French noblewoman Diane de Poitiers was known for her youthful appearance, which many attributed to her daily consumption of water and gold. However, recent research has revealed that this habit may have been the cause of her premature death.
According to historical accounts, de Poitiers drank a solution containing gold every day in the hopes of maintaining her youthful appearance. This habit, common among the French nobility of the sixteenth century, was believed to have anti-aging effects. However, a recent study published in the British Journal of Medicine has shed light on the potential dangers of this practice.
Researchers found that de Poitiers had levels of gold in her remains that were 500 times higher than the tolerance level for humans. This chronic intoxication likely contributed to her death at the age of 66. Traces of mercury, another ingredient in the potions she drank, were also found in her remains.
Philippe Charlier, one of the scientists involved in analyzing de Poitiers’ remains, explained that high levels of gold consumption can have harmful effects on the body, including whitening of the skin, anemia, and weakened hair, bones, and teeth. These findings suggest that de Poitiers’ daily ingestion of gold may have ultimately led to her demise.
Despite her influential position in French society and her close relationship with King Henry II, de Poitiers never became queen and never wore a crown. This rules out the possibility of contamination from jewelry as the cause of the high levels of gold found in her remains.
The tragic story of Diane de Poitiers serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of relying on unproven remedies for health and beauty. While the allure of eternal youth may be tempting, it is essential to approach such practices with caution and skepticism.