Poly-MVA (or Lipoic Acid Mineral Complex) is a dietary supplement created by Merrill Garnett (1931–), a former dentist turned biochemist. Poly-MVA is an ineffective
alternative
Alternative or alternate may refer to:
Arts, entertainment and media
* Alternative (''Kamen Rider''), a character in the Japanese TV series ''Kamen Rider Ryuki''
* ''The Alternative'' (film), a 1978 Australian television film
* ''The Alternative ...
cancer treatment.
Description
The "MVA" in "Poly-MVA" means "minerals vitamins and amino acids".
[ Poly-MVA contains ]lipoic acid
Lipoic acid (LA), also known as α-lipoic acid, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and thioctic acid, is an organosulfur compound derived from caprylic acid (octanoic acid). ALA is made in animals normally, and is essential for aerobic metabolism. It is a ...
, acetylcysteine
Acetylcysteine, also known as ''N''-acetylcysteine (NAC), is a medication that is used to treat paracetamol overdose and to loosen thick mucus in individuals with chronic bronchopulmonary disorders like pneumonia and bronchitis. It has been used ...
, palladium, B vitamins, and other ingredients.[
In 2004, a year's supply of Poly-MVA was reported as costing US$19,800.]
Alternative medicine
Poly-MVA is promoted with claims that it can treat a variety of human diseases including cancer and HIV/AIDS.[ The promotional effort is supported by customer testimonials, but there is no medical evidence that Poly-MVA confers any health benefit and some concern it may inhibit the effectiveness of mainstream cancer treatments if used at the same time.][
In 2005, Poly-MVA was listed as one of the ineffective ]alternative cancer treatments
Alternative cancer treatment describes any cancer treatment or practice that is not part of the conventional standard of cancer care. These include special diets and exercises, chemicals, herbs, devices, and manual procedures. Most alternative ...
being sold by the clinics clustered in and around Tijuana, Mexico.
See also
*Antioxidant
Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit oxidation, a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals. This can lead to polymerization and other chain reactions. They are frequently added to industrial products, such as fuels and lubricant ...
*List of unproven and disproven cancer treatments
This is a non-exhaustive list of alternative treatments that have been promoted to treat or prevent cancer in humans but which lack scientific and medical evidence of effectiveness. In many cases, there is scientific evidence that the alleged tr ...
References
Alternative medicine
Dietary supplements
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