Mucoid plaque, also called mucoid cord, is a term coined by naturopath Richard Anderson and refers to the film of mucus that lines the gastrointestinal tract. According to the point of view of some alternative medicine practitioners, mucoid plaque is harmful to the body. The researchers, however, have shown that such a plate does not exist.

Mucus occurs naturally along the lining of the intestinal tract. It plays a protective role against infection and damage. Several pathological conditions, such as ulcerative colitis, have a thinner or no mucosal layer, making the intestinal tract prone to damage and infection.

Richard Anderson is an entrepreneur who sells a range of body cleansers that claim to remove harmful substances within the body, such as mucoid plaque. Several colon-cleansing products advertised to the public make false medical claims.

These products contain laxatives, fibrous thickening agents, and clay. Laxatives are constipation drugs, and fibrous thickening agents and clay cannot be digested within the gastrointestinal tract. All of these are excreted from the body through the normal physiological process plus the action of laxatives. The ingredients themselves would result in the excretion of these products in the form of what they claim is mucoid plaque, but in reality, these products are bulky feces made up of fibers,

Anderson also states that the harmful effects of mucoid plaque include impaired digestion and nutrient absorption, retention of harmful organisms, and development of diseases such as diarrhea, allergies, skin conditions, and bowel cancer. Other advertisements for colon cleansing agents from some alternative medicine practitioners have similar claims about how they can harm the body but often mention constipation.

These statements do not coincide with the digestive tract’s anatomical and physiological bases. Even microscopically, the existence of mucoid plaque has not been demonstrated. No valid and significant studies prove the false claims about the harmful effects of mucoid plaque.

Mucoid plaque does not exist, and no medical literature supports its existence. Waste materials in the GI tract do not adhere to functionally normal intestines, and most people have their GI tract cleared within 3 days.

However, false claims can be easily found in various online sources. It is also unfortunate that these claims seem very convincing to the public. Therefore, people should be cautious when believing information about these claims.