MICOM

Purported Benefits, Side Effects & More
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This information describes the common uses of MICOM, how it works, and its possible side effects.
Tell your healthcare providers about any dietary supplements you’re taking, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and natural or home remedies. This will help them manage your care and keep you safe.

What is it?

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 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.

What are the potential uses and benefits?

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

What are the 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.

What else do I need to know?

Patient Warnings:

  • Some intravenous preparations of MICOM have been contaminated with bacteria, possibly leading to the death of at least one patient.
If you have questions or concerns, contact your healthcare provider. A member of your care team will answer Monday through Friday from to Outside those hours, you can leave a message or talk with another MSK provider. There is always a doctor or nurse on call. If you’re not sure how to reach your healthcare provider, call 212-639-2000.
If you have questions or concerns, contact your healthcare provider. A member of your care team will answer Monday through Friday from to Outside those hours, you can leave a message or talk with another MSK provider. There is always a doctor or nurse on call. If you’re not sure how to reach your healthcare provider, call 212-639-2000.

For more resources, visit www.mskcc.org/pe to search our virtual library.

MICOM - Last updated on January 5, 2022
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