Most websites say that ALA chelates mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. Some say that it also chelates lead, iron, manganese, zinc and copper to some degree, while others claim not much chelation of metals besides mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. Based on what I read, I decided to take iron, zinc, and other mineral supplements on the days I am not taking ALA.

Under the Cutler protocol, Iron is not recommended as a supplement (page 156 AI). Zinc is recommended as it is anti-mercury and hinders copper accumulation. People following the protocol take supplements all the time, including during chelation rounds.

I can’t remember what other stuff ALA chelates, but I know it causes copper to accumulate, which is one the many reasons why you need to take breaks when chelating, i.e. so the body has time to excrete the copper. And I know DMSA chelate lead but can't remember about ALA. If you search here you will find references (tick the “autism-Mercury” box : http://onibasu.com/


These are Cutler basic supplement for mercury toxic people, to be taken every day, even during rounds.

Buffered vitamin C 1/2 to 2 grams 4 times a day

B complex equivalent to "b25" or "b50" 4 times a day

Zinc 50-100 mg

Magnesium 500-1000 mg in divided doses

Milk thistle extract 4 times a day preferably w/meals

Vitamin E 1000-3000 IU daily

Mixed carotenes, lycopene, etc.

flax 1 tbsp - 15-50g

borage oil 1-4grams

Selenium 200 mcg as selenomethionine.

Chromium picolinate 200 mcg with every meal.

Molybdenum about 1000 mcg a day.

CoQ10 100-400mg

Hydergine 10-20mg/day


I take 10 of those (out of 14)

I would think that it is not a good idea to take mineral supplements besides calcium and magnesium on the on days when one is taking ALA, as higher blood levels of the other minerals might impede ALA's ability to chelate mercury.