MMS – miracle cure or toxic illusion?

Miracle Mineral Solution, also known as MMS, has been marketed for years as a purported miracle cure for various conditions, including cancer, autism, and COVID-19. MMS is the marketing name for sodium chlorite (NaClO₂), a powerful disinfectant used, among other things, for water treatment. When sodium chlorite is acidified, chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) is formed. Its consumption can be hazardous to health.

A team of scientists from Wroclaw Medical University decided to investigate this. In a study published in Scientific Reports, they analyzed the effects of acidified sodium chlorite (ASC), from which ClO₂ is produced. Two versions of the preparation were tested – ASC1 (acidified with hydrochloric acid) and ASC2 (with gluconic acid)- on various strains of bacteria, including pathogenic strains such as Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli, as well as probiotic strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus.

Chlorine dioxide does indeed have antibacterial properties. However, as the authors emphasize, it only works at concentrations that are toxic to human cells. At 30 ppm (0.003%), destruction of bacteria was observed, but also apparent damage to skin cells and high mortality in the in vivo model. Of particular interest was the effect on the so-called biofilm, a protective structure of bacteria. Here, too, ASC was effective, but at the cost of tissue damage.

“The results of the study indicate that effective concentrations of ASC against biofilms are also toxic to eukaryotic cells, but it cannot be ruled out that a formulation for external use will be developed that ensures the safety of use with high anti-biofilm efficacy,” explains Dr Ruth Dudek-Wicher from the Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University.

At the same time, she points out the significant differences between industrially purified ClO₂ solutions (used, for example, in dentistry) and those produced in the home kitchens of MMS enthusiasts. The study also tested the effect of ASC on probiotic bacteria. The biofilm of Lactobacillus bacteria was extremely sensitive to the preparation, which may pose a risk to the intestinal microflora. “At the moment, we are not planning such studies, but we do not rule them out in the future. If a safe oral form of ASC is developed, an analysis of its impact on the microbiome will be necessary,” says Dr Ruth Dudek-Wicher.

The researchers make no secret of the fact that the study was not only about microbiology but also about combating misinformation.

“The most harmful mistake is to believe in the effectiveness of MMS without hard scientific evidence,” emphasizes Dr Dudek-Wicher. "In pharmacy and medicine, the benefit-risk ratio is considered. In the case of MMS, the benefit is zero, and the risk is high, especially since the dosage is often administered using non-standardized droppers, which can achieve 1 ml by applying 15 or 30 drops. Such fluctuations in the oral dosage of a corrosive substance are extremely irresponsible," she adds.

Moreover, MMS is sometimes recommended for children and pregnant women. “I was particularly shocked by the recommendations for combating obesity, which did not mention the effect of MMS on adipose tissue but only affirmed self-acceptance combined with stigmatization of obesity,” says the scientist. In her opinion, the problem lies not only in the preparation itself but also in the way it is promoted – unethically, based on emotional manipulation rather than facts.

Can anything be done about it? "Yes, but it requires an integrated, interdisciplinary approach and empathy. Currently, the fight against myths is too often marked by a lack of respect and compassion. People turn to MMS because they are concerned about their health – and education must take this into account, with communication based on respect.

It is also essential to fund research that debunks myths. Science should protect citizens from misinformation, says Dr Dudek-Wicher. That is why I am thrilled that the topic of the grant awarded to me by our University, related to MMS, has gained the recognition of reviewers and that the results of the research have been published in such a prestigious journal as Scientific Reports.

Research conducted at the Faculty of Pharmacy has garnered media interest. The publication of an article and video material about our research on the homepage of the Polish Press Agency is a sign that society expects a scientific voice. "At the Faculty of Pharmacy, we are not afraid of difficult topics. The safety of patients who have lost their way in search of treatment is of utmost importance to us. And the interest in the results encourages us to continue our work. We are planning a series of analyses and publications on other miracle preparations – DMSO, adaptogens, ‘detoxification’ protocols – all in the spirit of scientific myth-busting," summarize the authors of the article, Dr Dudek-Wicher, and Prof Adam Junka from the Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Parasitology at Wroclaw Medical University.

This material is based on an article: Antimicrobial properties and toxicity challenges of chlorine dioxide used in alternative medicine | Scientific Reports

Autors of the research: Ruth Dudek-Wicher, Malwina Brożyna, Justyna Paleczny, PhD, Beata Mączyńska, Bartłomiej Dudek, Paweł Migdał, Arleta Dołowacka -Jóźwiak, Jędrzej Fischer & Adam Junka