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Oxalic Acid May Cause Gadolinium Nanoparticles Absorption
Researchers at the University of New Mexico have discovered that oxalic acid, a compound found in many foods, can trigger the formation of gadolinium nanoparticles in human tissues. MRI contrast agents use gadolinium, a rare earth metal that the body typically excretes safely.
However, in some individuals, gadolinium detaches from its binding molecules and forms nanoparticles. This can trigger serious health issues, including nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF)—a potentially fatal condition that affects the skin, heart, lungs, and joints.
The team, led by Dr. Brent Wagner, found in lab tests that oxalic acid can cause small amounts of gadolinium to separate and form these harmful particles.
What Is Oxalic Acid?
Oxalic acid is primarily a byproduct of metabolism in the human body. It is produced during the breakdown of certain compounds, especially as the body metabolizes substances like vitamin C. When the body breaks down ascorbic acid (vitamin C), it can form an oxalate, which is the ionized form of oxalic acid.
Oxalic acid is commonly found in foods like spinach, rhubarb, nuts, berries, and chocolate. Oxalic acid binds with calcium to form calcium oxalate, which is the most common type of kidney stone. While small amounts of oxalic acid in the body are typically excreted through urine without causing harm, when levels are too high, it can lead to kidney stone formation. This is why foods high in oxalates are often cautioned against for people who are prone to kidney stones.
Oxalic Acid and Gadolinium Interaction
Their research suggests that individual metabolic differences—such as being in a high oxalic state—could explain why some people develop severe reactions after MRI scans while others do not. This insight could lead to new screening methods or dietary recommendations to reduce risk.
To further investigate, the team is developing an international patient registry collecting biological samples and personal health data to better understand the risk factors for gadolinium toxicity. Wagner advises caution with vitamin C intake before an MRI, and hopes their work leads to guidelines for safer use of gadolinium-based contrast agents.
Key Takeaways
This new research highlights growing concerns about gadolinium, a toxic rare earth metal used in MRI contrast agents. While these agents are generally considered safe and are typically excreted from the body, the study suggests that under certain conditions, gadolinium can form harmful nanoparticles in human tissues.
A key factor appears to be oxalic acid—a molecule found in many common foods like spinach, berries, and chocolate—which may interact with gadolinium and trigger this nanoparticle formation.
Alarmingly, even a single MRI with contrast has been linked to serious health conditions in some individuals, including nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). Not everyone experiences these effects, which points to individual metabolic differences, dietary factors, or supplement use as possible contributors.
To better understand who is most at risk, researchers are now creating an international patient registry that will collect detailed medical and biological data. Their goal is to identify clear risk factors and ultimately help develop guidelines to improve MRI safety for all patients.
Original article available at https://hscnews.unm.edu/news/unm-scientists-discover-how-nanoparticles-of-toxic-metal-used-in-mri-scans-infiltrate-human-tissue
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