What's in the Bag? Bag Bar's Pharmaceutical-Grade Ingredients, Explained.
THE BAG BLOGS · WELLNESS EDUCATION · FROM THE CLINICIANS
Written by Nadine Gonzalez, MS, PA-C · CEO, Founder of Bag Bar | Red Bank, NJ | June 2026 | 9 min read
"What's actually in it?" I get this question constantly, and I love it. You should want to know exactly what's going into your bloodstream. So here it is - every ingredient, straight from our menu, with the science behind why we chose it.
At Bag Bar, we believe transparency isn't a differentiator - it's a baseline. Our labels are available upon request, our pharmacy sourcing is something we're proud to talk about, and our ingredient choices are made with intention. Every ingredient earns its place in the bag.
All of our signature cocktails are served intravenously in 1000 ml of preservative-free 0.9% Normal Saline, using exclusively non-PVC, non-DEHP, non-latex IV bags and filtered administration sets. Standard PVC tubing can leach DEHP - a plasticizer classified as an endocrine disruptor and reproductive toxicant - directly into your infusion. (California has moved to ban DEHP in IV containers and tubing beginning in 2030.) We don't think that belongs anywhere near your veins.
Each IV vitamin cocktail is formulated with both individual ingredient benefits and synergistic effects in mind. Here's a look at every ingredient across our Signature Cocktail menu, and what each one actually does.
The Foundation
Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl)
THE BASE OF EVERY BAG
Before a single vitamin touches your bloodstream, it arrives in 1000ml of sterile 0.9% sodium chloride - a solution that mirrors the body's natural osmolarity, allowing it to move fluidly into and between cells without causing fluid shifts. Hydration at the cellular level is the foundation of nearly every wellness outcome we chase. Even on its own, a liter of properly delivered IV fluid can meaningfully shift how you feel - which is why we usually recommend a Tallboy over a pint.
FOUND IN: ALL COCKTAILS
CELLULAR HYDRATION · ELECTROLYTE BALANCE · NUTRIENT DELIVERY
The Vitamins
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
THE IMMUNE ANCHOR & COLLAGEN CATALYST
Vitamin C is among the most researched micronutrients in existence. It's essential for collagen synthesis, immune cell function, iron absorption, and serves as a potent water-soluble antioxidant - neutralizing the free radicals that drive inflammation and cellular aging.
Here's the thing about oral vitamin C: your gut hits a ceiling. Intestinal absorption saturates at roughly 200 mg per dose, meaning the rest is excreted. IV vitamin C bypasses this entirely, achieving plasma concentrations that are simply not achievable by mouth. This is why IV delivery isn't just a gimmick - for vitamin C specifically, the route of administration fundamentally changes what your body can access.
FOUND IN: BEAUTY BAG · BASIS BAG · BODYGUARD BAG · BEAST BAG
IMMUNE SUPPORT · COLLAGEN SYNTHESIS · ANTIOXIDANT · SKIN HEALTH · IRON ABSORPTION
B-Complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6)
THE ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE
B vitamins function as coenzymes - your metabolism can't run without them. They sit at the center of converting food into ATP, the energy currency your cells actually use. Individually, each plays a distinct role: B1 (thiamine) supports neurological function and carbohydrate metabolism; B2 (riboflavin) is a precursor for two major energy coenzymes; B3 (niacin) is involved in DNA repair and is a direct precursor to NAD+; B5 (pantothenic acid) is required to synthesize coenzyme A, which sits at the center of nearly every metabolic pathway; B6 (pyridoxine) participates in over 100 enzyme reactions including neurotransmitter synthesis (serotonin, dopamine) and immune regulation.
Chronic stress, alcohol, certain medications (metformin, oral contraceptives, PPIs), and poor diet all deplete B vitamins faster than most people realize. Brain fog, fatigue, and irritability are among the first signs.
FOUND IN: ALL COCKTAILS
ENERGY METABOLISM · BRAIN FUNCTION · STRESS RECOVERY · MOOD SUPPORT
Vitamin B12
THE NERVE & RED BLOOD CELL ESSENTIAL
B12 is essential for red blood cell formation, nerve myelin maintenance, and DNA synthesis. It also converts homocysteine - a marker linked to cardiovascular risk when elevated - into methionine. B12 deficiency is more common than most people suspect: it affects those over 50 (stomach acid production needed for absorption declines with age), people on plant-based diets, and anyone on PPIs or metformin.
Oral B12 absorption depends on a protein called intrinsic factor, produced in the stomach. When that system is compromised, no amount of oral supplementation fully compensates. IV and IM delivery completely sidestep this pathway.
FOUND IN: ALL IV VITAMIN COCKTAILS
ENERGY · NEUROLOGICAL HEALTH · RED BLOOD CELL PRODUCTION · COGNITIVE CLARITY
Biotin (Vitamin B7)
THE BEAUTY B VITAMIN
Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin involved in fatty acid synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and glucose regulation - all processes relevant to healthy hair, skin, and nail structure. It's a co-factor for enzymes that produce the keratin proteins your body uses to build hair and nails. While biotin has become synonymous with beauty supplements, IV delivery ensures it's actually reaching the cells that need it, without the absorption variability of high-dose oral forms.
FOUND IN: BEAUTY BAG
HAIR GROWTH · NAIL STRENGTH · SKIN HEALTH · KERATIN SUPPORT
The Powerhouses: Antioxidants & Minerals
Glutathione
THE MASTER ANTIOXIDANT
If there's one IV ingredient that deserves its reputation, it's glutathione. This tripeptide - made of glycine, cysteine, and glutamine - is the body's primary endogenous antioxidant, found in virtually every cell. It neutralizes free radicals, supports phase II liver detoxification (binding to toxins and heavy metals for excretion), modulates melanin synthesis (which is where the skin-brightening association comes from), and is critical for mitochondrial health.
Levels naturally decline with age, illness, high stress, and environmental toxin exposure. The challenge with oral glutathione is that it's largely broken down in the digestive tract before it can be absorbed into circulation - making IV delivery not just convenient, but meaningfully more effective.
FOUND IN: BEAUTY BAG · BOOZE BAG · BOOZE BAG: PREGAME EDIT · BODYGUARD BAG
DETOXIFICATION · SKIN BRIGHTENING · IMMUNE REGULATION · ANTI-AGING · LIVER SUPPORT
Magnesium
THE 300-REACTION MINERAL
Magnesium is a cofactor in over 300 enzymatic reactions - and it's one of the most commonly depleted minerals in modern life. Chronic stress burns through it rapidly. Alcohol depletes it. Diuretics, certain medications, and poor dietary intake all contribute. The result shows up as muscle cramps, poor sleep, migraines, anxiety, and irritability.
Clinically, magnesium is administered IV in hospital settings in anesthesia, asthma treatment, acute migraine treatment, eclampsia and preeclampsia, and cardiac arrhythmias - which speaks to how powerful and fast-acting this mineral is when delivered directly into the bloodstream. In our cocktails, it's a cornerstone ingredient for muscle relaxation, headache relief, stress recovery, and general replenishment.
FOUND IN: BOOZE BAG · BOOZE BAG: PREGAME EDIT · BASIS BAG · BODYGUARD BAG · BRAIN PAIN BAG · BEAST BAG
MUSCLE RELAXATION · MIGRAINE RELIEF · SLEEP QUALITY · STRESS MANAGEMENT · CARDIAC SUPPORT
Zinc, Copper & Manganese
THE TRACE MINERAL TRIO
These three trace minerals appear together across several of our cocktails because they function in concert. Zinc is essential for immune cell development, wound healing, protein synthesis, and is one of the most important minerals for immune defense - the body doesn't store it, meaning regular intake matters. Copper works synergistically with zinc (important: copper supplementation is typically necessary when zinc is given to prevent imbalance) and is involved in iron metabolism, collagen formation, and antioxidant enzyme function. Manganese activates enzymes involved in bone development, amino acid metabolism, and is a key component of superoxide dismutase - one of the body's primary antioxidant defense systems.
FOUND IN: BASIS BAG · BODYGUARD BAG · BEAST BAG
IMMUNE DEFENSE · WOUND HEALING · ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES · COLLAGEN SUPPORT
Calcium
MORE THAN JUST BONES
Calcium's role extends well beyond bone density - it's essential for muscle contraction (including cardiac muscle), nerve signal transmission, blood clotting, and hormone secretion. In the Myer’s cocktail formulation (our Basis Bag), calcium is included because of its synergistic role with magnesium in muscle and nerve function. The two minerals work in balance: magnesium relaxes, calcium contracts - together they regulate the rhythmic function of muscle tissue throughout the body.
FOUND IN: BASIS BAG
MUSCLE FUNCTION · NERVE SIGNALING · CARDIAC HEALTH · BONE DENSITY
The Performance & Recovery Ingredients
Amino Acids
THE BUILDING BLOCKS
Amino acids are the structural components of every protein in your body - enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters, antibodies, and muscle tissue all depend on them. In IV form, we use targeted blends based on the cocktail's goal. For the Beauty Bag, amino acids support the protein synthesis required for healthy skin, hair, and collagen structure. For the Beast Bag, they support muscle protein synthesis, reduce exercise-induced breakdown, and accelerate recovery between training sessions.
FOUND IN: BEAUTY BAG · BEAST BAG
MUSCLE RECOVERY · PROTEIN SYNTHESIS · SKIN & HAIR STRUCTURE · ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
L-Carnitine
THE FAT-BURNING TRANSPORT MOLECULE
L-carnitine is a naturally occurring compound synthesized from the amino acids lysine and methionine. Its primary job is transporting long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they're burned for energy. It's particularly relevant for athletic performance and metabolic support - helping the body access fat as fuel and reducing the accumulation of metabolic waste products in muscle tissue that contribute to post-exercise soreness.
FOUND IN: BEAST BAG
FAT METABOLISM · ATHLETIC ENDURANCE · MITOCHONDRIAL SUPPORT · MUSCLE RECOVERY
L-Taurine
THE NEURAL CALMER
Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid with a particularly concentrated presence in the brain, heart, and eyes. It acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter modulator - calming neural excitability - which is a key reason it's included in migraine treatment protocols. It also has antioxidant properties, supports cardiovascular function, and plays a role in regulating membrane stability in neurons. For the Brain Pain Bag, taurine pairs with magnesium to address two of the most well-supported mechanisms in migraine pathophysiology: vascular dysregulation and neural hyperexcitability.
FOUND IN: BRAIN PAIN BAG
MIGRAINE RELIEF · NEURAL CALMING · CARDIOVASCULAR SUPPORT · ANTIOXIDANT
The Clinical Add-Ins
Several of our cocktails include prescription-grade medications for clients who need them. These are not available over the counter, cannot be self-administered safely, and are another reason why having a licensed clinician present for every infusion matters.
Zofran (Ondansetron)
THE NAUSEA BLOCKER
Ondansetron is an FDA-approved antiemetic that works by blocking serotonin receptors in the gut and brain responsible for triggering nausea and vomiting. It's widely used in hospital and clinical settings for chemotherapy-induced nausea, post-surgical nausea, acute GI illness, nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. In the Booze Bag and Barf Bag, it addresses one of the most debilitating symptoms of both hangovers and stomach bugs - often providing relief within minutes of administration. Ondansetron is also prescribed in Bag Bar’s Metabolic Reset Program to ensure that no Baggie is left to struggle with the most common adverse effect of GLP-1 use.
FOUND IN: BOOZE BAG · BARF BAG · BRAIN PAIN BAG
NAUSEA RELIEF · VOMITING PREVENTION · GI RECOVERY
Toradol (Ketorolac)
THE NON-NARCOTIC PAIN RELIEVER
Ketorolac is a potent IV NSAID - a non-narcotic anti-inflammatory analgesic. It's regularly used in emergency departments for migraine treatment and acute pain management. In our Brain Pain Bag and Booze Bag, it provides targeted pain relief without the sedation, dependence risk, or recovery time associated with opioid-based options. It's a meaningful clinical tool, and one that's only appropriate when administered by a licensed clinician who can evaluate for contraindications.
FOUND IN: BOOZE BAG · BRAIN PAIN BAG
PAIN RELIEF · MIGRAINE TREATMENT · ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Famotidine (Pepcid)
THE STOMACH ACID REGULATOR
Famotidine is an H2 receptor blocker that reduces stomach acid production. In the Barf Bag, it works in conjunction with Zofran to provide comprehensive GI relief - addressing both the nausea and vomiting response and the upper GI irritation that commonly accompanies stomach bugs and acute GI distress, including that caused by excessive alcohol intake. As an H2 antihistamine, it also helps reduce histamine-related itching that can occur during amino acid infusions, without the sedation of IV Benadryl. Hospital-grade relief, delivered to your couch.
FOUND IN: BARF BAG; AVAILABLE AS AN ADD-ON IN: BOOZE BAG (HEARTBURN RELIEF), BEAUTY AND BEAST BAG (ITCH RELIEF)
ACID REDUCTION · GI RELIEF · STOMACH BUG RECOVERY · HANGOVER RELIEF · ANTIHISTAMINE
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
THE MULTI-TASKING ANTIHISTAMINE
Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine that helps block the body's histamine response. In IV therapy, it can provide relief from headaches, aid in sleep during histamine-related reactions, such as itching, that may occur during amino acid infusions. A versatile addition for enhanced comfort and symptom relief when you need it most.
AVAILABLE AS AN ADD-ON IN: BRAIN PAIN BAG
ALLERGY CONTROL · ITCH RELIEF · INFUSION SUPPORT
ALWAYS IN THE BAG. ALWAYS READY.
We'd rather carry it and never need it than need it and not have it. Pepcid and Benadryl travel with us to every appointment as part of our pre-established safety protocol, because preparation is the standard of care.
Our Sourcing Standard
The IV therapy space is largely unregulated at the ingredient level. Many providers source from unverified suppliers, use standard PVC equipment, operate without physician oversight, or won't tell you what's actually in the bag. We run differently.
503A/503B licensed pharmacies only - State-regulated and FDA-registered compounding facilities with verified sterility and potency. We'll share our labels on request.
Non-PVC, non-DEHP bags, tubing and IV catheters - Standard PVC IV equipment leaches plasticizers into your infusion. We use filtered, DEHP-free equipment on every single bag.
Non-latex throughout - Standard for allergy safety; non-negotiable for us.
Preservative-free foundation formulation - No unnecessary additives, stabilizers, or fillers in our saline.
Clinician-present, every time - A licensed clinician (a PA, NP, or MD) is present at every Bag Bar appointment, under the medical directorship of Dr. Ashlee Godshalk Ruggles, MD, FACS, FASCRS. The Intravenous (IV) administration of fluids or medications is a medical procedure. We treat it like one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the same results from food or oral supplements?
For some nutrients, oral supplementation is genuinely effective. For others - particularly vitamin C at therapeutic doses, glutathione, and B12 in people with absorption issues - the bioavailability gap between oral and IV is significant enough to matter. IV delivery guarantees 100% bioavailability. We're not anti-oral supplements; we're pro-honesty about what actually reaches your cells.
How do I know which IV Vitamin Cocktail is right for me?
That's exactly why Bag Bar is clinician-led. After an appointment is booked, we take a brief health history and recommend a different cocktail than the one you chose if it’s not aligned with your symptoms, goals, and health background. You can also Build-A-Bag if you want something custom. We're not a pick-off-the-menu-and-hope model.
What's the difference between a Tallboy and a Pint?
Both contain the same doses of vitamin and nutrient blends. The Tallboy is 1000ml and the Pint is 500ml. The hydration volume differs, but the potency doesn't. Pints are a great option for busy schedules that don’t allow time for the full hydration experience of a Tallboy - the pint infusion time is shorter, and the price is $25 less.
Why does Bag Bar use non-PVC, non-DEHP equipment when most IV providers don't?
Key benefits of non-PVC equipment: zero phthalates (DEHP-free and BPA-free), better medication compatibility as PVC is known to absorb certain medications and reduce the intended dose, eco-friendly & recyclable to keep Bag Bar at the forefront of environmental philanthropy. DEHP is a plasticizer found in standard PVC IV tubing that can leach into infusion fluids - particularly fat-soluble solutions. It's classified as an endocrine disruptor and reproductive toxicant. California has legislated a ban on DEHP in IV containers and tubing effective 2030, and it has already been phased out of much pediatric and neonatal IV equipment. At Bag Bar, we don't think adults deserve less protection just because non-PVC equipment costs more. We think you’re worth it.
What is the Myers cocktail and which Bag Bar cocktail is it?
The Myers cocktail is a classic IV formulation developed in the 1960s by Dr. John Myers, containing vitamin C, B-complex, B12, magnesium, calcium, and zinc. It's been used for decades to support chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, and autoimmune conditions. Our Basis Bag is our version - the foundation of intentional IV hydration, as we like to say.
Ready to get wasted on wellness?
We come to you - at home, at the office, or wherever you need us in Monmouth County, NJ. Book your Bag Bar reservation and let's find the right cocktail for you.
