Detoxification foot pads

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 likely as the skin is only semi-permeable and is not able to conduct toxins out of the body.^[2]

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^[3] 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."

In August 2008, National Public Radio commissioned a laboratory test to look for heavy metals in used pads, which Kinoki claims are extracted from the body. The test found none. NPR also discovered that the pads change from white to grey when they are exposed to moisture, including sweat (not necessarily because they are absorbing other substances).^[4]

References

1. ^ "Can Kinoki Detox Foot Pads Save Your Sole?". 2008-01-10. http://thebeautybrains.com/2008/01/10/can-kinoki-detox-foot-pads-save-your-sole/. 
2. ^ Barrett, Stephen. "Sap Sheets: A Device for Saps". Quackwatch. http://www.devicewatch.org/reports/sapsheet.shtml. 
3. ^ FDA warning [1] January 3, 2008
4. ^ Japanese Foot Pad Is Latest Health Fad by Sarah Varney. NPR, All Things Considered, 18 August 2008.