The number of cases of poisoning for mineral supplements or electrolytes identified by the Quebec anti -poison center increased by 30%.

In four years, the number of possible cases of poisoning with supplements of minerals or electrolytes – especially iron, calcium, sodium and magnesium – identified by the anti -poison center of Quebec has increased by 30 %.

According to data obtained by The dutythe number of exposure risked to these substances, alone or combined with other products, increased from 584 in 2020 to 763 in 2024. It can, for example, consumption of too much dose of these supplements.

Substances sold in pharmacies are in particular involved. Products like Pedialyte, an oral rehydration solution, are also included in this category, although the calls that concern them remain rare, indicates the anti -poison center in Quebec.

In 2024, some 256 possible intoxication cases only involved supplements of minerals or electrolytes, without any other associated substance. In two thirds of them, the person was able to be kept under surveillance at home, underlines Guillaume Bélair, a clinical nurse at the organization.

The exact causes of the increase in possible poisoning cases remain unknown, however Audée Elliott, pharmacist at the Quebec anti -poison center, since “people can take these products for all kinds of reasons”.

I think the rise in exhibitions [risquées à ces produits] could be a reflection of their greater popularity and their increased presence […] In Quebec homes

The toxicologist Guillaume Lacombe, vice-president of the Quebec Emergency Medicine Association, however advances a hypothesis: it is common to see publications on social networks encouraging the public to consume mineral or electrolyte supplements in order to “be in good health”. “I wonder about the relevance of this trend, because it is not without risk. »»

“I think the rise in exhibitions [risquées à ces produits] could be a reflection of their greater popularity and their increased presence […] in Quebec homes, ”adds the D^r Lacombe.

Accidents and free sales

In 2024, children under the age of 5 were at the heart of the greatest number of risky exhibitions to mineral or electrolyte supplements, with a total of 96 cases. These are mainly accidents, underlines the Audée Pharmacist Elliott.

The first signs of these poisoning are often diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, notes the nurse Guillaume Bélair, who specifies that “the doses which are toxic or the symptoms differ from one molecule to another”. In some cases, excessive ingestion of these products may therefore require hospitalization.

Mineral or electrolyte supplements are over -the -counter, which makes their use without medical supervision. They are also sometimes prescribed to treat the side effects of drugs, explains the D^r Lacombe. On the other hand, “the fact of being mistaken in the dosage of supplements on long periods can lead, for example, arrhythmias or muscle weakness”, he says.

A significant proportion of calls to the Quebec anti -poison center, however, concerns products purchased without a prescription, says Guillaume Bélair, although he says he does not have precise data in this area.

It is essential to consult a health professional before starting to take these supplements, argues Audrée Elliott, as they can interact with other drugs. It cites as an example the intake of calcium or magnesium combined with that of levothyroxine (Synthroid), a drug taken to relieve a deregulation of the thyroid gland. “It can decrease the absorption of synthroid and make a big difference on someone’s health. »»

Prized with athletes

Mineral or electrolyte supplements are very popular with athletes who wish to improve their performance, note Ève Crépeau, nutritionist of sport and assistant clinic professor in the Nutrition Department of the University of Montreal.

“But for someone who eats in a balanced way and who has no food restrictions or deficiency, it is absolutely not necessary. The only exception concerns electrolytes, more specifically sodium, for long efforts, as in the case of marathons, since the loss of sodium in sweat will be more important, “she says.

Professor Crépeau also notes that magnesium is popular among athletes, especially due to marketing surrounding this product. “But when you don’t have magnesium deficiency, it is not supported by science to take supplements. And it’s hard to miss it, because there are everywhere in food. »»

Certain types of exercise, such as running, can however accentuate the risk of iron deficiency, it admits. “But iron is not an additional supplement that I would recommend without having done blood tests before to confirm if necessary or not. »»

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