I hear some people saying that ALA has to be taken every 3 hours. Some say every 4 is O.K. What is the concensus on this?

The Culter protocol specifies every 4 hours.

Thanks, So I can just take it every four hours with my DMSA? Also, would you recomend using the R-lipoic acid instead of the ALA?

I would take ALA every 4 hours because that's the standard protocol. That's what I did and it worked well for me and others for years.

I honestly don't know enough about r-lipoic acid, but I personally don't often take supplements until they are well established as safe and effective. That's just my personal preference. I'll have to look more into this when I get time.

Sorry, but the Cutler protocol states every 3 hours, not every 4. It's every 4 hours for DMSA, but when you introduce ALA it has to be every 3 hours.

Why does it have a shorter half life?

I'm not sure what you mean by your question? If you're asking 'why it has a shorter half-life, you'd have to read up on some scientific journals. If you're asking me to confirm whether it has a shorter half life than DMSA, then the answer is yes.

Drop Cutler an e-mail if you're unsure, but I have his book - and he states that once you move onto ALA - it should be every 3 hours. I take my DMSA every 3 hours alongside it (as does everyone else), because it's easier to manage.

I just sent him an e mail (I hope that I get a response). Anyway, I do remember reading in the book's "protocol" section that DMSA+ALA can be taken every 3-4 hours. So maybe he is indicating that there is some flexablility there.

Dr. Cutler e mailed me back and this is what he said:

"Some people do fine every 4, some do better with it every 3 hours. Often 3 hours in the day and 4 during the sleep period."