Hydrogen peroxide has become an emerging health solution in alternative medicine, deemed a “natural cure” for improving one’s health. However, almost 300 people were poisoned while five others died after consuming large amounts of hydrogen peroxide taken as alternative medicine, as stated in a new report.
Published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine, the study headed by emergency medicine assistant professor Benjamin Hatten, MD made use of data obtained from the National Poison Data System from 2001 through 2011. Using hydrogen peroxide as alternative medicine required solutions of at least 10 percent, while many cases of poisonings involved solutions between 30 to 40 percent.
According to the report, the formulas are not often available in drug stores as they are typically sold for industrial and commercial purposes. However, the study also mentioned that hydrogen peroxide as alternative medicine are being sold by a number of health retailers. These solutions are being promoted as an active ingredient, also known as “super water,” that can get rid of health conditions.
“For people who follow these regimens, the instructions involve placing a dropper-full of high-concentration peroxide into a large quantity of water or another liquid, so it’s fairly diluted,” Dr. Hatten explained. “People believe that it’s hyper-oxygenating, putting extra oxygen into your beverage, and that it somehow improves your health.”
On the other hand, Health pointed out that there has been no scientific evidence proving the use of hydrogen peroxide as alternative medicine. As pointed out by Hatten, proper dilution of the formula may cause little to no harm, although it does not provide any health benefits. Taking too much of it could also cause harmful consequences. It is also unsafe if others in the household unintentionally consumes the non-diluted peroxide, not knowing the danger it causes.
In addition, the use of hydrogen peroxide as alternative medicine is not ideal at all as Hatten found that majority of the cases of peroxide poisoning caused heart attack or stroke, leading to severe injury or death.
“Oxygen bubbles from the peroxide can enter the bloodstream and block off blood flow to the brain or the heart,” he said.
Some of the patients were given hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which improved their conditions. Others, however, needed further treatment, particularly those who were not immediately treated. The study also mentioned other harmful effects of consuming hydrogen peroxide as alternative medicine, with large amounts causing mental instability, seizures and breathing problems.
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