DCA: what is it?

Simply put, what is DCA?

Disodium chloroacetate (or DCA) is the salt of dichloroacetic acid and sodium. This chemical has the molecular formula Cl2 CH COONa. The molecular structure is similar to that of salt and vinegar.

The substance is a white powder that dissolves in water under normal circumstances.

Since sodium dichloroacetate cannot be patented and may be shipped freely, it can be marketed with little constraints.

The chemical is a byproduct of chlorination processes or may be produced in a lab. DCA is found naturally in a number of different types of red algae, including Asparagopsis taxiformis.

Because of its positive influence on living organisms, sodium dichloroacetate has gained a lot of interest. If a kid is born with a congenital mitochondrial disease (Ref), they may develop metabolic lactic acidosis and dichloroacetate has been used to treat this condition in children since 1973. DCA may help individuals with congenital lactic acidosis live longer, healthier lives. To be effective, the drug must increase activity of the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase complex. This allows the body to once again metabolize carbs through aerobic glucose and lactic acid oxidation. After receiving DCA, children have decreased metabolic acidosis and blood serum lactate concentrations.

Clinical studies using DCA to treat congenital lactic acidosis are crucial in establishing effective and safe dosing. In addition, the study that allowed the future use of Sodium Dichloroacetate meticulously tracked adverse effects and the drug’s overall safety. (Ref.)

• Using DCA to mitigate the side effects of brain ischemia has been the subject of on-going research since 1987. Reduced risk of complications from post-hypoxic lactic acidosis and brain metabolic disturbances may result from treatment with dichloroacetate. The anti-cancer effects of sodium dichloroacetate have been shown since 2007 (ref). DCA showed promising results against brain, breast, and lung cancer tumors in early scientific investigations. The experimental rats were not harmed by Dichloroacetate, but the tumors slowed their growth and shrank significantly while the animals were under its influence. (here’s the deal with all the DCA research)

Next-generation in vitro and in vivo investigations yielded the same encouraging results, paving the way for clinical trials in 2010. The results of the research indicate that DCA improves the prognosis of malignant diseases; the chemical shows promise in the treatment of cancer; and it is advised that more clinical observations be conducted. (Ref.)

The first DCA clinics began using DCA as an alternative treatment for treating cancer in 2009.