ALA is a very strong heavy metal chelator that has the ability to cross the blood brain barrier, which means that it can remove and add heavy metals from and to your brain. If you have heavy metal toxicity I suggest that you read in depth about ALA and follow the Andy Cutler protocol for using it. Also, if you have any Amalgam fillings in your mouth, DO NOT take ALA. I think the Andy cutler protocol suggests that you wait until three months later after having them removed before you start taking it.