Titanium necklaces are a clever con for unsuspecting MLB players as well as avid sports fans. The “ionic” necklaces supposedly relieve pain, increase muscle efficiency, and provide the same benefits as chugging an electrolyte-loaded drink. But it’s all just hocus-pocus.
Phiten, a company behind many of these magical necklaces, provides questionable evidence to substantiate its claims of reduced pain and increased muscle efficiency. It asserts that the form of titanium used allows for the exchange of ions between the necklace and the wearer so that the user can reap the same benefits as if he were to be drinking an electrolyte beverage. Medical science is at odds with this statement because lactic acid buildup causes muscle pain, not ion imbalances.
These necklaces are in effect, charms—items that have “powers” according to the wearer. All this amounts to is superstition, and the engagement in ritual activities by the players just to increase their RBI that extra little bit. [Wired]
