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Intravenous (IV) infusions are all the rage with amateur athletes nowadays, but most athletes do not know the procedure is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) – except in certain circumstances – and can result in a ban from sport.

Last week the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced Texas amateur athlete Brad Didier committed an IV anti-doping violation at TriWaco Triathlon on 29 June 2025 and has been disqualified.

Prior to winning his age group, the 52 year-old triathlete received intravenous (IV) infusions and/or injections greater than 100 mL per 12-hour period, which is prohibited at all times under the World Anti-Doping Code.

After receiving information from a whistleblower, USADA initiated an investigation that found Didier received a saline and vitamin IV infusion the day before participating in TriWaco. USADA’s investigation also revealed that Didier was prompted to try the IV after speaking with representatives from I-Vit Hydration Lounge, a local medical spa promoting their services at the pre-race athlete expo. Encountering the medical spa/IV clinic in this setting gave the appearance that use of their menu of products was ok, especially since Didier had never received formal anti-doping education.

Although no prohibited substances were administered to Didier, the IV constituted a violation because it was over the permitted volume threshold and was not received during a hospital treatment, surgical procedure, or clinical diagnostic investigation. USADA decided Didier qualified for a reduced sanction based on the circumstances of his case, only issuing a public warning and stripping him of the TriWaco victory.

The whole incident might have gone unnoticed except I-Vit Hydration made the Facebook post below calling attention to Didier’s win, attributing his “crushed it” performance to the IV received prior to competing.

When a Facebook user questioned the legitimacy of Didier’s IV use, I-Vit Hydration doubled down, posting, “he was well outside the 12 hour window and we can document that. As triathletes ourselves, we pay close attention to rules and regulations. We wouldn’t want to put anyone at jeopardy for their accomplishments.”

Unfortunately for Didier the medical spa’s understanding of WADA rules was wrong, very wrong.

IV infusions or injections of over 100 mL are prohibited by WADA (Didier’s was likely ~1000 mL) since they can mask the use of a prohibited substance, distort the values of an Athlete Biological Passport or enhance athletic performance by increasing plasma volume levels.

Also, USADA Director of Science, Laura Lewis, PhD stated ealier this year that “under normal circumstances, there is no research showing that IV infusions for rehydration or vitamin purposes are more efficacious than simply rehydrating by drinking or eating a diet rich in vitamins (or orally supplementing based on a doctor or dietitian’s recommendations with NSF Certified for Sport options).”

Photo Credit: stock, Facebook

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