“Miracle Mineral Solution” has recently been touted as a prevention and cure for COVID-19 despite several warnings from the FDA. This product contains what chemical and what is the toxicity?
Miracle Mineral Solution contains 28% sodium chlorite in distilled water. The product often comes as a kit with a ‘citric acid’ activator. When the acid is added, chlorine dioxide is created, which is a potent oxidizer and causes methemoglobinemia. Lebin JA et al. recently reported a single case of ingestion of 50 mL of a 28% solution of sodium chlorite. The patient had a methemoglobin level of 41% which was successfully treated with methylene blue. Several hours later, the patient deteriorated and had severe hemolysis and despite aggressive care, developed DIC and died two days following ingestion.
1. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-warns-seller-marketing-dangerous-chlorine-dioxide-products-claim; accessed 11 August 2020;
2. Lebin JA et al. Fatal ingestion of sodium chlorite used as hand sanitizer during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Clin Tox. Published online 4 Aug 2020. https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2020.1798981