What is Megamin?
Megamin has been offered in Europe as a dietary supplement since 1998. It consists of a micronized natural mineral named clinoptilolite, one of numerous zeolites (tectosilicates).
Zeolites are oxides with three-dimensional, microporous, crystalline and well-defined structures that contain aluminium, silicon, and oxygen in their regular framework Cations and water are located in the pores, cavities or channels.
Zeolites act as absorbents, have catalytic properties and are commonly used as ion exchanger in the detergent industry. Zeolites added to livestock feed have been shown to absorb toxins that are damaging and even fatal to the growth of the animals, while the basic structure of the zeolite is biologically neutral. Aquarium hobbyists can find zeolite products in pet stores as they make remarkable binders of ammonia and other toxins. Most municipal water supplies are processed through zeolites before public consumption.
""Despite the manufacturer’s claims for the benefits of Megamin, the product is not licensed but is sold as a dietary supplement...Costs are approximately €100 to €150/month for the user"
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By applying a special procedure, the so-called dynamic tribomechanical activation of zeolite (TMAZ), the properties of clinoptilolite are claimed to be enhanced. It is claimed that the active surface and the electrostatic charge are enlarged and the particle-size is diminished, which in turn increases the capacity of absorption and ion exchange. As a result the mineral is said to act as a strong antioxidant, with the ability to intercept and neutralize free radicals in the human body (ref 1).
For this reason TMAZ is claimed to sustain the immune system. That is why proponents regard it as potentially useful not only in cancer patients but also in diabetes mellitus, chronic wounds and liver diseases. In particular, the manufacturer advises its use for malignant and haematological diseases. During the application of chemotherapy TMAZ is said to strengthen general health, inhibit adverse effects of cytostatic agents, enhance general physical condition, reduce anaemia, lessen pain and therefore minimize the use of analgesics, reduce vomiting and nausea, improve appetite, weight and hair loss (ref 1) – as it is stated at the manufacturer’s homepage (ref 2). Furthermore, TMAZ is suggested to exhibit a direct anti-tumour effect (ref 3, 4). The provider claims “best effects" for adenoma, glioblastoma and melanoma (ref 5).
Despite the manufacturer’s claims for the benefits of Megamin, the product is not licensed but is sold as a dietary supplement. According to the manufacturer, from 1997 to 2001, 30,000 patients have taken self-administered Megamin. In particular, it claims 7,000 cancer patients have used the supplement in Austria, Croatia, Germany, Italy and Slovenia (ref 1).
Megamin is available in powder and capsule form and in different combinations with calcium, magnesium, ascorbic acid and herbal additives (green tea, nettle, pollen), as well as phytochemicals (Lycopenomin).
The provider recommends an oral intake of up to 16 capsules (500 mg) per day. Costs are approximately €100 to €150/month for the user.
References
1. Megamin website [online]. 2005 [cited 2005 Sept 30]. Available from: URL: http://www.megamin.net/megamin.pdf
2. Megamin website [online]. 2005 [cited 2005 Oct 24]. Available from: URL: http://www.megamin.net/
3. Ulbrich M. Interview mit dem Internisten Dr. Slavko Ivkovic. Freie Presse Chemnitz, 13 März 2000
4. Pavelic K, Katic M, Sverko V, Marotti T, Bosnjak B, Balog T, Stojkovic R, Radacic M, Colic M, Poljak-Blazi M. Immunostimulatory effect of natural clinoptilolite as a possible mechanism of its antimetastatic ability. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2002 Jan;128(1):37-44.
5. Lelas T.: Presseinformation zum Thema Megamin®. 2000
