An investigation by British charitable trust, Sense About Science, found many so-called detox products were diuretics or laxatives, and in other cases everyday activities such as shampooing, washing or brushing the skin had been re-labelled as ''detoxing.''

The report warns some claims made by the multimillion-dollar detox industry about how its products work such as improving liver, kidney or colon functions ''are often wrong and can be quite dangerous''.

The trust tested the marketing blurbs of 15 so-called detox products, ranging from facial cleansers and bottled water to foot patches and fruit smoothies, and found no scientific evidence from product manufacturers to support their claims.

''No one we contacted was able to provide any evidence for their claims, or give a comprehensive definition of what they meant by 'detox'. We concluded that 'detox' as used in product marketing is a myth,'' the report says.

One of the scientists involved in the trust's survey, Robert Hagan, contacted the manufacturers of a detox drink sold in Australia for $35 for a 500ml bottle to find out how the product worked but found ''they didn't seem to understand their own claims''.

When he asked if the drink had any side effects, he was told by a company spokeswoman it could have ''a laxative effect [and] you could spend the day running to the toilet''. The British report warns detox tonics and supplements ''can't improve your liver and kidney function'' and a high a dose of some supplements ''can cause illness and even death''.

''Most chemicals do not accumulate in the body, they are removed by the liver and kidneys. Many of the detox products which claim to flush the body of chemicals contain diuretics which increase the amount you urinate. This just removes water and some salt. In extreme cases diuretics can cause your salt levels to become depleted causing cramping, or in the worst cases, a coma.''