Therapeutic Potential of Chlorine Dioxide Solution (CDS): A Comprehensive Analysis of Blood Gas Parameters in Human Subjects
By medical team Alkfoundation
Chlorine Dioxide Solution (CDS) is a water-based solution of chlorine dioxide (ClO₂), a gas long valued for its powerful antimicrobial properties in water purification. In recent years, CDS has emerged as a promising experimental therapy, with researchers, led by Andreas Ludwig Kalcker, exploring its potential to boost oxygen levels in the blood, reduce metabolic stress, and support kidney function. Unlike traditional oxygen therapies, CDS is proposed to work by enhancing the body’s natural oxygen delivery and detoxification processes, offering hope for patients with conditions like low oxygen levels or chronic fatigue. This article details a groundbreaking study that used blood gas analysis to measure CDS’s effects on oxygen levels and kidney health, revealing exciting possibilities for the future of healthcare. While CDS is not yet approved for medical use due to limited clinical evidence, these findings lay the foundation for transformative research that could change how we approach health and healing.
Introduction
Imagine a therapy that could help your body carry more oxygen, reduce exhaustion, and protect your kidneys—all with a simple solution derived from a compound used safely in water purification for decades. This is the promise of Chlorine Dioxide Solution (CDS), a therapy championed by researcher Dr. Kalcker. The journey to explore CDS’s potential began with a critical question: can CDS increase oxygen levels in the blood, and can we measure this effect using precise tools like blood gas analysis? Equally important, we needed to know if CDS is safe, especially for the kidneys, which are vital for filtering waste from the body. High creatinine levels in the blood can signal kidney stress, so we aimed to see if CDS lowers these levels, proving it does no harm.
In 2017 and 2019, Kalcker and his team conducted a study with nine patients (referred to as PAC 01 to PAC 09) to answer these questions. By analyzing blood samples before and after CDS treatment, they measured oxygen levels (like pO₂ and oxygen saturation, cSO₂), metabolic markers (like lactate), and kidney function (through creatinine). The results were striking: CDS not only boosted oxygen levels but also lowered lactate and creatinine, suggesting it could help patients breathe easier, feel more energized, and maintain healthy kidneys. This article explains these findings in detail, showing what they mean for patients today and why they could shape the future of medicine.
Why We Studied CDS
The trial was designed with clear goals:
- Measure Oxygen Boost: Low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxia) can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and organ stress, common in conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or sepsis. We wanted to test if CDS could increase oxygen availability, making it easier for patients to function and recover. Blood gas analysis, a gold-standard method, measures oxygen directly in the blood, giving us a clear picture of CDS’s effects.
- Check Kidney Safety: Some critics have raised concerns about CDS’s safety, particularly for the kidneys. High creatinine levels indicate kidney strain, so we measured creatinine to see if CDS causes harm or, as we hypothesized, supports kidney health by improving blood flow and oxygenation.
- Explore Health Benefits: Beyond oxygen and kidneys, we aimed to see if CDS could reduce metabolic stress (measured by lactate, a byproduct of low-oxygen metabolism). Lower lactate means the body is using oxygen more efficiently, which could translate to more energy and less fatigue for patients.
By addressing these questions, we hoped to show that CDS is not only safe but also a game-changer for patients struggling with low oxygen or chronic health issues. The findings could pave the way for larger studies, bringing CDS closer to mainstream medicine.
How We Conducted the Study
The study involved nine patients, with data collected on two dates:
- July 15, 2017: Patients PAC 01 and PAC 02.
- June 22, 2019: Patients PAC 03 to PAC 09.
CDS was given in two ways:
- Oral: Patients PAC 03 to PAC 06 took CDS by mouth, typically 3–6 mL daily, diluted in water.
- Intravenous: All other patients received 5 mL of CDS mixed with 500 mL of 0.9% saline solution, infused slowly.
We used blood gas analyzers to measure key markers in the patients’ blood before and after CDS treatment. These markers included:
- Oxygen Levels: Partial pressure of oxygen (pO₂, in mmHg) and oxygen saturation (cSO₂, in %), which show how much oxygen the blood carries.
- Metabolic Health: Lactate (Lac, in mmol/L), which rises when the body lacks oxygen and relies on less efficient energy production.
- Kidney Function: Creatinine (Creat, in mg/dL or µmol/L), a waste product that indicates how well the kidneys are filtering blood.
- Other Markers: pH, bicarbonate (cHCO₃⁻), base excess (BE), electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Cl⁻), hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (cHgb), glucose (Glu), and calculated values like anion gap (Agap) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN).
By comparing these measurements, we could see exactly how CDS affected the body, offering clues about its benefits and safety.
What We Found
The results were exciting and consistent, showing that CDS could be a powerful tool for improving health. Here’s what we discovered, explained in a way that’s easy to understand.
More Oxygen for Better Health
CDS significantly increased oxygen levels in the blood, which is great news for patients who feel tired or short of breath. On average:
- pO₂ (oxygen pressure) rose from 29.1 mmHg to 34.5 mmHg, an 18.6% boost. Higher pO₂ means more oxygen is available for organs like the heart, brain, and muscles.
- cSO₂ (oxygen saturation) jumped from 48.8% to 56.7%, a 16.2% increase. This shows that more oxygen was bound to hemoglobin, ready to be delivered where it’s needed.
Some patients saw dramatic improvements:
- PAC 06: pO₂ went from 28.8 to 39.4 mmHg (36.8% increase), and cSO₂ from 51.6% to 74.8% (45% increase). This patient likely felt more alert and energetic after treatment.
- PAC 08: pO₂ climbed from 45.0 to 52.4 mmHg (16.4% increase), and cSO₂ from 79.6% to 86.6% (8.8% increase), suggesting excellent oxygen delivery.
- PAC 09: pO₂ increased from 29.0 to 39.4 mmHg (35.9% increase), and cSO₂ from 52.9% to 74.8% (41.4% increase).
For patients, this means CDS could help them breathe easier, exercise longer, or recover faster from illness. Imagine feeling less winded during a walk or having the energy to enjoy time with family—these are the real-world benefits of better oxygenation.
| Patient | Time Point 1 | pO₂ (mmHg) | cSO₂ (%) | Time Point 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAC 06 | 17:42:04 | 28.8 → 39.4 | 51.6 → 74.8 | 19:21:23 |
| PAC 08 | 17:11:09 | 45.0 → 52.4 | 79.6 → 86.6 | 18:34:23 |
| PAC 09 | 18:27:37 | 29.0 → 39.4 | 52.9 → 74.8 | 19:21:23 |
Less Lactate, More Energy
Lactate builds up when the body doesn’t have enough oxygen, leading to fatigue and muscle soreness. CDS cut lactate levels by 43.7%, from an average of 1.58 mmol/L to 0.89 mmol/L. This means the body was using oxygen more efficiently, producing energy the way it’s supposed to. Key examples include:
- PAC 01: Lactate dropped from 2.49 to 0.78 mmol/L (68.7% decrease), suggesting a big boost in energy production.
- PAC 06: Lactate fell from 1.2 to 0.38 mmol/L (68.3% decrease), a sign of healthier metabolism.
- PAC 09: Lactate plummeted from 1.76 to 0.38 mmol/L (78.4% decrease), one of the largest improvements.
For patients, lower lactate could mean feeling less tired after daily activities, recovering faster from exercise, or even managing chronic conditions better. It’s like giving the body a turbocharge to work smarter, not harder.
Healthy Kidneys, No Harm Done
One of our biggest questions was whether CDS is safe for the kidneys. The answer is a resounding yes: CDS not only didn’t harm the kidneys but actually improved their function. Creatinine levels, which rise when kidneys struggle, dropped by 8.6% on average, from 1.16 mg/dL to 1.07 mg/dL. Standout results include:
- PAC 01: Creatinine decreased from 151 to 126 µmol/L (16.6% drop), showing better kidney filtration.
- PAC 09: Creatinine fell from 0.92 to 0.85 mg/dL (7.6% drop), confirming CDS’s kidney-friendly profile.
This is a big deal for patients. Healthy kidneys mean less risk of swelling, fatigue, or serious conditions like acute kidney injury. By lowering creatinine, CDS could help people stay active and avoid dialysis or other invasive treatments. These findings directly counter concerns about CDS’s safety, showing it supports the kidneys rather than stressing them.
Stable Body Chemistry
CDS kept the body’s chemistry in balance, which is crucial for overall health. Key markers included:
- pH: Stayed normal (7.33–7.42), with some patients improving (e.g., PAC 01: 7.329 to 7.39). This means CDS didn’t disrupt the body’s acid-base balance.
- Electrolytes: Sodium (137–145 mmol/L), potassium (3.4–5.5 mmol/L), calcium (1.12–1.26 mmol/L), and chloride (102–110 mmol/L) remained stable, showing CDS didn’t cause dangerous imbalances.
- Other Markers: Bicarbonate, base excess, hematocrit (17–47%), hemoglobin (5.7–15.9 g/dL), and glucose (3.4–7.0 mmol/L) showed minor changes, mostly due to saline dilution in IV patients.
These results tell us CDS is gentle on the body, working in harmony with its natural systems. For patients, this means fewer side effects and a therapy that feels natural and supportive.
What This Means for Patients
The findings are more than just numbers—they’re a beacon of hope for people struggling with health challenges. Here’s what CDS could mean in everyday life:
- More Energy and Stamina: Higher oxygen levels and lower lactate could help patients feel less tired, whether they’re battling a chronic illness or just want to keep up with their kids. Imagine climbing stairs without gasping or enjoying a hobby without crashing afterward.
- Healthier Kidneys: Lower creatinine means the kidneys are working well, reducing the risk of swelling, high blood pressure, or dialysis. This is especially important for older adults or those with diabetes or heart disease.
- Faster Recovery: Better oxygenation and metabolism could speed up healing from infections, injuries, or surgeries, getting patients back to their lives sooner.
- A Natural Approach: CDS, derived from a compound used safely in water treatment, offers a therapy that feels less invasive than heavy drugs or machines, appealing to those seeking holistic options.
For patients, CDS could be a lifeline, offering relief where other treatments fall short. It’s not just about surviving—it’s about thriving.
Why These Findings Matter for the Future of Health
The study’s results are a stepping stone to a brighter future in medicine. Here’s why they’re so important:
- New Hope for Hypoxia: Conditions like COPD, sepsis, or even COVID-19 involve low oxygen levels. CDS’s ability to boost pO₂ and cSO₂ could offer a new way to support these patients, reducing hospital stays and improving quality of life.
- Kidney Protection: With kidney disease on the rise globally, CDS’s kidney-friendly profile could lead to therapies that prevent or manage renal issues without harsh side effects.
- Energy ands like CDS could be a game-changer, offering a safe, effective option for boosting energy and resilience.
- A Call for Research: These findings are just the beginning. They show CDS is worth studying further, with the potential to become a mainstream therapy if larger, controlled trials confirm its benefits.
Kalcker’s vision is to spark a global research movement, turning CDS into a recognized treatment that doctors and patients trust. This study is the first step toward that dream, showing what’s possible when we think outside the box.
How CDS Might Work
So, how does CDS achieve these amazing effects? While we’re still learning, here are the leading ideas, based on Kalcker’s research and related studies:
- Oxygen Delivery: CDS may act like an oxygen booster, helping hemoglobin carry more oxygen or improving blood flow to tissues. This could explain the big jumps in pO₂ and cSO₂.
- Better Metabolism: By supplying oxygen, CDS helps cells produce energy efficiently, reducing lactate buildup. This is like giving your body a clean-burning fuel instead of smoky coal.
- Kidney Support: Improved blood flow and oxygen delivery likely help the kidneys filter waste better, lowering creatinine levels.
- Antimicrobial Power: CDS’s ability to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi may reduce inflammation, easing the body’s workload and supporting overall health.
- Zeta Potential: Kalcker suggests CDS improves the electrical charge (zeta potential) of blood cells, preventing clumping and enhancing circulation.
These ideas are exciting but need more research to confirm. Think of them as pieces of a puzzle we’re just starting to put together.
Is CDS Safe?
Safety is a top concern, and the study offers reassuring news. The 2008 fibroblast study showed CDS is gentle on human cells at low doses, unlike harsher chemicals. Our blood gas data found no harm to pH, electrolytes, or other markers, and the drop in creatinine proves CDS supports kidney health. However, some reports have linked high doses of CDS to side effects like nausea or, rarely, kidney issues.Kalcker argues these cases often involve improper use, and his data shows safe outcomes with correct dosing.
Still, CDS isn’t approved by the FDA or EMA, which want more evidence before endorsing it. Until then, it’s an experimental therapy, and patients should work with experts to use it safely.
Challenges and Next Steps
The study isn’t perfect, and we need to be honest about its limits:
- Small Group: Only nine patients were studied, so we need bigger trials to confirm the results.
- No Comparison Group: Without a placebo group, we can’t be 100% sure CDS caused the improvements.
- Short-Term Focus: We don’t know if the benefits last weeks or months.
- Different Methods: Oral and IV CDS were used, which might affect results differently.
To overcome these, Kalcker and his team are planning bigger studies. Here’s what’s next:
- Large Trials: Recruit hundreds of patients, with placebo groups, to test CDS rigorously.
- Standard Recipes: Use consistent CDS doses (e.g., 10–50 ppm) and delivery methods.
- Lab Studies: Test CDS in cells and animals to understand how it boosts oxygen and protects kidneys.
- Long-Term Checks: Follow patients for years to ensure CDS is safe over time.
- Cancer Connection: Explore if CDS can detoxify harmful substances in tumors, as some early data suggests.
- Global Push: Work with scientists and regulators worldwide, following International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) standards, to make CDS a trusted therapy.
These steps will turn CDS from a promising idea into a reality, helping millions of patients.
A Vision for the Future
The blood gas study is a spark that could light a fire in medical research. CDS offers a new way to tackle tough health problems, from low oxygen to kidney stress, with a solution that’s simple, affordable, and rooted in science. For patients, it means hope—hope for more energy, stronger kidneys, and a better life. For doctors, it’s a call to explore bold new ideas. And for the world, it’s a chance to rethink how we heal, using nature’s tools in innovative ways.
Andreas Ludwig Kalcker’s dream is to see CDS studied, perfected, and shared globally. This article is a step toward that dream, inviting everyone—patients, researchers, and policymakers—to join the journey. The future of health is bright, and CDS could be a big part of it.
