FDA: Ingesting ‘Miracle’ Treatment Is the ‘Same as Drinking Bleach’

The FDA issued a warning this week urging people not to take Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS), a chlorine dioxide solution that is often promoted online as medical treatment for autism, cancer, HIV/AIDS and other conditions. The notice was made after a recent spike in reported health issues.

The concoction is made by blending a mixture of harsh chemicals easily purchased online to cook up an industrial-strength bleach that is then administered to a child. Sadly, this isn’t the first time we’re hearing of it. The products were first promoted about 20 years ago as a remedy to nearly every ailment by a former Scientologist who later founded a church of “health and healing” called Genesis II, according to an NBC report. A former real estate agent from Chicago, Kerri Rivera, later suggested the solution could cure autism.

What’s more, it stretches beyond the US. Last year, The Mirror reported that at least six British police forces have questioned families over allegations that children as young as 2 have been served MMS. The Mirror reporters also investigated a closed Facebook group that promoted the practice, where parents freely shared their experiences using MMS on their children. In addition to forcing crying children to drink the substance, other parents bragged that using MMS has made their children stop doing certain behaviors associated with autism. But health experts say their response is likely out of fear and an attempt to get out of any future “treatments.” There’s also no scientific evidence to back up any of the group’s claims.

Although MMS hasn’t been approved by the FDA for any use, it continues to be widely-promoted on social media. Websites selling MMS describe the product as a liquid that is 28 percent sodium chlorite in distilled water, the FDA says. Consumers are instructed to mix the sodium chlorite solution with citric acid or another acid before drinking. When the acid is added, the mixture becomes chlorine dioxide—a powerful bleaching agent that is extremely dangerous if ingested.

“Miracle Mineral Solution and similar products are not FDA-approved, and ingesting these products is the same as drinking bleach. Consumers should not use these products, and parents should not give these products to their children for any reason,” says FDA acting commissioner Ned Sharpless, MD. “The FDA will continue to track those selling this dangerous product and take appropriate enforcement actions against those who attempt to evade FDA regulations and market unapproved and potentially dangerous products to the American public.”

Despite claims that the solution is an antimicrobial, antiviral and antibacterial, the FDA says it’s not aware of any scientific evidence supporting the safety or effectiveness of MMS products. The agency recently received new reports of people experiencing severe vomiting and diarrhea, life-threatening low blood pressure caused by dehydration and acute liver failure after drinking these products.

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