Shefali Jariwala's Death: How Medication While Fasting Can Be Lethal

The entertainment industry was left shocked this week as actress and television star Shefali Jariwala, fondly remembered as the 'Kaanta Laga' girl, passed away under circumstances allegedly linked to the unsupervised use of anti-ageing medications while fasting.

According to reports, Shefali had been exploring anti-ageing therapies to enhance vitality and get glowing skin. Shefali's friend Pooja Ghai recently confirmed that Shefali was fasting after a beautiful Satyanarayana pooja at their place a day prior to this tragic incident. On the morning of her death, Shefali had taken a Vitamin C IV drip while she was fasting.

In previous media reports, sources revealed that she consumed regimen of anti-ageing supplements and medications promoted as longevity treatments. She mostly consumed them without required prescription but they also stated that it never caused her any harm before.

While an official autopsy report has been reserved by the Mumbai police, speculation has grown that the combination of fasting and medication may have caused a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to her death. Several physicians have weighed in to emphasise how easily such interactions can occur, even with otherwise safe drugs.

“Anti-ageing treatments such as intravenous glutathione and high-dose vitamin C are generally considered safe when administered under medical supervision,” explains Dr. Chirayu Parwal, Associate Consultant-Plastic Surgery, Aakash Healthcare. “However, taking them during prolonged fasting or when the body is nutritionally depleted can increase the risk of adverse effects like electrolyte imbalance, low blood sugar, or hypotension.”

Dr. Chirayu adds, “Fasting alters liver metabolism and kidney function, which may affect how these compounds are processed. If the body is already in a stressed state, the addition of potent antioxidants and detox agents can trigger unexpected complications.”

“Patients should never self-administer such therapies, especially while fasting or undergoing weight-loss regimens, without a proper medical evaluation. What’s marketed as beauty-enhancing can, if misused, become dangerous.”

Dr. Aravind Badiger, Technical Director at BDR Pharmaceuticals, underscored that anti-ageing therapies, though promising, can be unpredictable without professional oversight. He explained, "Fasting will alter the body's electrolyte balance, hydration status, and blood glucose level, which will affect the absorption and metabolism of medications. Even well-adjusted therapies will behave differently when taken in a state of fasting, so dose, timing, and monitoring are important."

His comments echo warnings from several longevity specialists who note that fasting amplifies fluctuations in blood sugar and electrolytes, which in turn can unpredictably change how drugs are absorbed. When combined with medications that influence metabolism, the risk of hypotensive crises increases.

Health experts recommend thorough consultation with a physician, especially when combining fasting with new therapies.

While the investigation into Shefali Jariwala’s death continues, her passing has prompted renewed calls for greater awareness around longevity treatments and their potential dangers when not used under medical supervision.