The trendy "hangover cure" IVs promoted by reality TV stars and influencers have been called a "dangerous fad" by a top doctor.
Companies that offer "party drips" claim that they replenish electrolytes and nutrients lost after a heavy drinking session.
But Professor Stephen Powis,NHSEngland's Medical Director has warned that there is absolutely no evidence to support the far-fetched claims.
He said celebrities who promoted "reckless," "exploitative," and "dangerous" treatment were "abandoning their fans."
The wrong remedies have been used by Love Island's Amber Davies, Anna Vakili, Camilla Thurlow and Jamie Jewitt.
Made In Chelsea stars Oliver Proudlock and Olivia Bentley have also been promoting the treatments, which start at £75 per person.
The fluids typically consist of a cocktail of salt water, vitamins, and anti-nausea medication, and are fed directly into the bloodstream through an IV tube.
The fake 'hangover cure' IVs were hooked up to her millions of followers on Instagram by Love Island's Amber Davies
This year's Love Island contestant Anna Vakili has also been used by the Get A Drip company to provide the treatments
The treatment, which starts from £75 per person, involves a cocktail of salt water, vitamins and other nutrients being injected directly into the bloodstream via an IV tube
Professor Powis has issued his warning about the treatments as millions prepare to celebrate New Year's Eve.
He said in extreme cases, regularly resorting to IV fluids to cure a hangover could result in liver damage or even death from a toxic vitamin A overdose.
Model Kendall Jenner was hospitalized after she had an adverse reaction to a "Myers cocktail" IV drip, which consisted of saline, magnesium, calcium, B vitamins and vitamin C.
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Professor Powis added: "At a time when health-related misinformation is rampant on social media, it is reckless and exploitative by these companies to sell ineffective and misleading treatments, and the celebrities and influencers who help them do so are letting their fans down down.”
"People who are healthy don't need IV fluids." At best, they're an expensive way to fill your bladder -- and then flush hundreds of pounds down the toilet -- at worst, they can do significant damage to your health.
"While many of us want to have fun this time of year, it's important to remember that there's nothing like eating well and drinking sensibly when it comes to staying healthy."
He said, "A much better way to 'cure' a hangover is to drink plenty of water and get some fresh air."
Former Miss England Hammasa Kohistani was used to promote the treatments. She has more than 120,000 followers on Instagram
Chrissy Teigen posted this picture of her with an IV on Instagram in 2015 and wrote, "Hello body meets vitamins."
Rihanna posted a picture of herself getting an IV in 2012, which sparked a surge in her popularity
He said miracle cures for hangovers and quick fixes "simply don't exist" and warned anyone online claiming such a thing exists "is probably out to make a quick buck at their own expense".
Once reserved for costly celebrity clinics, IV fluids are now readily available and some companies are delivering them to people's homes.
Others require customers to visit a hairdressing salon, some of which are in the largest shopping centers in England.
While "vitamin" drops are still expensive, some companies offer discounts for multiple purchases or group discounts.
When the liver and kidneys are exposed to large amounts of vitamins, they can take a significant toll.
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has banned companies from offering the infusions without first testing liver and kidney function.
There is always a risk of infection with intravenous vitamin therapy because a direct route into the bloodstream is created each time an IV line is inserted.
Despite this, the drops are sold in stores and promoted online by celebrities and influencers, claiming they cure hangovers, boost the immune system or burn fat.
Other touted benefits range from increased energy and improved mood to reduced stress or anxiety.
However, there is no evidence that they can deliver on any of these promises.
Clinics have been warned by the official regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, that they must clearly state that IVs are for non-medical use only.
From IV fluids to Beyoncé's 22-Day Diet to hair ties being promoted by the Kardashians, leading nutritionists debunk celebrity health trends that just don't work
Beyoncé, the Kardashians andChrissy Teigenwere all named in a list of the worst health trends of 2019.
Leading nutritionists have revealed five of the worst tips they've come across this year to avoid in 2020, including Beyoncé's 22-Day Diet.
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) urged dieters to remember that it takes more than 22 days to improve health through food.
And the body also thrashed hair ties — which the Kardashians touted for being based on "zero evidence."
Infusions recommended by model Chrissy Teigen and singer Rihanna could also be dangerous, the BDA said.
The BDA said it's encountering a tremendous amount of bizarre claims - and celebrities are at the forefront of some "ridiculous" fads.
IV drips
Proponents claim that intravenous vitamin drops can do almost anything, including burning fat, getting rid of a hangover quickly, boosting energy levels, fighting jet lag, or boosting the immune system.
who is a fanThe market has boomed in recent years since singer-businesswoman Rihanna and model Chrissy Teigen posted photos of themselves sipping Vitamin IV in 2012 and 2015, respectively.
BDA verdict:There is no evidence that taking vitamins via an IV fluid has any benefit for most people, and this invasive procedure can be dangerous.
Marcela Fiuza said: "Any time you are put on an IV there is a risk of infection, as well as a risk of a vein becoming inflamed or blocked by a blood clot (a condition called thrombophlebitis).
"That risk increases when unqualified people do it."
"Also, there is a worrying risk of unknowingly consuming too many vitamins." This can have serious health consequences, especially for those who are regularly affected. People with (known or unknown) health problems are also particularly at risk.
"Even if there are no complications, you're likely to just excrete at least 90 percent of the infused fluid — that's literally money going down the toilet."
"For most people, a healthy, balanced diet (and in some cases oral vitamin supplementation) is sufficient to provide all the vitamins and minerals they need."
Beyoncé's 22-day diet
Beyoncé and her trainer Marco Borges created the vegan eating plan 22 Days Nutrition based on the claim that 21 days is enough to make or break a habit. By the 22nd day you should have changed and continue to eat a plant-based diet.
The plan isn't available in the UK, but in the US the cost is $39 (£29.70) per quarter or $99 (£75.30) for the year.
who is a fanBeyoncé and her husband Jay Z.
BDA verdict:Enormous health benefits are attributed to this diet, since processed foods are avoided and meat consumption is reduced. But it's too short to make an impact.
Anna Daniels said, "This could be a great way for someone to kickstart a better diet and cut down on high-fat, high-salt foods."
However, it will certainly take longer than 22 days to achieve optimal nutrition and good health and longevity.
"Some online reviews of the diet point to some issues with the variety of unusual ingredients and preparation time."
"I believe in proper nutrition and planning, but it has to work for you — if it's too hard, it's not going to happen."
"Maybe Beyoncé also had a personal chef creating the plan for her, which would have made it a lot easier to stick to."
"You could do this yourself at no cost, using your own recipes and adapting your current recipes."
hair ties
Hair ties are what the name suggests - they're gummies that are said to improve your hair. However, there is no scientific support for them.
who is a fanCelebrities like reality TV stars Khloé, Kim, Kourtney and Kris Kardashian, as well as actress Vanessa Hudgens have regularly promoted hair ties on Instagram.
BDA verdict:These hair ties are overpriced multivitamins aimed at those of us who are unhappy with our hair. Celebs and influencers with hair salons, hair extensions and naturally beautiful hair are promoting these as "must have products" for £20-30 a month.
Aisling Pigott said: "Another celebrity, another false nutritional claim."
“Hair and skin health is influenced by many factors, including lifestyle, hormones, genetics and diet. However, the claim that taking a vitamin pill "can give us better hair" is not based on any evidence.
"Vitamin and mineral deficiencies that affect our hair are rare, but an overall poor diet can impact our hormones and stress levels."
"This is irresponsible advertising by celebrities who endorse products that have no scientific evidence." "If you want to get the most out of your hair (and save some money), eat a healthy, balanced diet with the right amount of energy, fruits and vegetables.”