Bereshit Lifestyle Center in New York under scrutiny after Elizabeth Baron suffers cardiac arrest, dies following NAD+ IV treatment

Bereshit Lifestyle Center in New York City is facing massive scrutiny after Elizabeth Baron, a 27-year-old Bronx woman, died shortly after receiving an alleged NAD+ IV treatment at the wellness clinic. Prosecutors said the clinic's owner, Luis Rojas Cabrera, was not licensed to practice medicine in New York or anywhere else in the United States, reports New York Post.

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The incident happened on Sunday when Baron allegedly received an intravenous infusion containing NAD+, a coenzyme that has gained popularity in wellness circles. According to prosecutors, she went into cardiac arrest almost immediately after the treatment and was rushed to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.


Authorities are now awaiting autopsy results before determining whether additional criminal charges will be filed.

What prosecutors allege happened at Bereshit Lifestyle Center

During Luis Rojas Cabrera's arraignment on Monday, prosecutors alleged that Baron suffered a medical emergency immediately after receiving the IV treatment.

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Assistant District Attorney Ethan Reisbaum told the court: "Administering NAD+ via an IV requires a prescription from a medical professional."

Court documents alleged that Rojas Cabrera was not authorized to provide such treatment because he was not licensed to practice medicine in New York. He has been charged with reckless endangerment and unauthorized practice of a profession.

Elizabeth Baron died after being taken to hospital

Following the medical emergency, Baron was transported to a nearby hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead. Her family has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses.

The fundraiser describes the loss in emotional terms: "Elizabeth was a beautiful daughter, sister, and friend whose kindness, warmth, and vibrant spirit touched so many lives."

It continues: "Her passing has left an unimaginable void in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her." The New York City medical examiner is conducting an autopsy, and officials have not yet announced her official cause of death.

Owner allegedly admitted he was not licensed in New York

According to court documents, Rojas Cabrera acknowledged that he was not legally permitted to practice medicine in New York. He allegedly told investigators:

"I am not a licensed doctor in New York." He further stated: "My application is pending. I only have an esthetician license."

Court filings also indicate that Rojas Cabrera claimed he had previously been licensed to practice medicine in the Dominican Republic and held a physician assistant license in Puerto Rico.

Prosecutors waiting for autopsy before deciding on further charges

During Monday's court hearing, prosecutors said they could not yet connect Baron's death directly to the treatment until the medical examiner completes the autopsy.

A prosecutor told the court: "Before we get the results of the autopsy, we can't make the causation and charge him with her death."

For now, Rojas Cabrera faces charges related to unauthorized medical practice and reckless endangerment.

Rojas Cabrera was released after his arraignment because the current charges are not eligible for bail under New York law. However, prosecutors successfully requested that he surrender his passport within 48 hours to ensure he returns for future court proceedings.

His next scheduled court appearance is September 9.

Court documents allege statement after medical emergency

According to court records, Rojas Cabrera made a statement to a police officer after Baron went into cardiac arrest. He allegedly said: "I made a very big mistake. I need to call my family because I have a feeling I will not be home for a while."

Authorities included the alleged statement in court documents filed in the case.

(With TOI inputs)