PCA-Rx Featured Articles

PCA-Rx: Help for Autistic Children

Nontoxic Oral Clathration Agent Shown to Perform Better than or
Equal to DMSA and DMPS

Parents of autistic children who suspect heavy metal toxicity as a
contributor to their child’s condition may find a nontoxic oral
clathration agent will perform as well as or better than typically-used
chelating agents, according to a report in the nationally-respected
consumer journal, The Doctors’ Prescription for Healthy Living.

The report – published in the February edition – details the
experience of a Troy, Michigan, couple whose child was diagnosed
with autism that may have resulted from or been exacerbated by
such toxicity. The couple notes that the oral clathration agent
proved to be as effective as their son’s DMSA/DMPS treatments, yet
without side effects.

Autistic children may be prescribed dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA)
or dimercaptopropane sulfonate (DMPS) if heavy metal toxicity is
suspected. However, a combination of the oral clathration agent and
ionic mineral supplements increased their child’s heavy metal output
by two to three times (as measured by urinalysis). The couple is
quoted as telling the publication, “In two months, we had the same
benefits with PCA-Rx and ionic minerals as using DMSA for an entire
year. Also, unlike DMSA, PCA-Rx will not chelate beneficial minerals,
one reason it is less stressful to the child’s body.”

“This information is important to parents of autistic children,” notes
publisher and editor David Steinman. “Many of the treatments
afforded to children have some toxicity associated with them and
stress the child. Based on our current report and past reports, we
believe that oral clathration is certainly an option that parents
should know about.”

Steinman notes that while conventional oral chelation therapy may
be described as one dimensional, oral clathration is a three-
dimensional process. In this case, specifically-sequenced
glycoproteins and peptides form a lattice (or inclusion complex) and
multiple receptor sites that attach to a toxic molecule with
irreversible bonds, literally wrapping around the toxic substance to
prevent additional reactions with tissues or organs as it is eliminated
from the body.

Unlike the ionic bond utilized to transport metals from the body with
chelation, clathration utilizes ionic, covalent and hydrogen bonds.
Not one but three major types of bonds at multiple points are
created.

“The product that we mentioned – PCA-Rx – has a very high
bonding affinity for heavy metals,” notes Steinman. “Most toxins or
heavy metals that attach to cell receptors do so in a manner that is
competitively reversible, so if molecules like those in PCA-Rx come
along with greater affinity, the toxins can be dislodged from the
receptors. Because of the formula’s tremendous affinity for heavy
metals, this is an improvement over chelation therapy, which has a
much more difficult time removing heavy metals from cell receptors.”

“We want parents of autistic children and groups dedicated to
helping such children and adults to know about oral clathration
because it is a viable and important option,” adds Steinman.

He adds, “Few proven treatments are available to autistic children.
What we do know is that heavy metal toxicity may sometimes be
part of the pathology. Testing for heavy metal burden is essential.
PCA-Rx has been successfully used with autistic children to safely
accelerate detoxification. While additional clinical studies are
desired, we know that PCA-Rx is safe and efficacious. It is an
important healing pathway that parents of autistic children should
know about.”

Steinman, a nationally-recognized consumer advocate, is available
for interviews and may be contacted at (800) 959-9797. For
individuals or organizations wishing to learn more about oral
clathration, they should contact ASN™/Maxam™ Nutraceutics™ toll-
free at (800) 800-9119.
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Monday, 25 February, 2002
The Doctors’ Prescription for Healthy Living

PCA-Rx and Autism: A World of Smarter Children

Heavy Metal Toxicity, Children’s Behavioral Disorders, and Oral
Clathration Therapy

The Most Profound Science of Our Time
We all have heard about chelation therapy. But few health
professionals know about clathration therapy. Because clathration
therapy has many documented benefits over chelation therapy, it is
important that cutting edge health professionals as well as
consumers involved in self-managed care learn about this unique
therapy. In this report, we present an overview of clathration therapy
and discuss its use for children experiencing behavioral disorders –
including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bouts of violence,
and impaired IQ.

Clathration Therapy vs. Chelation

Editor’s Note: A chelate is a chemical that will perform chelation,
defined as the reaction between a metal ion and the complexing
agent, resulting in formation of ring structures incorporating the ion.
A clathrate is a cage structure capable of including another
compound within its own structure.

Chelation therapy may be described as a one-dimensional process.
In contrast, oral clathration is a three-dimensional process.
Specifically-sequenced glycoproteins and peptides form a lattice or
inclusion complex and multiple receptor sites attach to a toxic
molecule with irreversible bonds, literally wrapping around the toxic
substance to prevent additional reactions with tissues or organs as it
is eliminated from the body. Unlike the ionic bond utilized to
transport metals from the body with chelation therapy, oral
clathration therapy utilizes ionic, covalent and hydrogen bonds. Not
one but three major types of bonds at multiple points are created.

Clinical reports indicate clathration therapy might be a more
effective heavy metal detoxification therapy than conventional
methods of chelation therapy. Thus, clathration therapy holds
significant benefits when used as part of a comprehensive
complementary medicine program, as noted in the case of children
experiencing certain behavioral disorders.

David Steinman’s use of PCA-Rx from ASN™/Maxam™ Nutraceutics™
produced better detoxification results than dimercaptosuccinic acid
(DMSA) or dimercaptopropane sulfonate (DMPS) for Aaron Corbett.
Diagnosed with heavy metal poisoning by his physician, Aaron's
parents Brian and Joan suspect their son developed autism as a
result of vaccination-related heavy metal contamination. In a recent
report published in The Doctors' Prescription for Healthy Living, it
was noted that many children experiencing behavioral problems
(including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, violent and
antisocial behavior, and decreased IQ) have received benefits from
PCA-Rx when used as part of a comprehensive complementary
medicine program.

Heavy Metal Toxicity: Hidden Culprit?

Heavy metal toxicity doesn’t receive the attention it should in the
case of children’s behavioral disorders. Additionally, use of oral
clathration agents as a healing pathway is something both primary
care doctors and parents of children with behavioral disorders need
to know about. Use of oral clathration obviously isn’t a panacea.
But, as you read this report, if you are the parent of a child with
behavioral problems or the child’s treating doctor, you will want to
know more about oral clathration if you suspect toxic metals may be
a contributor.

What is the role of heavy metal toxicity in children with
developmental delays and other neurological and metabolic
disorders?

The answer may be surprising to many parents. In fact, the extent
of impact on children with some of our commonest neurological
disorders – including autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder,
and aggressive and violent behavior – may be far greater than
parents and doctors have hitherto suspected. Let’s look at some of
the evidence:

* In 1983, a study published in Medical Hypotheses noted that the
concentration of a number of metals determined in the hair of 68
hyperactive children, when compared with a control group, indicated
excessive levels of manganese and reduced levels of zinc.
* In 1989, researchers involved with the Edinburgh Lead Study
studied the effect of blood lead on children’s behavior in a sample
of 501 boys and girls aged six to nine years from 18 primary
schools. Teachers and parents using behavior scales made behavior
ratings of the children. Analyses showed a significant relationship
between blood lead levels and teachers’ ratings on the total
behavioral scores, as well as aggressive/antisocial and hyperactive
scores. A dose-response relationship between blood lead levels and
behavior ratings was evident. No evidence of a threshold effect could
be found. In other words, even low levels adversely influenced
behavior.
* In a 1996 study from the Archives of Environmental Health, the
relationship between hair lead levels of children and their attention-
deficit behaviors in the classroom was investigated. Scalp hair
specimens were obtained from 277 first-grade pupils, while teachers
completed the abbreviated Boston Teacher’s Rating Scale for rating
classroom attention-deficit behavior and parents completed a short
questionnaire. “The striking dose response relationship between
levels of lead and negative teacher ratings remained significant
after controlling for age, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic
status,” the report noted. “An even stronger relationship existed
between physician-diagnosed attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
and hair lead in the same children.” Once again, “no apparent ‘safe’
threshold for lead” could be found with even the lowest exposures.

Chelation/Clathration Aid Children with Behavioral Disorders

Holly Ruff, M.D., is a developmental psychologist and professor of
pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx,
New York. In the April 7, 1993 issue of the Journal of the American
Medical Association, Dr. Ruff published a study that reported on the
reversal of intelligence decline among children with high lead levels
when steps are taken to reduce their body burden. Among one
subgroup of the 154 children she studied, a drop of up to 30
micrograms in blood lead levels led to a 10-point increase in
intelligence scores.

In another study, children with clear-cut hyperactivity disorder and
moderately-elevated lead levels were treated with a lead-chelating
agent in a random allocation double-blind treatment regimen.
“Statistically significant and obvious behavioral improvement was
reported by three separate evaluators (i.e., parent, teacher, and
treating physician) of the child, suggesting a toxic relationship
between moderately-elevated lead levels and hyperactivity,” note
the researchers.

Agents frequently used for heavy metal chelation include ethylene
diaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), DMSA, d-penicillamine, and
dimercaptoproponol. These are often given in oral doses, alone or
in combination. But a superior long-term strategy may be to
combine chelation with oral clathration therapy. The best such
examples of oral clathration agents are PCA and PCA-Rx from
ASN™/Maxam™ Nutraceutics™. PCA-Rx is said to have a high
bonding affinity for heavy metals. (See clinical case reports.) Most
toxins or heavy metals that attach to cell receptors do so in a
manner that is competitively reversible, so if molecules like those in
PCA-Rx come along with greater affinity, the toxins can be
dislodged from the receptors, which then once again can be
receptive to neurotransmitters.

FYI: How Metals Are Clathrated Metals are clathrated by PCA-Rx in
the following order due to their descending valences: lead, thallium,
cadmium, arsenic, aluminum, and mercury. This is important to
note because if patients’ systems are saturated with lead or another
heavy metal, their urine mercury readings will not drop until they
have clathrated the metals with higher valences.

Because of the formula’s tremendous affinity for heavy metals, this
is an improvement over chelation therapy, which has a much more
difficult time removing heavy metals from cell receptors. In
February, we detailed the experience of a Troy, Michigan, couple
whose child was diagnosed with autism that may have resulted from
or been exacerbated by such toxicity. The couple notes that the oral
clathration agent, combined with ionic minerals, proved to be
equally or more effective as their son’s DMSA/DMPS treatments yet
without side effects. A combination of the oral clathration agent and
ionic mineral supplements increased their child’s heavy metal output
by two to three times (as measured by urinalysis) over chelation
therapy. The couple is quoted as telling the publication, “In two
months, we had the same benefits with PCA-Rx and ionic minerals
as using DMSA for an entire year. Also, unlike DMSA, PCA-Rx will not
chelate beneficial minerals, one reason it is less stressful to the
child’s body.”

QUICK DEFINITION
Clathrate: Relating to or being a compound formed by the inclusion
of molecules of one kind in cavities of the crystal lattice of another.

How PCA-Rx Works: PCA-Rx is different from other chelating
agents, and we believe it represents a major breakthrough in
personal detoxification.

Utilizes Clathration.
PCA-Rx works on the principle of clathration. Its contingent of
specifically sequenced peptides form a lattice or inclusion complex.
This represents a true breakthrough in the field of oral chelating
agents.

Detoxification with a Peptide Clathrating Agent.
Most of us have heard of chelation therapy. Physicians and doctors
have utilized chelation therapy for years to cleanse their patients’
bodies of lead and other heavy metal contaminants. PCA-Rx from
ASN™/Maxam™ Nutraceutics™ is the first peptide clathration formula
ever created for natural detoxification. Not only is it among the most
effective chelating agents now in practice; it is available to
consumers over-the-counter at natural health centers and from
health professionals.

Nutrient Particles Measured in Nanometers. We usually think of the
amounts included of particular nutritional supplements in terms of
milligrams and micrograms. But PCA-Rx nutrient particles are
formulated in the range of nanometers – reduced to their bare
peptide essential configuration – and placed in a natural colloid. The
body recognizes these peptides as nutrients.

Affinity for Cell Membranes. Each nutrient particle carries a negative
surface charge and cells contain a positive surface charge, so
absorption occurs electrokinetically, which is a much more efficient
method of absorption than osmosis where 50 percent maximum
levels may be achieved at best. Because of the particle size and
bare, stripped-down nature of the peptides, the PCA-Rx nutrients
gain access into the mitochondria of the cell. There, a peptide
ligand complex binds with greater affinity to cell receptor sizes than
heavy metals, releasing the heavy metals. The companion
molecules then clathrate (wrap around and enclose) the toxic
substance, keeping it enclosed as it enters the body’s elimination
pathways. The bond is a strong one, too. PCA-Rx’s nutrients bond
to toxic chemicals with ionic, covalent and hydrogen bonds as
compared to DMPS (the most commonly-used chelation agent),
which utilizes only an ionic bond.

Does Not Remove Beneficial Minerals. PCA-Rx will not bind to
beneficial minerals because those that belong in the body are
tightly bound and protected by their natural enzymes. Heavy metals
and toxins do not have enzyme systems to protect them. PCA-Rx
targets noncomplexed, loosely-bound metals. If there is an excess
of natural mineral in the body (as with calcium-based plaques), PCA-
Rx will also bind to these and remove them. Metals are clathrated in
the following prioritized order due to their descending valences:
lead, thallium, cadmium, arsenic, aluminum, and mercury. This is
important to note because if your system is saturated with lead or
another heavy metal, your urine mercury readings will not drop until
you have clathrated the metals with higher valences.

FYI: Monitoring Detoxification
You can have your urine or stool tested for toxic elements by
contacting Doctor’s Data at 800-323-2784 or Great Smokies
Laboratory at 800-522-4762. These companies provide instructions
on how to obtain the samples and mail them. Many health
insurance companies will pay for urine and fecal heavy metal testing
when your physician orders this.

Clinical Case Reports

Clinical reports tell us that PCA-Rx is a powerful agent of
detoxification. Anyone working in industries with exposures to
cadmium, lead, mercury and other toxic metals will find PCA-Rx a
powerful health ally. Persons with mercury amalgam dental fillings
will also find PCA-Rx beneficial. In future reports, we will report on
its uses in many other potential areas of toxic bioaccumulation. But,
for now, let’s examine several clinical case reports involving mercury
contamination from both occupational and dental exposures.

Mercury Poisoning Case #1.
A September 30, 2000 case study bulletin reported on a 53-year-old
male who had his dental amalgams removed but was suspected of
having toxic levels of heavy metals due to a DMPS urine challenge.
This patient also was employed in a profession wherein he was
potentially exposed to mercury and copper on a regular basis.
According to his doctor he showed “very elevated” levels of mercury
at 29 micrograms (mcg) per 24-hour period with a normal reference
range of up to only 5 mcg. On this test, no other toxic elements
were beyond the reference range. (Urinary testing was by Doctor’s
Data and stool analysis was by Great Smokies Diagnostic
Laboratory.) The patient was begun on PCA-Rx for approximately
nine days. Post-provocation results showed PCA-Rx pulled toxic
metals from the body through both the renal (kidney) and bowel
systems without patient complaints. In fact, according to testing,
PCA-Rx eliminated some 400 percent more arsenic over the pre-
test. Stool analysis showed that mercury excretion increased more
than 2,650 percent from .009 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) to .
243 mg/kg. Since urinary mercury excretion was lower on the post-
challenge test and stool mercury excretion increased so
dramatically, it is clear that the bulk of bound metal was removed
through the bowels. Other toxic metals that increased in the stool
were arsenic, cadmium, lead, platinum, and thallium.
Fecal Metal Results:

Metal         Post-PCA            Pre-PCA-Rx
Mercury        .243 mg/kg         .009 mg/kg
Arsenic         .45 mg/kg
Cadmium      125 mg/kg         6 mg/kg
Thallium       .021 mg/kg        .003 mg/kg

Mercury Poisoning Case #2.
A 49-year-old female with mercury dental amalgams that were
removed in 1997 had previously been on a detoxification protocol
utilizing DMPS and other chelators. However, by June 1999, her
mercury levels were still very high and measured about 75 parts per
billion in her urine with a normal reference range being only up to
about three parts per billion. She eventually stopped her
detoxification program because, according to the patient, she felt
“bad all the time.” Symptomatology included low oral basal
temperature between 97.2° and 97.6° F, an increase in weight over
the last three to four years, mildly inflamed thyroid gland, swelling
in the feet and ankle areas, and abdominal pain. In addition, her
menstrual cycles were recently shortened to anywhere from 21 to 24
days. She was put on a detoxification protocol of three doses
(consisting of 15 sprays per dose) for the first day and 15 sprays
per day for the following four days. On the final day, stool and urine
samples were taken and analyzed by Doctor’s Data and Great
Smokies Diagnostics Laboratory. Her mercury levels increased by
800 percent in the urine and arsenic levels increased by 230
percent. Mercury levels in her stool increased by 330 percent,
arsenic levels increased by 170 percent, beryllium excretion levels
increased by 250 percent, and uranium excretion levels increased by
450 percent. It is noteworthy that throughout the detoxification
period, the patient reported no complaints or discomfort, whereas
she had stopped her previous protocol due to “feeling bad all the
time.” This indicates that not only can PCA-Rx effectively remove
heavy metals from the system, it is able to do so gently without
undue comfort to the patient.

Mercury Poisoning Case #3.
A 38-year-old female was known to be mercury toxic from a DMPS
challenge in May 2000. Her amalgam fillings had been removed
only two months earlier. Her levels were in the “very elevated”
range. In July, pre-challenge urine and stool samples were
collected. The patient then took three doses of PCA-Rx the first day
and another urine sample was collected the following morning. The
patient was then placed on one dose per day for the following four
days. On the fifth day, another urine and stool sample was taken.
PCA-Rx increased lead excretion in the stool by almost fivefold and
increased mercury excretion, also in the stool, by twofold. Urinary
excretion also increased for lead, arsenic, tin, and thallium.

The Doctors’ Prescription

PCA-Rx is a formula that we have researched and found to be a way
of dealing with heavy metal toxicity in the least intrusive manner
possible. Parents may want to start with PCA-Rx or combine PCA-Rx
with other forms of chelation therapy as their doctor recommends.
Two versions of the formula are available: PCA-Rx and PCA. The
higher-strength PCA-Rx formula is preferred for therapeutic
detoxification; it is the formula used clinically. Use PCA for everyday
protection. Both formulas are available at natural health centers and
pharmacies, and from health professionals.