Hg and elevated iron levels/liver enzymes

September 13, 2008

I am planning to start chelation with DMPS and then DMPS/ALA soon but

have concerns as I have elevated iron and iron saturation levels as

well as elevated AST and ALT numbers that seems to bounce around.

Last few readings are:

AST (0-37) 48 27 35 25 19 31

ALT (15-65) 116 77 80 90 52 83

Iron (30-170) 228 156 227 121

Iron Sat (20-50) 79 58 80 40

Ferritin (33-236) 106 160 151

I have had extensive blood work and a liver biopsy and there were no

obvious finding as far as why this was occurring. My doc had

suspected hemochromatosis (have a single copy of both genes but that

translates to only a 3-7% chance of disease) but my ferritin numbers

are low/normal and there was not a significant amount of iron in my

liver tissue, although there was 'some'. Basically my docs are

stumped and are taking the 'wait and see' approach.

I know AI discusses unexplained elevated iron levels and liver enzymes

as a symptom of Hg intoxication and I am fairly certain this is the

reason for my issue. However, I have some concerns/questions:

1) I read on dmpsbackfire (not sure if this is a terribly reliable

info source or not...) that DMPS is not appropriate when you have high

iron:

" The PDR states that Dimercaprol is...contraindicated in patients with

high levels of selenium, iron, or cadmium because the resulting

complexes are more toxic than the metal itself, especially to the

kidneys. "

Anyone (Andy) have opinions on this?

2) Does anyone here have first hand experience with these issues that

were solved by DMSA/DMPS/ALA frequent dose chelation?

3) My doc is telling me to limit my vitamin C intake because it can

cause increased iron absorption in the intestines. This is a problem

as far as chelation and cutler protocol supplementation. I am trying

to figure out if it is better to limit C or just take the cutler

protocol doses and disregard the doc. I am curious if anyone has any

data that would support or negate this theory of absorption. I have

found conflicting data and don't know what to make of it.

I realize this is a lengthy and specific request so whatever anyone

can add is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Ross

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