FDA warns whole body cryotherapy not supported by evidence, poses health risks.

HealthDay (3/3, Preidt, 21K) reported the Food and Drug Administration warned that whole body cryotherapy is not supported by evidence and poses a number of risks. The article reports that whole body cryotherapy is a “growing trend” at “many spas and wellness centers,” which claim that it “can treat diseases and conditions such as Alzheimer’s, fibromyalgia, migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, stress, anxiety or chronic pain.” According to Dr. Aron Yustein, a medical officer in the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, “Given a growing interest from consumers in whole body cryotherapy, the FDA has informally reviewed the medical literature available on this subject. We found very little evidence about its safety or effectiveness in treating the conditions for which it is being promoted.” Dr. Anna Ghambaryan, an FDA scientific reviewer, said whole body cryotherapy can lead to asphyxiation, “especially when liquid nitrogen is used for cooling.” The agency added that the practice risks frostbite, burns, and eye injury.