What is a DCA Supplement and Why is it Dangerous?

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

In 2007, a study from the University of Alberta sparked massive interest in DCA (dichloroacetate), a compound shown to kill cancer cells in laboratory studies. This attention led many people to mistake the investigational chemical for a legitimate health product, asking, "what is a DCA supplement?" In reality, dichloroacetate is an unapproved, unregulated, and potentially dangerous chemical not intended for use as a dietary supplement.

Quick Summary

Dichloroacetate (DCA) is an investigational drug, not a licensed dietary supplement, primarily studied for potential effects on cellular metabolism relevant to cancer and rare diseases. Due to significant health risks and a lack of regulatory oversight for consumer sales, it is unsafe for self-medication and poses substantial health hazards to users.

Key Points

Not a Dietary Supplement: DCA is an investigational drug, not a licensed dietary supplement, and is illegal to sell for human consumption in most countries without proper regulation.
Metabolic Mechanism: It functions by inhibiting pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK), which can alter cellular energy production from glycolysis towards oxidative phosphorylation.
Investigational Uses: DCA is studied in clinical trials for specific conditions, including rare mitochondrial diseases causing lactic acidosis and some forms of cancer.
High-Risk Side Effects: Unsupervised use of DCA carries a high risk of adverse effects, most notably reversible (but potentially permanent) peripheral neuropathy.
Unregulated Market Dangers: Online vendors sell non-pharmaceutical-grade DCA, leading to a lack of purity, unreliable dosing, and zero medical oversight, creating significant health hazards.
Medical Supervision Required: Safe DCA administration can only occur under strict medical supervision and dose monitoring within a regulated clinical setting.

Understanding Dichloroacetate (DCA)

Dichloroacetate, or DCA, is a chemical compound and a derivative of acetic acid. Its salts, such as sodium dichloroacetate, have been studied for their biological effects, but it is not a naturally occurring nutrient or vitamin. The compound's primary mechanism of action is the inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK), an enzyme that regulates cellular energy production. By inhibiting PDK, DCA can force a shift in cellular metabolism from glycolysis (sugar fermentation) back towards oxidative phosphorylation (oxygen-based energy production) within the mitochondria.

This metabolic shift is particularly relevant in cancer research, as many cancer cells rely heavily on glycolysis for rapid growth, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. In theory, forcing these cells back to mitochondrial metabolism can trigger apoptosis, or programmed cell death. However, the reality of DCA use is far more complex and dangerous than this simplified model suggests, especially when considering it as a "supplement."

Investigational Drug vs. Commercial Supplement

For decades, DCA has been used in controlled medical settings for specific conditions, such as congenital lactic acidosis caused by mitochondrial disorders. Its use in these cases is managed by medical professionals and involves careful dosage and monitoring. This is a crucial distinction from a commercial supplement, which is generally available over-the-counter and lacks the same rigorous oversight. The public's access to DCA outside of a clinical trial, often from unregulated online sources, represents a significant safety risk.

The Significant Risks and Dangers of DCA

When considering DCA as a supplement, one must be aware of the substantial health risks associated with its unsupervised use. The side effects can range from mild to severe and are heavily influenced by dosage and duration of use.

Peripheral Neuropathy: The most common and clinically limiting side effect is damage to the nerves in the hands and feet, which causes numbness, tingling, and pain. This condition is often reversible but can become permanent with continued exposure.
Neurological Side Effects: Beyond peripheral neuropathy, DCA can cause more severe neurological issues, including confusion, memory loss, fatigue, tremors, and hallucinations. These effects can drastically impact a person's quality of life.
Liver Toxicity: In some cases, DCA can cause elevated liver enzymes, indicating potential damage to the liver. This risk is higher for individuals with pre-existing liver conditions.
Drug Interactions: DCA can interact with other medications and substances, including certain neurological drugs and caffeine, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
Carcinogenicity: High doses of DCA have been shown to cause liver cancer in rodents, although there is currently no evidence that it causes cancer in humans.

The Problem with Online DCA Purchases

As DCA is not a regulated supplement, many online vendors sell lab-grade or non-pharmaceutical grade chemicals directly to consumers. This practice is dangerous because:

Lack of Purity: There is no guarantee that the product contains what it claims to. Consumers may receive impure or fake DCA, which can have unpredictable and harmful effects.
No Dosage Control: Without a doctor's guidance, individuals cannot determine a safe or effective dosage, leading to a high risk of overdose and severe side effects.
No Medical Monitoring: Clinical trials include strict medical monitoring to manage side effects. Self-medication offers no such safety net, leaving users vulnerable to serious complications.

DCA: An Experimental Therapy, Not a Cure

The public perception of DCA as a "miracle cure" for cancer stemmed largely from sensationalized media reports, not from conclusive clinical evidence. While animal studies and early phase clinical trials showed intriguing results, the drug's efficacy and safety for widespread use in cancer treatment remain unproven. Health authorities worldwide, including Cancer Research UK, have issued strong warnings against the self-administration of DCA. The compound should only be considered under the strict supervision of a qualified medical team, typically within the context of a clinical trial.

Comparison: DCA vs. Standard Dietary Supplements


Feature	DCA (Dichloroacetate)	Standard Dietary Supplements
Regulatory Status	Investigational drug. Not approved for over-the-counter sales. Illegal to market as a dietary supplement.	Generally regulated by the FDA (in the US) under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), but with less scrutiny than drugs.
Safety Profile	Significant, dose-dependent side effects including nerve damage (neuropathy), fatigue, and cognitive issues.	Varies widely. Reputable products have a known safety profile, while unregulated ones can pose risks.
Availability	Primarily through clinical trials or unregulated online chemical suppliers.	Widely available at retail stores, pharmacies, and reputable online vendors.
Medical Supervision	Required for safe use. Dosages must be carefully determined and monitored by a doctor.	Not required. Consumers can purchase and use without a prescription, though consultation with a doctor is always recommended.
Therapeutic Efficacy	Investigational, not proven for many conditions it is claimed to treat.	Varies by product and claim. Efficacy must be supported by evidence, though not always rigorously tested.

Conclusion

While dichloroacetate (DCA) has been a topic of interest in medical research for its potential effects on cellular metabolism, particularly in conditions involving mitochondrial function and cancer, it is unequivocally not a safe or approved dietary supplement. The distinction is critical: DCA is a potent, investigational drug with a range of potentially severe side effects, including irreversible nerve damage. Its unsupervised use, particularly from unregulated online sources, is extremely dangerous and could lead to serious health complications. For individuals exploring metabolic health options, consulting with a qualified healthcare provider is essential to avoid the risks associated with unproven and unregulated substances like DCA. For more information on DCA clinical research, see the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance's DCA resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, DCA is not a regulated supplement and cannot be legally sold for human consumption in most countries, including the US and Canada, outside of controlled clinical trials.

Historically, DCA has been used in controlled medical settings to treat specific, rare mitochondrial diseases that cause congenital lactic acidosis.

While early laboratory studies generated excitement, DCA's effectiveness and safety as a cancer treatment in humans remain unproven. It is not an approved cancer therapy and should not be used as a replacement for standard treatments.

Peripheral neuropathy, which causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet, is the most frequently reported side effect of DCA treatment.

No. Given its potency and potential for severe side effects, DCA is not safe for use without a doctor's careful dosing and monitoring. Self-medication is extremely risky.

Online DCA is unregulated, meaning its purity, potency, and safety are not guaranteed. Sellers are often illegal, and there is no way to verify the quality of what is being sold, exposing users to unknown dangers.

The Warburg effect describes how cancer cells often rely on glycolysis for energy. DCA can reverse this effect by inhibiting PDK, potentially shifting cancer cells back to mitochondrial metabolism and promoting cell death.