6 replies to this topic

[ccnootropics]

I started taking alpha-lipoic acid in combination with other supplements for various health reasons, but I only recently read about the dangers related to it causing chelation of heavy-metals.  I'm freaking out because I have amalgam fillings.  Should I be concerned?  I'm surprised my doctor didn't mention anything to me when I went in to see them, but eh, I guess that's why it's classified as a "supplement".  Any research, knowledge, and/or anecdotal experiences etc. would be much appreciated!

[Gerrans]

In my opinion, if any metal gets into your system from amalgam fillings, then alpha-lipoic acid's chelating ability might help neutralise it, stopping it being toxic. So it should be a good thing to take. I doubt alpha-lipoic acid causes metal to leave fillings. For a start, the capsule does not touch the teeth. And somehow I doubt plasma alpha-lipoic acid can break the bonds that hold amalgam together. I have always thought loss of metal from fillings is most likely caused by attrition not chemical reactions, or the fillings would dissolve.

 

I have had a mouthful of amalgam fillings since the sixties and have never suffered any symptoms of metal poisoning, despite my food and various supplements being full of chelating agents, so I suspect the body knows perfectly well how to handle routine traces of metals in the system, chelation being one of its main defences.

Edited by Gerrans, 07 May 2014 - 07:37 PM.

[Jeoshua]

Chelation involves binding to minerals and making them easier to pass. If the ALA does latch onto the metal from your fillings, the effect will be to clear it from your body, not to introduce it. Once chelated, unless the body needs a mineral it will not expend the energy or enzymes to free said mineral, so unless your body has an Aluminum deficiency (if there even is such a thing), you will be fine.

Worst case scenario: You take powdered ALA and swish it around your mouth, and it eats away at your fillings until they fall out. Then you can go to a different dentist and ask for a non-heavy-metal filling. Net plus.

[ccnootropics]

Thank you guys!  I was finding contradictory information regarding chelation, so I'm hoping you guys are right!!!! :b  Either way, helped calm my nerves :D

[xks201]

According to mr. Cutler who made popular alpha lipoic acid as a chelator taking ala infrequently can just make the problem worse by moving metals around and not completely removing them. He recommends a 3 day on 2 or 3 off approach I think at like a maximum of 1200mg per day. 600 mg twice per day is what I was doing. Symptoms of detox were quite bad so it is probably that it's chelating effect does not necessarily equal it's binding effect.
But I had extreme aluminum poisoning from my bodybuilding days. I should have never trusted the meatheads I was dealing with. Lol. My point is if you have mercury fillings it is very possible ala will make you feel like crap when you take it.

[ccnootropics]

According to mr. Cutler who made popular alpha lipoic acid as a chelator taking ala infrequently can just make the problem worse by moving metals around and not completely removing them. He recommends a 3 day on 2 or 3 off approach I think at like a maximum of 1200mg per day. 600 mg twice per day is what I was doing. Symptoms of detox were quite bad so it is probably that it's chelating effect does not necessarily equal it's binding effect.
But I had extreme aluminum poisoning from my bodybuilding days. I should have never trusted the meatheads I was dealing with. Lol. My point is if you have mercury fillings it is very possible ala will make you feel like crap when you take it.

Thanks, that was very helpful anecdotal info!  I had been taking ALA for several weeks (possibly 3 days on 3 days off by chance lol) and didn't notice any negative side effects.  Could I still be causing myself harm without symptoms?  Is there any way for me to find out if I have some kind of heavy-metal poisoning?  Thanks!

[xks201]

Hair mineral analysis. Perhaps u don't have that bad of heavy metal problems if u don't get detox symptoms. I take 600 mg twice per day tho