TORONTO — Health Canada says a product called Miracle Mineral Solution or Miracle Mineral Supplement — and also known as MMS — can cause serious health problems.
The ingredient list says it contains sodium chlorite, but no products containing the substance are authorized in Canada for oral consumption by humans.
Ingestion of the product has been associated with three adverse reactions in Canada, including one life-threatening reaction.
Health Canada says serious problems can include poisoning, kidney failure and harm to red blood cells that reduces the ability of the blood to carry oxygen.
People who consume a product containing sodium chlorite could also experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Health Canada asked the online distributor to remove the product from the Canadian market because it contravenes the Food and Drugs Act, and it has agreed.
The website where it was sold — www.themmsstore.com — has posted a notice saying that its account has been suspended.
The product has been promoted as a substance that can cleanse toxins from the human body.
Health Canada says anyone who used MMS should consult their health-care practitioner.
When taken as directed, the agency says that MMS provides about 200 times more sodium chlorite than the tolerable daily intake of sodium chlorite in water established by regulatory authorities.
It says adverse reactions should be reported to Health Canada.