The purported benefits of MICOM are not supported by current medical and scientific knowledge.
The manufacturers of this liquid claim that it is designed to mimic natural spring mineral water. The website that advertises this supplement claims that it raises cellular oxygen levels, allows detoxification, and “tags” cancer cells for recognition and elimination by the immune system. This is based on the idea that cancer cells grow because of a lack of oxygen, and that raising the oxygen concentration in the body will kill cancer cells. Some animal studies suggest that inhaling oxygen-rich air may inhibit cancer cell growth. However, there is no evidence that oral preparations have the same effect.
Purported Uses
There is no scientific evidence to support any of the following purported uses:
To relieve withdrawal symptoms from alcoholism and drug addiction
To treat asthma
To prevent or treat cancer
To treat circulatory disorders
For improved mental performance
To detoxify the body
To treat hepatitis
To treat HIV and AIDS
To treat leukemia
To improve strength and stamina
Patient Warnings
Some intravenous preparations of MICOM have been contaminated with bacteria, possibly leading to the death of at least one patient.
Side Effects
Case Reports
A 52-year old man with colon and liver cancer experienced kidney and heart failure leading to death after being given intravenous MICOM that was contaminated with bacteria. It was found that the high levels of potassium in MICOM caused the man’s death.
A second patient with brain cancer developed an infection, pneumonia, and kidney failure after being given the same contaminated product.
Brand Name
MICOM
Clinical Summary
This bogus mineral solution is advertised to prevent and treat cancer and other degenerative diseases by “raising cellular oxygen levels.” Also called O2 MYGA III and Sundance Nachez mineral water, the product is said to “simulate natural spring mineral water” and is prepared with igneous rock, iron pyrite, weak acids and bases. Its supposed efficacy is based on the theory that a high-oxygen environment is lethal to cancer cells and that its minerals “tag” cancer cells for recognition and elimination by the immune system. Despite claims by the manufacturer, no clinical evidence supports the use of this product.
In February 2002, a Washington nurse was indicted after administering intravenous MICOM to a cancer patient who subsequently died from kidney and heart failure. A physician testified that high levels of potassium in MICOM caused the death. This product has also been found to be contaminated with bacteria (1).
Purported Uses
Cancer prevention/treatment
Circulatory disorders
Detoxification
Withdrawal symptoms
HIV and AIDS
Mechanism of Action
The product web site claims that conditions of low cellular oxygen cause and are indicative of cancer and that MICOM raises cellular oxygen levels to 10-13 ppm, allowing detoxification and reduced organ burden. Supplemental respiratory oxygen is thought to have anticancer activities by enhancing T cells and NK cells (2). However, no evidence shows that MICOM raises cellular oxygen levels. The web site also claims the theory that the mineral water will “tag” cancer cells so they might be recognized and eliminated by the immune system, which is against current scientific understanding.
Warnings
Intravenous preparations of MICOM have been found to be contaminated with bacteria, possibly leading to the death of at least one patient (1).
Adverse Reactions
Case Reports
A 52-year old man with colon and liver cancer experienced kidney and heart failure leading to death after intravenous infusion of MICOM was found to be contaminated with bacteria. A physician testified that high levels of potassium in MICOM caused the man’s death (1).
A second patient with brain cancer experienced infection, pneumonia, and kidney failure after infusion with the same contaminated product (1).
