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In the world of complementary and alternative medicine, independence, quality of life, and prevention of disease are important themes. In the world of biomedical ethics, evidence-based medicine, trust, and fairness are key principles. While these two sets of priorities are often aligned, special attention is needed to instances in which this is not the case.

In a front-page article in the Aug. 18 edition of The Vancouver Sun, we learned about a new wave in the use of vitamins through administration by intravenous injection (IV). As always when faced with new interventions linked to promising health claims that range from improved mental health and immunity to weight loss, we must ask whether the benefits clearly outweigh the potential harms. Let’s unpack the equation.

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On the positive side, as we have argued for other forms of take-it-yourself or do-it-yourself treatment and technologies in health care, there is a lot to be said about having the freedom to make your own decisions, especially if you have the financial resources to purchase or pursue what you wish. This is as much the case for innocuous vitamins, fee-based online diagnostic health tests such as for dementia or depression, and body and brain scans that do not involve exposure to radiation. Strong paternalism is a phenomenon of the past. Empowerment is big, and empowerment is real when choices are informed.