In some cases, the realization of an MRI requires the injection of a gadolinium -based contrast product which is a metal. This product makes it possible to obtain clearer body images. It is well supported by the majority of patients. However, side effects can occur. They are generally mild and passengers. In rare cases, they can be serious. This was the case for actor Michel Blanc, died on October 3, 2024 of an anaphylactic shock after the injection of a contrast product during a medical imaging exam. Serious side effects are more common in people with a history of hives, eczema or drug allergies and those with pulmonary or heart disease, or chronic kidney disease. But for the first time, a recent study establishes a link between the consumption of food containing oxalic acid and a risk increased by serious side effects after an MRI with injection of contrast product.
A compound present in spinach and most nuts
Oxalic acid is a chemical naturally present in certain foods such as rhubarb, chocolate, spinach and most nuts and berries. It helps fix calcium on the bones. Oxalic acid is also formed in the body when consumes foods or food supplements containing vitamin C. A study published in the journal Magnetic Resonance Imaging reveals that the ability of this compound to bind to metallic ions is not without consequence on health, when it is in contact with gadolinium. Indeed, after having conducted tests in test pie, the researchers noticed that oxalic acid caused the migration of tiny quantities of gadolinium outside the contrast product to form nanoparticles which could then infiltrate cells of different organs of the body.
The presence of these nanoparticles in the body was associated with serious disorders at the level of the kidneys but also other organs. “”The worst disease caused by contrast products used for MRI is nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. People died after a single injection. This disease can cause thickening and hardening of the skin, heart and lungs, as well as painful contractures of the joints“Commented Brent Wagner, co-author of the study.
Why some people develop side effects and others, right?
This study specifies that previous research had detected the presence of these gadolinium nanoparticles in people, years after spending an MRI. And yet these had not developed any symptoms. So why some patients get sick when most of them develop any symptoms? The metabolic environment, specific to everyone, could be a risk factor, according to Brent Wagner. For the scientist, people who develop serious side effects could be “In a high oxalic state or in a state where molecules are more inclined to bind to gadolinium, which leads to the formation of nanoparticles “. “”This is perhaps the reason why some adults have such important symptoms and such a massive reaction to the disease, while others are doing well “he added.
Following this discovery, Brent Wagner advises against vitamin C to patients who must pass an MRI with injection of contrast product “Due to the responsiveness of the metal “. He hopes that this work will be able to help formulate recommendations for people most at risk of developing serious side effects.