Is Oxy Powder Safe for Colon Cleansing?

Answer: There is substantial evidence Oxy Powder may cause serious side effects even with short term use. Oxy Powder claims these ingredients are safe because it is "organic," but clinical evidence does not support this.

Here's what you need to know about Oxy Powder's ingredients:

Ingredient: Germanium-132

Oxy Powder claims germanium-132 boosts the immune system, reduces blood pressure and cholesterol and promotes oxygen absorption, but little evidence supports this. According to the American Cancer Society, germanium―even the organic kind―is considered a health hazard.

Safety concerns: According to a study conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there have been at least 31 reports of kidney failure, with nine reported deaths associated with germanium-132 use. People who used organic germanium also developed severe kidney damage. Other less serious side effects included anemia, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness and nerve damage in the hands and feet.

Ingredient: Magnesium Oxide

Oxy Powder's website says the following about magnesium oxide: "Ozonated magnesium is the only form of the essential mineral that is capable of releasing nascent oxygen into the digestive tract and bloodstream. Therefore, the oxygen produced by Oxy-Powder® can fulfill its assigned task of aiding your digestive health."

What they don't mention is magnesium oxide is also a rapid-acting laxative, which stimulates the intestinal wall to encourage quick-and sometimes uncontrollable-evacuation. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it is not safe for regular use, which you will do if you use Oxy Powder.

Safety concerns: According to Drugs.com, magnesium oxide may cause diarrhea, which can lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalances. It may also cause hypermagnesemia, or a disturbance in electrolytes characterized by an abnormally high level of magnesium in the blood. This can impair your breathing and cause hypocalcemia or heart arrhythmias. Because of its indicated side effects, this ingredient is not safe for regular use, especially for off-label purposes.

Is Oxy Powder a Safe Colon Cleanser?

Because of the potential risk of serious side effects, Oxy Powder may not be safe for regular use. If you have gastrointestinal problems, certain heart conditions or kidney disease, it can worsen these conditions. "All-natural" does not necessarily mean "all-safe" in this case.

Sources: American Cancer Society, "Germanium" (cancer.gov); U.S. Food and Drug Administration, "Memorandum in response to new dietary ingredient information (November 13, 2002)" (FDA.gov); Unknown author, "Oxy Powder ingredients" (OxyPowder.com); National Institutes of Health, "Magnesium oxide: Medline Plus drug information" (nlm.nih.gov); Drugs.com staff, "Magnesium oxide" (Drugs.com). All accessed 04/26/10.