FDA: Claims about curative effects of alkaline water not substantiated

photo from fda.gov.ph

MANILA, Philippines—The Food and Drug Administration warned the public Wednesday to be wary of traders selling gadgets that supposedly convert tap or bottled water into “alkaline” or “oxygenated” water with claims that such water is an effective cure for many ailments.

Specifically, the FDA warned the public about unsubstantiated claims and promises by traders that “alkaline” or “oxygenated” water removes every known chronic disease condition, acts as strong antioxidant, slows the aging process, and promotes greater absorption of nutrients.

“Although the FDA recognizes the United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/64/292 (2010), which guarantees the right to safe and clean drinking water, therapeutic claims made on drinking water as a ploy to promote and market water must be substantiated through valid clinical trials,” said the FDA advisory, signed by its director Kenneth Hartigan-Go.

The FDA noted that making claims without validated clinical trials is in violation of RA 9711, otherwise known as the FDA Act of 2009, for selling or offering for sale or use purification devices that allegedly produce water known as “alkaline water” or “oxygenated water” and make therapeutic claims without a Certificate of Product Registration.

Vendo-type outlets or re-filling stations, and those engaged in the manufacture, importation and distribution of water with therapeutic claims should secure a license to operate from the FDA before applying for a CPR, Hartigan-Go said.

“Consumers are advised not to fall prey to these unscrupulous vendors and peddlers,” the advisory said.

It stressed that drinking alkaline, oxygenated or ionized water does not change the blood pH level as claimed by the traders the FDA found in malls.

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