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Vitamin O

Despite its name, vitamin O is not a vitamin. However, it is difficult to say what vitamin O really is as the manufacturers do not give an exact chemical formula. One manufacturer describes its product as a slightly buffered solution of deionized water with a pH value of 7.2. Another manufacturer states magnesium peroxide as the active ingredient. Sometimes vitamin O is also referred to as "liquid oxygen". However, it should be borne in mind that oxygen only becomes liquid at a temperature below -183 degrees Celsius. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) made the statement that vitamin O appears to be nothing more than salt water. Some people use vitamin O to increase energy, improve immune system function, eliminate bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, treat yeast infections, eliminate toxins and poisons in the body, and heal mouth ulcers. Vitamin O is also used to improve concentration, memory and alertness, to calm the nervous system, to relieve depression, irritability, unexplained hostility and dizziness, to relieve arthritis, muscle aches, pain, asthma, bronchial problems, emphysema and lung disease, sinusitis, diabetes, body weakness, chronic fatigue and cardiovascular problems. Vitamin O is also used for obesity, constipation, flatulence and bloating, poor digestion, hyperacidity, premenstrual syndrome, menopausal symptoms, sexual performance problems, headaches, migraines, premature aging, skin rashes, skin problems, itchy ears, itchy nose and anus, tumors and the formation of deposits in the body. Vitamin O is sometimes applied to the skin as an antiseptic to kill germs.

How does vitamin O work?

Vitamin O is said to contain ingredients that release oxygen, but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

How effective is vitamin O?

There is not enough scientific data to say how effective vitamin O is for arthritis, asthma, constipation, depression, diabetes, dizziness, headaches, lung disease, menopausal symptoms, mouth ulcers, muscle pain, obesity, premenstrual syndrome and sexual problems, as well as when used to increase energy and improve alertness, concentration, immune function and memory.

Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin O in these applications.

Safety and side effects

There is not enough information to say whether vitamin O is safe and harmless or what side effects it may have.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of vitamin O during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Vitamon O.

Interactions

At the present time there is no information on interactions of vitamin O with medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of vitamin O depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for vitamin O. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Asaka T, Nitta E, Makifuchi T, et al. Germanium intoxication with sensory ataxia. J Neurol Sci 1995;130:220-3. View abstract.
  2. Fed Trade Comm. Marketers of Vitamin O settles FTC charges of making false health claims. 2000. available at: www.ftc.gov/opa/2000/05/rosecreek2.htm
  3. FTC. FTC charges marketer of vitamin O of making false claims. Fed Trade Comm. 1999. Available at: www.ftc.gov/opa/1999/03/rosecreek.htm
  4. Fujimoto, M., Ishibashi, H., Shimamura, R., Takahashi, K., Hirata, Y., Kudo, J., Niho, Y., Kira, J., and Miyata, K. [A patient with liver cirrhosis manifesting various symptoms including cerebellar ataxia due to germanium intoxication]. Fukuoka Igaku Zasshi 1992;83(3):139-143. View abstract.
  5. How to use Oxy boost. O2oxyboost. www.o2xyboost.com/howto.htm (Accessed October 7, 1999).
  6. Iijima, M., Mugishima, M., Takeuchi, M., Uchiyama, S., Kobayashi, I., and Maruyama, S. [A case of inorganic germanium poisoning with peripheral and cranial neuropathy, myopathy and autonomic dysfunction]. No To Shinkei 1990;42(9):851-856. view abstract.
  7. Kamijo, M., Yagihashi, S., Kida, K., Narita, S., and Nakata, F. [An autopsy case of chronic germanium intoxication presenting peripheral neuropathy, spinal ataxia, and chronic renal failure]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 1991;31(2):191-196. view abstract.
  8. Krapf R, Schaffner T, Iten PX. Abuse of germanium associated with fatal lactic acidosis. Nephron 1992;62:351-6. View abstract.
  9. Nagata, N., Yoneyama, T., Yanagida, K., Ushio, K., Yanagihara, S., Matsubara, O., and Eishi, Y. Accumulation of germanium in the tissues of a long-term user of germanium preparation died of acute renal failure. J.Toxicol.Sci. 1985;10(4):333-341. view abstract.
  10. Obara, K., Saito, T., Sato, H., Yamakage, K., Watanabe, T., Kakizawa, M., Tsukamoto, T., Kobayashi, K., Hongo, M., and Yoshinaga, K. Germanium poisoning: clinical symptoms and renal damage caused by long-term intake of germanium. Jpn.J.Med. 1991;30(1):67-72. view abstract.
  11. Oxygen caps. Lifeplus vitamins. www.lifeplusvitamins.simpletnet.com/1p27p.html (Accessed October 7, 1999).
  12. Raisin, J., Hess, B., Blatter, M., Zimmermann, A., Descoeudres, C., Horber, F. F., and Jaeger, P. [Toxicity of an organic Germanium compound: deleterious consequences of a "natural remedy"]. Schweiz.Med.Wochenschr. 1-8-1992;122(1-2):11-13. View abstract.
  13. Schroeder, H. A. and Balassa, J. J. Abnormal trace metals in man: germanium. J.Chronic.Dis. 1967;20(4):211-224. view abstract.
  14. Stabilized Oxygen. Portal Market. www.portalmarket.com/earthportals/Portal_Market/eathportals/portal_Ma_/oxygen.htm (Accessed October 7, 1999).
  15. Takeuchi A, Yoshizawa N, Oshima S, et al. Nephrotoxicity of germanium compounds: report of a case and review of the literature. Nephron 1992;60:436-42. View abstract.Van der Spoel, J. I., Stricker, B. H., Schipper, M. E., de Bruijn, W., de Smet, P. A., and Esseveld, M. R. [Toxic damage of kidney, liver and muscle attributed to the administration of germanium-lactate-citrate]. Ned.Tijdschr.Geneeskd. 6-22-1991;135(25):1134-1137. View abstract.