The so-called "Vitamin O" is certainly not a vitamin. In addition, while the "O" in its name refers to oxygen, there is no evidence a product taken orally would allow oxygen to be absorbed through the gastrointestinal system. An analysis by Harriet A. Hall, published in the Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine, found it is composed largely of salt water.
Ingredients
Also known as liquid oxygen, stabilized oxygen, stabilized liquid oxygen and aerobic oxygen, Vitamin O claims to consist of "intact oxygen molecules in a liquid solution of distilled water, sodium chloride and trace minerals." The Federal Trade Commission, however, states "the product appears to be nothing more than salt water." Some products contain the trace mineral germanium.
Claims
Based on the false premise that oxygen deficiency is an underlying cause of disease, Vitamin O has been promoted in treating a plethora of conditions. It has been claimed to cure or prevent heart disease, cancer, lung disease, chronic headaches, infections, cold and flu. According to its manufacturers, it boosted energy, improved breathing, promoted sleep, sharpened concentration and memory, regulated metabolism, aided digestion and relaxed the nervous system. They also have falsely claimed that Vitamin O was developed by Dr. William Koch and used by NASA astronauts during space missions.
Facts
Dr. Stephen Barrett of Quackwatch describes Vitamin O's health claims as "absurd." Oxygen deficiency is not an underlying cause of disease. Additionally, there is no evidence that the product delivers oxygen to the bloodstream. Oxygen enters the bloodstream through the lungs, not orally through the gastrointestinal tract. Oxygen taken orally wouldn't raise blood levels. Our body extracts oxygen from the air and delivers what is needed to cells. Blood returning to the lungs contains surplus oxygen.
In reference to this so-called "liquid oxygen," the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database points out oxygen only exists in liquid form at temperatures below -183 degree Celsius. Water, on the other hand, is already about 88 percent oxygen by weight.
FTC Suit
In 1999, the FTC filed a suit against Rose Creek Health Products, a manufacturer of Vitamin O. It charged that the manufacturer falsely represented that the product, administered orally, allows oxygen to be absorbed through the gastrointestinal system. The manufacturer was charged with fraud for touting Vitamin O as a cure for cancer, heart disease and lung disease. The FTC also disputed all other health claims as false representation. In 2000, the company agreed to pay $375,000 to distributors for consumer redress.
Safety
Some products contain an inorganic form of germanium, a trace mineral that can cause kidney problems and toxicity. According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, it is not known if Vitamin O is safe or what the potential side effects might be. It cautions not to take Vitamin O if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Also, it is not known if Vitamin O interacts with any medicines. Talk with your health care professional before taking it.
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