Evidence supporting the use of: Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA)
For the health condition: Heavy Metal Poisoning

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 5

Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) is a chelating agent with strong scientific support for its use in treating heavy metal poisoning, particularly lead, arsenic, and mercury. DMSA is FDA-approved for the treatment of lead poisoning in children with blood lead levels above a defined threshold. It works by binding to heavy metal ions in the bloodstream, forming water-soluble complexes that are subsequently excreted in the urine. Numerous clinical trials and systematic reviews have established the efficacy and relative safety of DMSA compared to earlier chelators such as BAL (British Anti-Lewisite, or dimercaprol) and EDTA. DMSA is preferred due to its oral administration, lower toxicity, and ability to efficiently mobilize and excrete lead and other metals from the body. It has also been studied for mercury and arsenic poisoning with positive outcomes, although its primary clinical use remains in cases of lead intoxication. The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend DMSA as a first-line treatment in specific cases. Its use is based on a well-understood mechanism of action and robust clinical trial data, making it a scientifically validated therapy for heavy metal poisoning.

More about Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA)
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Other health conditions supported by Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA)

Chemical Poisoning
Heavy Metal Poisoning
Lead Poisoning
Mercury Poisoning
Poisoning (general)

Products containing Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA)

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