Oxygen (O2) supplements, also known as vitamin O, are designed to increase the flow of oxygen in the body. The practice is also called oxygen therapy and may now be practiced at home, thanks to a variety of supplements, books and websites that promote the practice. The product, according to one oxygen supplement manufacturer, NutraOxygen, is designed to increase the absorption of oxygen in the body, leading to enhanced health benefits. However, consumers should carefully examine the potential side effects of oxygen supplements before purchasing and using such products.
Potential Lung or Eye Damage
Too much oxygen in the blood may cause lung injury as well as cause problems in the eyes and brain, according to the National Institutes of Health. Individual medical condition and general health of an individual should be assessed by a professional medical expert prior to engaging in oxygen therapy in order to prevent oversatuation of oxygen in the blood.
Headache
Some users of supplemental oxygen therapy have complained of headaches following use of this product. Too much oxygen in the brain may increase serial blood gasses, according to Critical Care Medicine Tutorials, and may upset the ability of the lungs to diffuse oxygen through the body, creating side effects such as headache and dizziness.
Overstimulation
Overstimulating, or too much energy, may be caused by excess oxygenation in the blood following a person's taking too much of the supplement at one time. As body weight and height differ among individuals, a dose that works for one person might be too much for another.
Increased Blood Pressure
Oxygen supplements contain sodium, or salt, which may prove harmful to those on cardiac or high blood pressure diets. Some oxygen supplements may also interact with medications such as blood pressure drugs. HealthLine.com cautions individuals taking any type of blood pressure medication to use caution when using oxygen supplements to avoid a sudden rise in blood pressure. According to the National Institutes of Health, too much oxygen in the blood may cause lung injury as well as cause problems in the eyes and brains.
Pregnancy Warning
Women are warned not to take O2 supplements if they are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby, according to RXList.com. No long-term studies have been performed to rate the efficacy or potential adverse affects of excess amounts of oxygen in the bloodstream.
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