Karachi: In upscale areas, the business of vitamin therapy through injections has emerged without any scientific research backing.
Claims are being made that this method can boost energy levels and enhance skin glow for women, while also promising longer hair.
This unscientific treatment is being promoted through various social media channels, with well-known TV actors endorsing it to attract women seeking beauty treatments.
In these clinics, patients are also being given unregistered food supplements whose ingredients are unknown to the public, and these supplements are not approved by the government.
In Karachi, packages for skin glow and vitamin therapy start from 10,000 rupees and can go up to 200,000 rupees or more.
According to a senior dietitian at Aga Khan Hospital, excessive use of vitamins and calcium can be harmful to the body.
She advises seeking treatment from certified doctors for vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
A survey conducted by Express Tribune found that vitamin therapy and skin glow clinics have proliferated in Karachi’s upscale areas, where people are seeking treatments to enhance their appearance without proper medical tests.
Dr. Iqbal Afridi, Dean of Psychiatry at the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan, stated that the trend of appearing youthful and vibrant has dangerously increased, particularly among the elite. He noted that psycho-cosmetic therapy is becoming more popular but does not actually reverse aging. Women often wish to appear more attractive than others, which is why these clinics are commercializing vitamin therapy. He warned that undergoing vitamin therapy without medical tests and certified check-ups can be harmful.
Dr. Aftab Hussain, a physician, mentioned that there is no credible research in Pakistan on vitamin therapy. Basic education on vitamins, iron, and calcium is included in medical curricula, but there is a lack of research on vitamin therapy in the country. He emphasized that vitamin therapy is often an “blind treatment” and that vitamin tests are available but modern facilities are lacking. After tests, a certified physician should prescribe appropriate vitamins and supplements. He criticized the notion that vitamin therapy can keep someone permanently youthful and stressed that claims of increasing energy are not supported by medical science.
Secretary of a Vitamin Therapy Clinic in Defence revealed that a one-time consultation fee of 3,500 rupees is charged before examination, collected via cash or digital payment. After payment, a date for the examination is set, and patients are examined via video link. The clinic is based in Islamabad, but online payments are required before any examination. Vitamin therapy sessions and packages vary, and different methods are offered to maintain appearance and energy.
Hira, associated with beauty and skin therapy, acknowledged that skin glow and vitamin therapy have become lucrative businesses in Karachi’s upscale areas. Many clinics are not registered with the health department, and they administer food supplements through IV injections and drips without any tests. There is no governmental policy or guideline for these treatments, which are heavily promoted on social media.
Dr. Ahsan Qawi Siddiqui, CEO of Sindh Health Care, noted that illegal practices under the guise of vitamin IV therapy are ongoing. Clinics in upscale areas are selling vitamin, calcium, and multi-mineral drips with their labels, a practice known as misbranding, which is illegal under the Pakistan Drug Regulatory Authority regulations. These clinics charge up to 10,000 rupees for these drips, but the exact contents and scientific backing of the supplements are unknown.
Farah Syed, a dietitian at Aga Khan University Hospital, explained that vitamin deficiencies are confirmed through medical tests. If tests reveal deficiencies, patients should use prescribed vitamins. Vitamin A, D, E, and calcium deficiencies can occur with age or illness, and blood tests help identify these deficiencies. She cautioned against using IV injections or drips for additional vitamins, as it can be harmful. The cost of vitamin therapy packages can exceed 10,000 rupees, while fruits and vegetables naturally contain vitamins, iron, and calcium.