‘She didn’t want to take multivitamins daily’: Parag Tyagi dismisses ‘anti-ageing medicine’ claims after Shefali Jariwala’s death

Parag also addressed the claims that Shefali consumed anti-ageing medicines on an empty stomach on the day of her death. “We took those medicines, and she took that on that day. It wasn’t that she didn’t eat that day. She did fast that day, she did Satyanarayana pooja on an empty stomach, she had coffee before that as you can’t eat. After the pooja, she had food, and after that she slept. She woke up and again had food. After that, at 8.30-9 he came to give her (IV drip) at night,” he clarified.

Highlighting her lifestyle, Parag said that Shefali’s youthful appearance was not due to medication, but rather to consistent discipline. “What anti-ageing are people talking about? She didn’t look her age because of the hard work behind it. She controlled her diet, but that doesn’t mean she didn’t eat. She would eat 1/2 kg of ice cream, but of course, we would work out also after that, and we ate this at least twice a week. She would eat Chinese or something else every Sunday. She never deprived herself of anything (sic).”

But what are IV drips containing multivitamins, Vitamin C, collagen, and glutathione usually prescribed for, and are they safe for otherwise healthy people?

Dr Jagadish Hiremath, a public health intellectual, tells indianexpress.com, “Intravenous drips containing multivitamins, Vitamin C, collagen, and glutathione are sometimes used in medical settings for patients who have specific nutrient deficiencies, absorption problems, or conditions that require rapid replenishment of certain vitamins and antioxidants. In aesthetic and wellness clinics, they are often promoted for general energy, skin health, or anti-ageing benefits.”

For otherwise healthy people, he says that the “scientific evidence supporting a monthly infusion is limited.” When administered in a controlled medical environment and after appropriate screening, these drips are generally safe; however, unnecessary infusions can still carry risks, such as vein irritation, infection, or allergic reactions. “It is important that such treatments are undertaken only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional,” stresses Dr Hiremath. 

Can taking supplements, whether orally or through IV drips, on an empty stomach pose health risks?

Dr Hiremath mentions that taking supplements on an empty stomach “can sometimes lead to nausea, stomach upset, or changes in blood sugar, and certain vitamins are absorbed less effectively without food.” 

If someone is fasting, he adds that the effect can be more pronounced, especially with high doses of Vitamin C or other acidic compounds that may irritate the stomach lining. “Intravenous administration bypasses the digestive tract, but if a person is fasting or dehydrated, it may increase the risk of dizziness, changes in blood pressure, or electrolyte imbalance.”

How effective is glutathione, and what are the precautions to keep in mind?

Taking supplements on an empty stomach can sometimes lead to nausea, stomach upset, or changes in blood sugar, and certain vitamins are absorbed less effectively without food. If someone is fasting, Dr Hiremath says that the effect can be more pronounced, especially with high doses of Vitamin C or other acidic compounds that may irritate the stomach lining. 

“Intravenous administration bypasses the digestive tract, but if a person is fasting or dehydrated, it may increase the risk of dizziness, changes in blood pressure, or electrolyte imbalance. A medical consultation before any infusion or supplement routine is essential to ensure it is safe for the individual’s health status and fasting pattern,” stresses Dr Hiremath. 

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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