The action of the enzyme catalase on aqueous hydrogen peroxide to generate oxygen gas is a well-established demonstration. Catalase is typically obtained by aqueous extraction of a potato, and the potato extract is mixed together with 3% hydrogen peroxide. The oxygen that is produced can be collected over water. Variations on the procedure can demonstrate the dependence of catalytic activity on temperature or the presence of inhibitors.

Growth faltering is a complex problem in the pediatric population and can result from multiple mechanisms, including inadequate caloric intake. Feeding difficulties are common among children with growth faltering and can present significant challenges for achieving adequate nutrition and weight gain, particularly when coupled with any degree of oral aversion. The patient in this case is a 21-month-old child with oral aversion, pediatric feeding disorder (PFD), and growth faltering who had failed to gain weight while receiving the standard of care. Upon transitioning his care to an osteopathic pediatrician, who incorporated osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) into his care, he demonstrated weight gain, which was sustained over the 8 months of this study. This case report demonstrates the potential benefit of OMT for children with PFD, oral aversion, and growth faltering.