As TVA Nouvelles has learned, four professional associations are calling on their members to stop unnecessarily administering intravenous vitamins to their clients. This fashion has gained traction on social networks and is worrying health experts.
American stars like the Kardashians show up with IVs on their arms and look “glamorous.” In Quebec, presenter Benoit Gagnon films his arm infusion and writes: “I have decided to invest in my health.” Former football player and entrepreneur Étienne Boulay testifies for a holistic health company that offers this service.
Instagram page: @etienneboulay22
In private health or beauty clinics in the Greater Montreal area, these therapies with vitamins, minerals and other substances promise to reduce stress, lose weight, increase energy levels and strengthen the immune system.
However, there is no scientific evidence of these benefits, which the College of Physicians, the Order of Nurses of Quebec, the Order of Pharmacists of Quebec and the Order of Dietitians-Nutritionists of Quebec denounce with one voice. In a communication to their members, obtained by TVA Nouvelles, these professional codes demand that these health professionals respect their ethical obligations related to these infusions.
Instagram page: @icryo_brossard
“We do not recommend the use of intravenous vitamin therapy in patients who have not been diagnosed with a health problem. We invite all professionals involved in such service offerings to review such involvement in light of their ethical obligations,” the statement said.
Intravenous administration carries risks, it is said. “For example, a man unfortunately died from a blood infection (sepsis) after an intravenous vitamin treatment by a Montreal naturopath because one of the vials used was contaminated with deadly bacteria,” says a message to the population that will be prepared in the next days available.
In a recommendation to their professionals, the four regulations remind us to always prefer the oral route.
Instagram page: @icryo_brossard
“I see that there is a fashion and influencers. But obviously there is no scientific data to support this type of therapy in a healthy person taking these types of supplements. “It really seems like an expensive scam to me,” emphasizes family doctor Benoit Heppell.
The president of the Order of Nutritionists and Nutritionists of Quebec agrees.
“There are no proven benefits, but there are known risks,” emphasizes President Joëlle Emond.
The source of these vitamin and mineral infusions is also an issue as they do not have a Drug Identification Number (DIN) issued by Health Canada.