It's obvious that some people will try to sell anything to make a buck, but it's hard to believe that purchasers can be so gullible. It seems now that nothing short of an FDA warning will dissuade some consumers from ingesting lethal doses of hydrogen peroxide.
For some time now I've been aware of Internet ads for pills containing oxygen and for bottles of high-strength hydrogen peroxide. I hadn't paid much attention because I thought it unlikely that anyone would be dumb enough to buy them. Apparently, though, enough people have bought high-strength hydrogen peroxide to prompt the FDA warning not to purchase or use these products.
For many years low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (3 percent) have been applied safely to the skin as an antiseptic and antibacterial agent.
Now advertisers promote ingestion of 35 percent "food grade" hydrogen peroxide products such as Oxywater and Oxylife as a therapeutic agent to fight cancer, AIDS, and other conditions, as well as to maintain optimal health. Some ads state, correctly, that "35 percent concentrated hydrogen peroxide is densely packed with oxygen molecules."
Unfortunately, those oxygen molecules do not get into the red blood cells that carry oxygen to body tissues. Rather, hydrogen peroxide leads to the formation of dangerous free radicals - which many of the same comsumers, ironically, are probably trying to control by taking antioxidants like vitamin E.
One argument to justify taking supplementary oxygen comes from an article in The Idaho Observer. "Due to the burning of fossil fuels and the reduction of our rain forests, the oxygen levels in our atmosphere have been depleted to the point that it is absolutely necessary to supplement our diets with oxygen products if we are to achieve vibrant health."
In fact, there is still plenty of oxygen in the air and breathing it into our lungs is the only way to supply our bodies with oxygen.
One "expert" often cited in ads for hydrogen peroxide therapy is the same person who first gained fame for his treatment of the nonexistent disorder systemic candidiasis.
Yes, people can have a dangerous systemic infection with candida (yeast), but he championed aggressive treatment of intestinal yeast infections because he claims they cause a multitude of systemic symptoms. Now based in Mexico, he also claims to have treated thousands of cancer patients with intravenous hydrogen peroxide.
Another promoter is William C. Douglass, author of Hydrogen Peroxide: Medical Miracle. One advertisement says that "interest in the oral and infusion use of hydrogen peroxide heralds one of the greatest advances in the treatment of the ailments of mankind in recent history."
According to one site, "the normal dosage (of 35 percent hydrogen peroxide) is 1 tablespoon on arising and 1 tablespoon at bedtime on an empty stomach. The dosage can be doubled or even tripled with complete safety."
The FDA warning states that high-strength hydrogen peroxide products can cause serious harm or death when ingested. Ingestion can cause ulceration or irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. Taken intravenously, it can damage blood vessels at the site of injection, produce bubbles in the bloodstream, and lead to life-threatening allergic reactions.
The American Cancer Society has stated that hydrogen peroxide does not help to cure cancer. Promoters of ingesting hydrogen peroxide use the usual dodge to explain such opposition by medical associations as well as by drug companies to the use of these products: that they are unpatentable, inexpensive, and can take the place of many other medications.
I don't know how they will explain away the FDA warnings, but I'm sure they will continue to advertise these products, and I'm fearful that many people will continue to use them.
© 2007 Johns Hopkins University. All Rights Reserved. This article from Johns Hopkins University is provided as a service by Yahoo. All materials are produced independently by Johns Hopkins University, which is solely responsible for its content.
If I didn't read the title I wouldn't know what the thread was about 
it never said what it was
I was just looking this up yesterday...check out what mustard does
