DEAR DR. GOTT:
Could you tell me about vitamin O? I have COPD and heard it is very good for my condition.

DEAR READER:
Vitamin O is not a true vitamin. Rather, it is an expensive supplement composed primarily of salt water and some germanium, a trace element that can be dangerous to your health. Proponents of the “vitamin” claim that disease occurs because the human body is lacking oxygen. They claim it can be a cure for cancer and heart and lung disease. However, there is no scientific evidence to document such a claim.

In fact, in 2000 one manufacturer agreed to pay $375,000 to settle charges of claims for false statements in promoting the product.

As an additional point, many supplements have not been tested for their interactions with other supplements, [Read more...]