3 replies to this topic

[Rhythm]

Calmag is a soluable calcium and magnesium salt mix that L. Ron Hubbard proscribes for people doing the Purification Rundown in scientology. Hubbard claims in his issues on the Purif that calmag prevents muscle spasms and aches. In scientology it is advocated as a relaxant.
To make cal mag, low water soluable compounds Calcium and Magnesium Hydroxide are mixed with vinegar, which is a dilute form of Acetic acid, forming soluable hydrated calcium acetate, magnesium acetate and some calcium magnesium acetate (CMA). Here is some data on Calcium Acetate:
http://www.umm.edu/a...tate-019050.htm
"Adverse Reactions:
Mild hypercalcemia (calcium: >10.5 mg/dL to 12 mg/dL) may be asymptomatic or manifest itself as constipation, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting
More severe hypercalcemia (calcium: >12 mg/dL) is associated with confusion, delirium, stupor, and coma
Postmarketing and/or case reports: Pruritus, allergic reaction
Overdosage/Toxicology:
Acute single ingestions of calcium salts may produce mild gastrointestinal distress, but hypercalcemia or other toxic manifestations are extremely unlikely"
"Oral dosage forms must be administered with meals to be effective."

I have observed vomiting by people on the Purif and the calmag solution is not consumed with meals, but rather while taking a break from the sauna, in accordance with Hubbard's instructions.
I could not find any references that magnesium acetate had any particular toxic effects in contrast to calcium acetate.
CMA is used as a road de-icer and has a toxicity similar to common salt. http://pubsindex.trb....aspx?id=289704

Now, these journal articles are interesting:

http://carcin.oxford...bstract/6/2/279
This article shows that ingestion of Calcium Acetate alone with normal feeding will increase the toxicity and carcinogenicity of ingested lead salts to the kidneys of laboratory rats.

http://cancerres.aac...t/44/4/1520.pdf
This article shows that ingested Calcium Acetate alone with normal feeding will produce lung tumors in laboratory mice, but ingestion of Magnesium Acetate alone does not.

From the cited research, I find the consumption of Calcium Acetate in the calmag concoction to be troubling. It is unclear if the combination of both Calcium and Magnesium Acetate inhibits the carcinogenic properties of Calcium Acetate and to what degree.
The Purification Rundown was originally known as the "LSD Sweatout Program" and began in the mid-1970's by L. Ron Hubbard. In the 32 years of this programs existence, I have not seen any independent clinical studies done of the adverse health effects, verification of Hubbard's theories of what occurs, or evaluation of claimed benefits. With the amount of cash taken in by organized scientology in the last 32 years, it would only be the responsible action to pay for an independent clinical evaluation. Lacking this documentation, I think that the health risks exceed unproven purported benefits. This program should be shut down by government authority until the unknowns of this program are settled and the actual effects are documented.

[Robbo]

Rhythm, on 13 October 2009 - 10:55 PM, said:

Calmag is a soluable calcium and magnesium salt mix that L. Ron Hubbard proscribes for people doing the Purification Rundown in scientology. Hubbard claims in his issues on the Purif that calmag prevents muscle spasms and aches. In scientology it is advocated as a relaxant.
To make cal mag, low water soluable compounds Calcium and Magnesium Hydroxide are mixed with vinegar, which is a dilute form of Acetic acid, forming soluable hydrated calcium acetate, magnesium acetate and some calcium magnesium acetate (CMA). Here is some data on Calcium Acetate:
http://www.umm.edu/a...tate-019050.htm
"Adverse Reactions:
Mild hypercalcemia (calcium: >10.5 mg/dL to 12 mg/dL) may be asymptomatic or manifest itself as constipation, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting
More severe hypercalcemia (calcium: >12 mg/dL) is associated with confusion, delirium, stupor, and coma
Postmarketing and/or case reports: Pruritus, allergic reaction
Overdosage/Toxicology:
Acute single ingestions of calcium salts may produce mild gastrointestinal distress, but hypercalcemia or other toxic manifestations are extremely unlikely"
"Oral dosage forms must be administered with meals to be effective."

I have observed vomiting by people on the Purif and the calmag solution is not consumed with meals, but rather while taking a break from the sauna, in accordance with Hubbard's instructions.
I could not find any references that magnesium acetate had any particular toxic effects in contrast to calcium acetate.
CMA is used as a road de-icer and has a toxicity similar to common salt. http://pubsindex.trb....aspx?id=289704

Now, these journal articles are interesting:

http://carcin.oxford...bstract/6/2/279
This article shows that ingestion of Calcium Acetate alone with normal feeding will increase the toxicity and carcinogenicity of ingested lead salts to the kidneys of laboratory rats.

http://cancerres.aac...t/44/4/1520.pdf
This article shows that ingested Calcium Acetate alone with normal feeding will produce lung tumors in laboratory mice, but ingestion of Magnesium Acetate alone does not.

From the cited research, I find the consumption of Calcium Acetate in the calmag concoction to be troubling. It is unclear if the combination of both Calcium and Magnesium Acetate inhibits the carcinogenic properties of Calcium Acetate and to what degree.
The Purification Rundown was originally known as the "LSD Sweatout Program" and began in the mid-1970's by L. Ron Hubbard. In the 32 years of this programs existence, I have not seen any independent clinical studies done of the adverse health effects, verification of Hubbard's theories of what occurs, or evaluation of claimed benefits. With the amount of cash taken in by organized scientology in the last 32 years, it would only be the responsible action to pay for an independent clinical evaluation. Lacking this documentation, I think that the health risks exceed unproven purported benefits. This program should be shut down by government authority until the unknowns of this program are settled and the actual effects are documented.

Well, just like any other Hubbardism, Hubbardites believe everything about CalMag and the Purif is all well and good. But I don't think you can convince someone(s) who are delusional that they are in fact believing in something that just isn't true. Never the less, it's good you are publishing the truth.

I have studied a bit about "Epigenetics". I think it would be interesting to look at the 2nd generations of those who did the Purif and see if that group had been affected. Like one study of a group, went through a long period of starvation. Before, none had cancer, but the majority of the kids of the kids (grand children) got a strange strain of cancer. They figured the impact of the starving affected the epigenetics, which turned genes off and on (reprogram) and the later off spring adopted the changes.

I think the Purif is quite intense. A while ago I saw a write up of the adverse effects of heavy doses of niacin...scary.

Rob Wmsn

[Rhythm]

Robbo, on 14 October 2009 - 11:00 AM, said:

Well, just like any other Hubbardism, Hubbardites believe everything about CalMag and the Purif is all well and good. But I don't think you can convince someone(s) who are delusional that they are in fact believing in something that just isn't true. Never the less, it's good you are publishing the truth.
I have studied a bit about "Epigenetics". I think it would be interesting to look at the 2nd generations of those who did the Purif and see if that group had been affected. Like one study of a group, went through a long period of starvation. Before, none had cancer, but the majority of the kids of the kids (grand children) got a strange strain of cancer. They figured the impact of the starving affected the epigenetics, which turned genes off and on (reprogram) and the later off spring adopted the changes.
I think the Purif is quite intense. A while ago I saw a write up of the adverse effects of heavy doses of niacin...scary.
Rob Wmsn

Robbo,
Epigenetics is a very interesting subject. I don't think that the massive niacin dosing and consumption of calmag is a healthy regimen. I would like to see the purif stopped until organized scientology spends the money to find out what parts of the program are valid, not valid, healthy, and unhealthy. Until then, anyone who does that program is really participating in a quack medical program.

[revenimus]

The biggest problem with the purification rundown is that like most of Hubbard's whack job shit, it is not scientifically proven or peer reviewed. Hubbard did no research whatsoever.