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FDA warns "miracle" remedy for autism, cancer is like drinking bleach

Posted at 7:33 PM, Aug 14, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-14 19:33:09-04

FORT MYERS, Fla. — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers about the dangers of a so-called "miracle" solution promoted as a treatment for autism, cancer and other conditions. The group Genesis II Church of Health and Healing promotes a product online called "Master Mineral Solution" as a cure-all remedy, but the FDA issued a warning this week, saying: "It's the same as drinking bleach."

"Very frightening," said Sandra Worth, executive director of Fort Myers-based My Autism Connection, Inc.

Worth founded the support group in 2012 to help mid-to-higher level functioning people with autism - like her 26-year-old son - develop independence.

She said that products like Master Mineral Solution are not only misleading, but dangerous.

"I think most families, especially moms, are looking for an answer, wanting a quick cure or fix," Worth said. "But it doesn't work that way."

The FDA said that MMS is basically distilled water with about 28 percent sodium chlorite, and that product directions that instruct people to mix in lemon or lime juice before drinking it are an alarming health risk.

That creates a powerful bleaching agent, the FDA warns, citing reports of people experiencing severe vomiting, diarrhea, life-threatening low blood pressure and acute liver failure after drinking it.

"The market is seeking families like us - moms that are desperate for answers, so we're preyed upon," Worth said. "We can't let our children be used as guinea pigs."

Fox 4 reached to Genesis II Church of Health and Healing for comment on the FDA's warning about Master Mineral Solution. We received a statement reading, in part: "We look at the FDA as a pay-to-play approving board for companies, and not as an agency looking out for the health of people."