What is chelation?

Chelation is a type of bonding of ions and molecules to metal ions. It involves the formation or presence of two or more separate coordinate bonds between a polydentate (multiple bonded) ligand and a single central metal atom. These ligands are called chelants, chelators, chelating agents, or sequestering agents.

What is EDTA chelation?

Chelation therapy is a treatment that involves repeated intravenous (IV) administration of a chemical solution of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, or EDTA. It is used to treat acute and chronic lead poisoning by pulling toxins (including heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury) from the bloodstream.

What is chelation and how does it work?

Chelation therapy involves weekly IV treatments of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Each treatment lasts about 30 minutes. In general, the medication seeks out and sticks to metals and minerals in the bloodstream, creating a compound that the body removes when urinating.

Can chelation cause liver damage?

Liver damage may be seen with some chelating agents and some patients may develop liver failure. Damage to the brain leading to a decline in cognitive function. Vitamins and vital nutrients may leave the body along with the heavy metal.

What is chelation used for?

When metals like lead, mercury, iron, and arsenic build up in your body, they can be toxic. Chelation therapy is a treatment that uses medicine to remove these metals so they don’t make you sick. Some alternative health care providers also use it to treat heart disease, autism, and Alzheimer’s disease.

What are the benefits of chelation?

Chelation therapy removes metals that have built up in the body. Its proponents claim that this can rejuvenate the heart and blood vessels, improve liver and kidney function, increase blood flow to the brain, and more.

Why is EDTA used?

In manufacturing, EDTA is used to improve stability of some pharmaceutical products, detergents, liquid soaps, shampoos, agricultural chemical sprays, contact lens cleaners and cosmetics. It is also used in certain blood collection tubes used by medical laboratories.

Why is chelation important?

What are the side effects of chelation?

Risks. Side effects of chelation treatment may include headaches, rash, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The treatment may remove vital minerals from the body along with the toxic metals.

Are there any side effects to chelation?

The most common side effect is burning in the area where you get the IV. You might also experience fever, headache, and nausea or vomiting. Chelating drugs can bind to and remove some metals your body needs, like calcium, copper, and zinc. This can lead to a deficiency in these important substances.