The Horrible Myth of Chlorine Dioxide (CD) otherwise know as Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS)
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When I get any information about autism that is just out and out incorrect I generally deleted it. It has been my experience that passing these myths on somehow validates them and justifies a conversation. It is also my fear that the information could get into a parent's hands that is just desperate enough to try it.
When I recently received a Facebook posting regarding the use of Chlorine Dioxide to cure autism and something about autism being caused by parasites in the brain I was horrified and profoundly saddened. The claim made by these people who prey on the vulnerabilities of others is that if you give your child who has autism this toxic liquid, which is essentially bleach, it will kill the parasites and cure your child of autism. I deleted it.
Then, one of my clients asked me about it. She explained that her cousin also had a child with autism and asked what I thought about autism being caused by parasites in the brain. I explained that it was untrue. She then told me that her cousin was giving her son Chloride enemas to rid him of the parasites and autism. My heart fell...
SO here I am writing about this horrible myth in the hopes that people will pass this on and stop caring, desperate parents from hurting their children.
Here is to a Bright Future for all children!
Zoe
A few words from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
FDA Cracks Down on False Claims
According to Gary Coody, R.Ph., FDA’s national health fraud coordinator, the agency has warned a number of companies that they are facing possible legal action if they continue to make false or misleading claims about products and therapies claiming to treat or cure autism. Some of these so-called therapies carry significant health risks and include:
“Chelation Therapies.” These products claim to cleanse the body of toxic chemicals and heavy metals by binding to them and “removing” them from circulation. They come in a number of forms, including sprays, suppositories, capsules, liquid drops and clay baths. FDA-approved chelating agents are approved for specific uses, such as the treatment of lead poisoning and iron overload, and are available by prescription only. FDA-approved prescription chelation therapy products should only be used under medical supervision. Chelating important minerals needed by the body can lead to serious and life-threatening outcomes.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. This involves breathing oxygen in a pressurized chamber and has been cleared by FDA for certain medical uses, such as treating decompression sickness suffered by divers. It has not been cleared for autism, among other conditions.
Miracle Mineral Solution. Also known as Miracle Mineral Supplement and MMS, this product becomes a potent chemical that‘s used as bleach when mixed according to package directions. FDA has received reports of consumers who say they experienced nausea, severe vomiting and life-threatening low blood pressure after drinking the MMS and citrus juice mixture.
Detoxifying Clay Baths. Added to bath water, these products claim to draw out chemical toxins, pollutants and heavy metals from the body, falsely offering “dramatic improvement” for autism symptoms.
Coconut kefir and other probiotic products. These marketed products claim to treat autism and gastrointestinal illnesses associated with autism. They have not been proven safe and effective for these advertised uses.
Coody offers some quick tips to help you identify false or misleading claims.
Be suspicious of products that claim to treat a wide range of diseases.
Personal testimonials are no substitute for scientific evidence.
Few diseases or conditions can be treated quickly, so be suspicious of any therapy claimed as a “quick fix.”
So-called “miracle cures,” which claim scientific breakthroughs and secret ingredients, may be a hoax.
The bottom line is this—if it’s an unproven or little known treatment, talk to your health care professional before buying or using these products.
This article appears on FDA’s Consumer Updates page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.
April 25, 2014