Detoxification foot pads
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Detoxification foot pads are adhesive foot pads or patches that manufacturers claim can dramatically improve health when placed on feet during sleep. Pads contain ingredients such as "distilled bamboo vinegar" that allegedly pull toxins from the body.[1] These claims are not scientifically plausible as the skin is not permeable and is not able to conduct toxins out of the body.[2]
Manufacturers claim that the amount of 'soil' that appears on the pad in the morning is proof that toxins have been removed, but in reality, the same effect can be created by dampening the pad with water.[3] Dissection of an unused pad found a white powder but no absorbent material inside.[4]
While there are claims of widespread use in Asian countries, there are no known studies on foot pads. On January 3, 2008, the FDA released an urgent warning [5] regarding the potential dangers of many imported pharmaceutical substances including several brands of detox foot patches.
In April, in response to questions from the Associated Press, an FDA spokeswoman said regarding the agency's investigation of the claims made for Kinoki foot pads that "basically, when we open up a case it means that the violation might be in terms of the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act, such as when (product makers) make false, misleading claims."[6]
[edit] References
- ^ Can Kinoki Detox Foot Pads Save Your Sole? (2008-01-10).
- ^ Barrett, Stephen. Sap Sheets: A Device for Saps. Quackwatch.
- ^ Sciencepunk website tests foot pads
- ^ Sciencepunk website dissection of foot pad
- ^ FDA warning [1] January 3, 2008
- ^ Shaya Tayefe Mohajer, "Big claims from foot pad makers draw questions from doctors, FDA", Associated Press, April 14, 2008
