No, Sorry, Bleach Doesn't Cure HIV

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has issued another warning to stop using “Miracle” or “Master” Mineral Solution (MMS) or other sodium chlorite products that falsely claim to cure HIV, autism, cancer, and more.

There have been previous FDA warnings dating back to 2010, but the products continue to be sold online and via social media groups due to a wide acceptance within alternative healing communities. In fact, the concoction is a dangerous use of an industrial bleach that can sicken and even kill when used as directed.

Often marketed as a toxin cleanse, the products are sold under a variety of names, including MMS, Chlorine Dioxide (CD) Protocol, and Water Purification Solution (WPS). Consumers are directed to mix the product with a citric acid such as lemon juice, creating a powerful bleach solution. Some products come with the citric acid included as a separate “activator.” Regardless of the packaging and claims, there are no known medical benefits for the practice of drinking bleach. None of the products have received FDA approval.

 “The FDA’s drug approval process ensures that patients receive safe and effective drug products,” said FDA Acting Commissioner Ned Sharpless, M.D. in a recent press release. “Miracle Mineral Solution and similar products are not FDA-approved, and ingesting these products is the same as drinking bleach.”

MMS is most closely associated with Jim Humble, founder of the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing. While Humble makes clear he does not sell MMS directly, he does provide links to retailers where MMS can be purchased. Additionally, he provides information on how to make the solution at home, testimonials, and FAQ on the product. Humble also has a blog where he claims that “it has proven to restore partial or full health to hundreds of thousands of people suffering from a wide range of disease, including cancer, diabetes, hepatitis A, B, C, Lyme disease, MRSA, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, HIV/AIDS, malaria, autism, infections of all kinds, arthritis, high cholesterol, acid reflux, kidney or liver diseases, aches and pains, allergies, urinary tract infections, digestive problems, high blood pressure, obesity, parasites, tumors and cysts, depression, sinus problems, eye disease, ear infections, dengue fever, skin problems, dental issues, problems with prostate (high PSA), erectile dysfunction,” as well as others.

While Humble has not been prosecuted for the sale of MMS, many others have. Earlier this year, Louis Daniel Smith of Spokane, Wash., was sentenced to 51 months in jail for “selling industrial bleach as a miracle cure for numerous diseases and illnesses.” A Canadian man pled guilty of similar charges last year. Stanley Nowak was convicted of 17 charges and was given a two-year conditional sentence followed by a two-year probation order.

Despite marketing claims that the resulting solution is antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial, and can cure everything from HIV and hepatitis to lethargy and the flu, there is no research showing any benefits to use of the product. In fact, the solution can cause kidney failure, gastrointestinal issues, and death. One particular area of concern is the use of enemas with MMS which can cause a condition known as rope worms. Thin layers of the intestinal lining become detached and are excreted in long tape worm-like formations. A recent study linked the use of MMS enemas to rope worms and provides plenty of visual evidence for those with an iron stomach.