Health Watchdog Investigates Vitamin Infusion Clinics Amid Safety Concerns
Amsterdam, Netherlands - The Netherlands’ Health Care Inspectorate (IGJ) is investigating clinics offering high-dose vitamin infusions and injections following a report by consumer advocacy program Radar revealing potential breaches in healthcare regulations. The investigation comes as the Dutch Association of Dietitians launches a new reporting point for misleading nutritional advice, spurred by growing concerns over unsubstantiated health claims surrounding these treatments.
Radar‘s investigation uncovered that some clinics are administering infusions and injections with staff not registered as healthcare professionals, operating rather under the supervision of a qualified physician. During a Radar visit to one such clinic, the supervising physician was unavailable due to being on vacation, leaving no authorized medical professional present. While operating under physician oversight is permissible under Dutch law, the timing raised red flags for investigators.
The IGJ confirmed it has received approximately 20 reports and warnings regarding vitamin infusions and injections as 2020. the agency previously shut down one clinic found to be offering vitamin injections without the required permits.
Clinics promoting these treatments often cite research from Maastricht UMC+ as evidence of efficacy, notably regarding vitamin C infusions and cancer treatment. Radar sought comment from Maastricht UMC+ and will publish their response separately.The Dutch Association of Dietitians’ new reporting point aims to address the proliferation of unsubstantiated claims and possibly harmful nutritional advice linked to these and other option therapies. Details on how to submit reports are available through the association’s website. The IGJ encourages anyone with concerns about healthcare practices to file a report directly with their office.
