Quick Facts
CapricornBiography
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 cancer treatment.
Description
The "MVA" in "Poly-MVA" means "minerals vitamins and amino acids". Poly-MVA contains lipoic acid, acetylcysteine, palladium, B vitamins, and other ingredients. The substance is red-brown liquid that is taken by mouth.
In 2004, a year's supply of Poly-MVA was reported as costing US$19,800. As of 2019, the cost appears to fluctuate according to an individual's situation and dosage.
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 being sold by the clinics clustered in and around Tijuana, Mexico.