AUDIENCE: Consumers, Emergency
Medicine
ISSUE: FDA warned consumers not to consume or
use Miracle Mineral Solution, an oral liquid solution also known as
“Miracle Mineral Supplement” or “MMS.” The product, when used as
directed, produces an industrial bleach that can cause serious harm
to health. The product instructs consumers to mix the 28 percent
sodium chlorite solution with an acid such as citrus juice. This
mixture produces chlorine dioxide, a potent bleach used for
stripping textiles and industrial water treatment. High oral doses
of this bleach, such as those recommended in the labeling, can
cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and symptoms of severe
dehydration.
BACKGROUND: MMS is distributed on Internet
sites and online auctions by multiple independent distributors. MMS
claims to treat multiple unrelated diseases, including HIV,
hepatitis, the H1N1 flu virus, common colds, acne, cancer, and
other conditions. The FDA is not aware of any research that MMS is
effective in treating any of these conditions. MMS also poses a
significant health risk to consumers who may choose to use this
product for self-treatment instead of seeking FDA-approved
treatments for these conditions.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Consumers who have MMS should
stop using it immediately and throw it away. The FDA advises
consumers who have experienced any negative side effects from MMS
to consult a health care professional as soon as possible.
Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report
adverse events or side effects related to the use of this product
to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event
Reporting Program:
- Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
- Phone: 1-800-332-1088
- Mail: return the postage-paid FDA form 3500, which may be
downloaded from the MedWatch “
Download Forms” page, to address on the pre-addressed form - Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178
News Release – FDA]