21/11/2025
⚠️ A single MRI scan can leave toxic metal particles in your body, study shows.
A new study from the University of New Mexico has revealed that a single MRI scan using gadolinium-based contrast agents could leave behind toxic nanoparticles in the body—potentially triggering serious health complications.
Gadolinium, a rare earth metal used to enhance imaging clarity, is typically bound in a "safe" compound for medical use. But researchers found that it can break free inside the body and combine with oxalic acid—naturally found in foods like spinach and in vitamin C supplements—forming harmful crystalline nanoparticles.
These particles can embed in tissues and spark inflammatory and immune responses, possibly leading to conditions like nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), a rare but severe disease that affects the skin, kidneys, heart, and lungs.
Dr. Brent Wagner, the study’s lead author, noted that some patients developed severe complications after just one dose. The research suggests that even brief exposure to gadolinium can trigger long-term cellular stress as the body struggles to eliminate these foreign particles. The team is now working on a global registry to identify at-risk individuals by testing for gadolinium residues in hair, nails, blood, and urine. While MRIs remain critical and generally safe for most patients, these findings raise urgent questions about how contrast agents are administered, especially for those with compromised kidney function or other risk factors. As imaging technology advances, so too must our strategies for protecting patients.
Source: UNM scientists discover how MRI contrast agent forms harmful metal nanoparticles in the body. University of New Mexico Health Sciences Newsroom, 2025.
