Intravenous vitamin and hydration therapy, a growing trend in health and wellness, is now available locally at the Drip Parlor in Gulf Breeze. Dr. Rachel Brown, a rheumatologist and internal medicine physician, opened the clinic earlier this year to offer quicker athletic recovery, relief of chronic symptoms and increased mental clarity.

Proponents of IV vitamin therapy prefer it to oral supplements because it’s more efficient, Brown says. Much of a vitamin taken by mouth is excreted from the body rather than absorbed by the gut, and some people have medical issues that prevent them from absorbing any of the nutrients. However, IV-administered vitamins are absorbed directly into the bloodstream, for a stronger nutritional dose with less waste.

IV options include a basic hydration treatment, to which an antioxidant can be added for a detoxification effect; the Apple a Day treatment, which relieves the symptoms and shortens the duration of common viruses like colds, flu and stomach bugs; and a nutritional treatment to enhance the health and appearance of the skin and hair. Vitamins can be added into the IV on an a là carte basis. Vitamin B-12 shots and lipo-mino injections are also available.

As IV therapy is not appropriate for people with certain medical conditions, such as renal and cardiovascular disease, all clients must fill out a health history and be evaluated by Brown or her registered nurse before being approved for therapy.

Locations: 2880 Gulf Breeze Pkwy., Gulf Breeze, FL, and 151 W. Main St., Ste. 102, Pensacola, FL. For more information, visit DripParlor.com.