Clinical Risks, Ethical and the Weakness of Scientific Evidence
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36489/saudecoletiva.2025v16i102p12122-12133Keywords:
Evidence-Based Medicine, Ethics Medical, Fluid Therapy, Parenteral Nutrition, Dietary SupplementsAbstract
Serotherapy, the intravenous infusion of nutrients, has gained popularity as an aesthetic and wellness practice, although scientific evidence supporting its efficacy and safety is lacking. This study analyzed the clinical risks and ethical implications of using serotherapy without medical indication through an integrative literature review. Results show that infusion is not superior to oral supplementation and may cause hypervitaminosis, local and systemic adverse reactions, as well as severe complications. Its use without scientific support constitutes a potential ethical violation, possibly qualifying as unauthorized practice or quackery. It is concluded that serotherapy should be limited to cases with proven clinical indication and performed under the supervision of a qualified professional.
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