DCA or dichloroacetate acid is an acidic chemical compound. It is an acetic acid analogue, wherein 2 of its 3 hydrogen atoms are replaced with chlorine atoms. The esters and salts of DCA are known as dichloroacetates. As of the current times, the salts of dichloroacetate acid are looked into as possible cure or remedy for cancer. Studies and researches have been conducted to determine whether the dichloroacetate salts, or better known as sodium dichloroacetate, are beneficial for the disease.

Dichloroacetate acid has a halogenated chemistry, which is usual in organic acids. DCA belongs to the family of chloroacetic acids. The ion of dichloroacetate is created, when the compound is mixed with water. Dichloroacetate is pure acid with a pK of 1.48. It is highly corrosive and results to the damage of an individual’s mucous membrane tissues and the upper tract of the respiratory system. This is the reason why there is so much debate over whether sodium dichloroacetate can actually treat cancer or not without harming the patient.

DCA is not a natural compound. On the contrary, it is considered as a trace product that results from mixing it with drinking water, wherein chlorination occurs. It is also produced through the breaking down of different chemicals or drugs that contain chlorine. Dichloroacetate acid is usually prepared through trichloroacetic acid reduction. Since DCA is extremely corrosive, only its salts are used for therapeutic purposes. This includes potassium and sodium salts, which are potassium dichloroacetate and sodium dichloroacetate respectively.

The ion of dichloroacetate triggers the activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase enzyme by restraining the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase enzyme. Hence, it lessens the production of lactate through shifting pyruvate metabolism from glycolysis into oxidation within the mitochondria. Because of this action, there have been DCA trials for lactic acidosis treatment in humans. But other than this, there have also been studies regarding the effects of sodium dichloroacetate for cancer.

In a randomly controlled trial involving kids who are affected with inborn lactic acidosis, it was discovered that while dichloroacetate acid is tolerated well, it is not effective in enhancing clinical results. Another trial is performed on kids with MELAS, which is a syndrome that involves inadequate function in the mitochondria, resulting into lactic acidosis. However, the trial was stopped early on because all fifteen kids who were receiving DCA had been affected with significant toxicity in the nerves. There is no evidence that the kids have benefited from the treatment trial. On the other hand, there has also been a randomly controlled trial of dichloroacetate acid in adults that have lactic acidosis. The finding states that while the treatment reduces the lactate levels in the blood, it does not have clinical benefits. What is more, it does not heighten the chances of survival.

Since there are no clear positive findings in the treatment trials of DCA, medications that contain the compound are not prescribed by specialists and physicians. But if you want to see its effects for yourself, there are some retailers that are offering it. In order for you to find reliable sodium dichloroacetate products in the market, look up the Internet for information. There are some websites that are providing info regarding the drug compound and DCA medications. During the recent times, there are a large number of people taking in medications that contain the compound and its salt ion, hoping to cure their sickness.