı (Gıda ve Takviye Edici Gıdalarda Sağlık Beyanı Kullanımı Hakkında Yönetmelik, Official Gazette 20 April 2023 / 32169). https://titck.gov.tr/faaliyetalanlari/denetim/saglik-beyani (opens in a new tab)
