DMSA Challenges: A Protocol Guide for Metal Detoxification

DMSA is a metal-detoxification compound. There are two widely discussed protocols relating to DMSA challenges. However, one is more strongly supported than the other.

DMSA

• DMSA stands for meso-2, 3-dimercaptosuccinic acid. It is a FDA-approved compound used for lead detoxification. However, it has also been used extensively for mercury, antimony and arsenic detoxification.

Single Dose

• The best approach to metal detoxification is to administer an oral dose of DMSA at 30mg/kg body wt., either on an empty or full stomach, followed by a six-hour urine collection procedure, according to a study by A.R. Hibberd published in the Journal of Nutritian and Environmental Medicine in 1998.

Multiple Doses

• This protocol is much more widely used by not as well supported clinically. This practice entails administering DMSA at 10mg/kg body wt. orally between meals for three consecutive days, followed by a 24 hours of urine collection.