The Elixir Clinic
“Nutritional supplementation must be a part of sustaining overall wellbeing because we can’t solely rely on food source.”
We started our careers as registered nurses. We both shared a mutual passion in integrative medicine and helping others through preventative health.
What inspired The Elixir Clinic? How have both of your backgrounds helped shape the business?
We spent a lot of time on cancer research working with patients suffering from chronic diseases. The use of intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy showed tremendously positive results in their patients, creating an opportunity to introduce this method as a lifestyle approach to sustain long-term wellbeing. We worked quite closely with leading doctors in London and this allowed us to establish a portfolio of elite international clients, while developing extensive experience and business knowledge. We realised the demand for integrative medicine and lack of quality professionals specialized in IV therapy; creating a unique business opportunity and the birth of a great idea.
For those not familiar, what does the procedure entail?
Intravenous nutrient therapy refers to the delivery of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and amino acids, directly into the bloodstream via the vein. Most people have received an IV at some point in their life while receiving care in a hospital or emergency room to help fluids and medication flow into the vein. This method is a quick solution provided in hospitals to help relieve pain, nausea or rehydrate the patient due to loss of fluid in the body. The Elixir Clinic’s IV infusions are unique formulas branded as VitaDrip®. Our renowned IV infusions consist of vitamins, minerals and amino acids brilliantly formulated to boost energy, strengthen immunity, support hydration, while promoting antiageing and detox. When a new client visits The Elixir Clinic, the first step is a detailed consultation to review medical history, discuss any concerns that may exist or wellness
goals. Every consultation includes a mineral tissue heavy metal analysis and based on the results, any additional lab testing required from the client will be requested; this allows for us to create a bespoke program to achieve optimal results. After a consultation takes place, a registered nurse will administer the prescribed tailored IV infusion under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. The IV infusion will consist of a unique blend of vitamins, minerals and amino acids delivered directly into the bloodstream which allows for a higher level of absorption than through the digestive system. When compared to oral supplements, this method of treatment allows 100 per cent absorption of nutrients and higher levels in your bloodstream can lead to greater uptake within cells. Oral supplements get broken down in the stomach and digestive tract, which drastically lowers the absorption rates and several factors can affect our body’s ability to actually absorb the nutrients in the stomach such as age, metabolism, health status or lifestyle habits.
How do you make sure that all the treatments are safe?
At The Elixir Clinic, a consultation with our registered practitioners is mandatory, even if the client has previously had an IV infusion at another facility. This is to ensure we are up to date with the clients’ medical history, any recent lifestyle changes and providing a safe and effective treatment.
Our formulas have been designed by a team of experts who ensure the correct formulations and dosages are administered. We source the highest quality of ingredients from Europe and the US, even if it means it increases our costs as we want the best for our clients. The Elixir Clinic is registered and approved by the relevant health authorities in the countries we operate in and our protocols are reviewed on a yearly basis to ensure the very best practices are in place at all our clinics.
What challenges did you face setting up in this region?
We were the first specialised IV therapy clinic and had to spend a lot of time creating awareness and educating the public about our treatments and how it could benefit them. The lack of education and awareness existed both with clients, but also with the relevant health authorities that we dealt with to set up the business, register our medication, and more because it was not recognised. Luckily, in the past two to three years, the awareness and demand for integrative medicine has grown tremendously with people looking for wellness solutions that are more holistic.
IV infusions are for everyone but a consultation is necessary to make sure there are no underlying health concerns present. The same people who take oral supplements can also benefit from IV infusions as an alternative method for supplementation.
Who are vitamin infusions for? What are the most popular requests at the clinic?
Our IV Nutrient Therapy is the most popular treatment but most of our clients are on wellness programs that include IV ozone therapy, intramuscular injections and IV laser therapy. When it comes to our VitaDrip® infusions, we have a few favourites: VIP Elixir VitaDrip®; Anti-Aging VitaDrip®; Immunity VitaDrip®; Antioxidant VitaDrip®; Motherhood VitaDrip®; Fitness VitaDrip®.
What can we expect from our first VitaDrip® treatment?
A VitaDrip® infusion takes an average of 45 minutes but as a first visit to the clinic, we suggest 75 minutes as the consultation is a crucial part of the overall treatment. When the client is having their first treatment, the ’drip’ is administered at a slower rate to ensure safety and comfort for the client. Results will vary for each client as our bodies are different from one another; generally clients notice symptoms immediately or up to 48 hours later. Some may not feel any noticeable difference, but this doesn’t mean that the treatment was not effective because it will actually benefit the body by detoxifying and absorbing the nutrients it needs.
Common symptoms that are noticed while the treatment is taking place or after the treatment are a cold sensation in the arm as the nutrient enters the bloodstream; some nutrients may cause a feeling of tightness in the face or head which is normal. In the case this is noticed, the nurse is informed and we would then slow down the drip. An odd taste in the back of the mouth can occur which is the result of b-vitamins; feeling sleepy during the treatment which is a result of magnesium that acts as a muscle relaxer in the body; skin feels or looks more hydrated; a great night of sleep is quite common feedback we are told by our clients; improved hair and nail quality – some women tell us they notice less hair fall out, strong nails and that their hair has a natural shine.
Do you feel that vitamin infusions should be part of general wellbeing?
Yes, as it’s a more effective – the injective route and delivers 100 per cent absorption. Most of our clients who are on programs are still advised to take oral supplements such as Probiotics or Omega 3 because some nutrients cannot be administered via an IV and must be taken in a pill or liquid form. Nutritional supplementation, both in IV or oral form, must be a part of sustaining overall wellbeing because we can’t solely rely on food sources as the rate of poor gut health continues to grow in people.
IV nutrient therapy is used to maintain wellbeing similar to when people take oral supplements to maintain nutrient levels in the body and knowing that it’s good for you to do so. We promote IV nutrient therapy as supplementation, prevention and helping sustain long-term wellbeing.
Which vitamin deficiency have you noticed among Middle Eastern clients?
Vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiencies are common globally but also higher rates of vitamin D deficiency do exist in the Middle East. Magnesium deficiency is also common. It’s a fragile mineral that depletes quite quickly especially when the body is in a state of stress, pain and during pregnancy.
What do you feel are the common misconceptions of vitamin infusions?
That it’s only for the wealthy or celebrities, and that if you feel healthy you don’t need it but many don’t realise that they have heavy metals in their body. Some people also think that it’s just a fad and it doesn’t work.
As with many procedures, there are certain exceptions. Is there anyone who will not suit a VitaDrip treatment?
At The Elixir Clinic, we do not administer treatments for women who are pregnant or lactating and this is because we prefer not to interfere with the process. Women can have an IV infusion as it’s not harmful but as part of our company policy we prefer not to administer treatments. We also do not administer IV therapy treatments to anyone under the age of 18 or anyone with specific health conditions. This is why a consultation is important for us to become aware of their medical history and allergies.
The Elixir Clinic is located on 583 Jumeirah St in Dubai, and Villa A04 in Abu Dhabi