I began taking these subtances orally (600 mg. ALA with breakfast, 300 with dinner, along with selenium and milk thistle) annd immediately began to improve. I then went to Dr. Berkson's clinic and took a course of I.V. Alpha Lipoic Acid from him. It's been two years later and I am still well and able to walk miles, excercise, work and lead a normal life. You can find Dr. Berkson's monographs on line. It saved my life.
Replied By Laura (Weatherford, Texas) on 10/19/2011
What is this stuff and where could I find it? Could you explain a little more detail about how it is suppose to be taken? And is it safe for peoples with hcv?Replied By Peter (Seattle, Washington, Usa) on 11/09/2011
Sorry for the delayed response. You can purchase ALA (Alpha Lipoic Acid), Selenium and Milk Thistle at virtually any vitamin store in the U. S. And many other countires as well. I took (and take) 600 mg. ALA with breakfast and 300 with dinner. I also took/take 400 each of selenium and Milk Thistle twice a day with meals. It's a good idea to take a B vitamin if your taking the ALA because it seems to deplete B a bit in its metabolism. Obviously a number of other things help liver health as well including a number of things on this site (good low fat diet, beets, tumeric, castor oil packs, etc.)
ALA is also being praised as a superior anti-oxident by Bruce Ames, Ph. D. Of University of California who may be the most respected researcher of anti-oxidents in the world. For that purpose he recommends you take it 250 mg. Along with 500 mg. Carnitine. They market a commercial mix of the two called Juvenon that Dr. Weil sells on his web site though you could probably buy the items cheaper on your own.
Peter F. In Seattle, USA
Replied By Anne (San Antonio , Tx) on 11/25/2011
Did this eliminate your ascites or did you have to be tapped also? Did you have edema and was that eliminated also? Because your have used this combination, how are your liver enzymes and blood test results? Please respond asap, as my husband was recently diagnosed as having liver cirrhosis - no biopsy as yet, but has these symptoms. He has been tapped but the ascites comes right back. We need your input.Replied By Peter (Seattle, Washington) on 12/01/2011
I had severe bloating (ascites) and could only walk a few steps. I was at death's door step. I was "tapped"(paracentisis) about six times--the last time they removed about 7 liters of fluid from my abdomen. The Berkson protocol (Alpha Lipoic Acid, Selenium, and Milk Thistle) worked for me. It did not cure my hepatitis C but all my enzymes improved dramatically along with my health. I went from not being able to walk without a cane to being able to walk 3 miles plus, and reasonably good health. I started to recover within a week or two and went to his clinic in Las Cruces, New Mexico where he administers the ALA intervenously--twice a day. If you type in his name on line (Dr. Burt Berkson) you should come up with some articles as well as the Integrative Medical Clinic of New Mexico. If you are in Texas you are not too far from him.Replied By Gokhan (Istanbul, --, Turkey) on 05/09/2012
Dear Peter, thanks information you gave... I am from Turkey. My mother has Liver cirrhosis. I read lots of good things about Dr. Burt Berkson's protocol. I want to try ALA, Selenium, Sylmarian with B complex on my mother. But I am confused about dose... I will try to give 100mg ALA 3x in a day (total 300mg in a day). Than go up to 300mg ALA 3x in a day (total 900mg in a day). is it reasonable ? when we must stop to give ALA?
ps. I found that, Dr. Berkson recommends Metabolic Maintenance, Carlsons, and Biotech vitamin manufacturers. One of the interview he says dose about ALA.. "he has never gone above 15 mg/kg. For primates it takes about 90 mg/kg to kill a primate.
Replied By Peter From Seattle (Seattle, Wa.. Usa) on 06/26/2012
Gokkan, I don't think there is any need for a "slow" introduction to Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA). Dr. Berkson recommends 600 mg. In A.M. and 300 in P.M. Taking it and other vitamins with your largest meals of the day (Dr. Berkson gives these amount I.V. in his clinic in New Mexico, USA). It probably doesn't matter if the doses are split in 3-300mg. doses. May even be more absorbable that way. There is no particular harm in continuing the ALA after her liver problems are under control. ALA acts as an enzyme, as well as a liver protectant, and facilitates many positive chemical reactions in our bodies.Replied By Anup (Mumbai, Ap/india) on 09/24/2012
Hi Peter, what are the dosages for the ALA IV and was it the only infusion given or any other IV was given to you. Did the water accumulation stop for you?Replied By Peter From Seattle (Seattle, Washington) on 10/26/2012
Re: Appha Lipoic Acid I.V.: The I. V. Dosage I recieved (and I believe What Dr. Berkson used for the majority of patients) was 600 mg. Am and 300 pm. Given in 100c. c. D5W drip I. V. Over 45 minutes to an hour. One should eat an hour or two before the I. V. And the physician should be aware of possible hypoglycemic side effects. I know Dr. Berkson uses (or used) McGuff Compounding Pharmacy in Santa Ana, California, USA as a supplier for the Apha Lipoic Acid he administers I. V. He also give a 1c. c. B complex or B12 shot after the I. V. Remember the ALA solution has the potential to lower blood suger--if this happens a teaspoon of honey and a protein bar will be helpfulReplied By Alisha (Little Rock, Ar) on 05/25/2013
Please let me know how this works. I have same issues with doctor saying the same thing.. Please help