A Brief Primer On Chelation Therapy

What is chelation therapy? What is EDTA? How can chelation benefit my health? This article answers these questions and explains how chelation therapy has benefited many who have been exposed to toxins and heavy metals and details the types of chelation therapy available.

Chelation (pronounced key-lay-shun) therapy, has been available now for over 50 years. EDTA,or Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid, is the chemical most widely used for chelation therapy. It is a novel synthetic amino acid molecule that binds with metal ions. It can be given intravenously via drip-feed, orally in capsule form, or as in suppository form.

EDTA is very common- it is used as a food preservative in several food products such as salad dressings, and as a binding agent in many products including shampoos, and to remove minerals from pools and spas. It has even been used to remove radioactive elements from nuke plant workers.

In the case of chelation therapy, EDTA is used as a "chelating agent". A chelating agent is a chemical that binds, or attaches itself, to a heavy metal molecule, such as lead or cadmium, and aids its movement from the body. Then, the EDTA chelated compound easily passes through the kidneys and leaves the body, taking the heavy metal molecule along with it.

EDTA chelation therapy is known to effectively remove many different heavy metals from the body and can reduce the production of free radicals*. EDTA chelation is generally given in concert with mineral and vitamin supplementation, as EDTA will remove beneficial minerals from the body along with the toxic metals. Therefore, it is important to take the vitamin and mineral supplements when undergoing any form of chelation therapy to replace minerals, including calcium, chromium and zinc.

There are several heavy metals (elements actually) that are poisonous to humans when they accumulate in the body. Lead, Mercury, Arsenic, Nickel, Cadmium and Aluminum are the most common metals that are toxic when they exist in our bodies in excess. Others metals that are also toxic and can be removed from the body using EDTA chelation include Copper, Cobalt, Iron, Manganese, and Molybdenum(2) .

In most cases, the normal excretion pathways of our bodies are not completely able to eliminate these poisonous metals from our systems. As toxic metal levels accumulate over time, premature aging, disease and even early death becomes the consequence. These metals can come from a variety of sources, including dental amalgams (mercury), antacids, underarm deodorant or aluminum cans (aluminum), chicken products, drinking water or treated wood products (arsenic), paints (lead), batteries (cadmium), and so on. In fact, we are surrounded by a sea of poisonous toxins and pollutants, including the very air we breathe. These toxins can have a severe negative effect on our health.

Types of Chelation Therapy

There are 3 principal types of Chelation therapies available: Intravenous (I.V.) chelation, oral chelation, and EDTA chelation suppositories and EDTA combination therapies. The most widely-known type is the Intravenous or I.V. EDTA Chelation therapy, which is typically administered in a clinical setting. However, over-the-counter chelation products including oral EDTA capsules, oral non-EDTA sprays and EDTA chelation suppositories are also available.

About Intravenous EDTA Chelation

Intravenous EDTA chelation therapy has become more and more popular over the years, and now intravenous chelation therapy clinics can be found in most major cities in the United States. I.V. therapy is typically only available at a specialized clinic, usually only found in major cities.

The I.V. treatment typically involves an intravenous drip-feed of EDTA in solution. Each treatment takes about 3 hours and usually costs $100-150 per treatment. The typical dosage is 3 grams, or 3000 mg of EDTA. Auxiliary treatments of vitamin supplements in liquid form are generally also administered along with the EDTA.

Intravenous EDTA Chelation therapy has its disadvantages. The main drawbacks for this type of chelation therapy are the time required for the treatments (3 hours 2-3 times per week), the patient's fear of needles and the pain associated with I.V. treatments, and the expense of the treatments, which insurance companies typically do not cover.

About Oral EDTA Chelation

Oral EDTA chelation involves taking EDTA or similar ingredient in a capsule or powder form, along with vitamin and mineral supplements. Many attest to the effectiveness of this form of therapy, which is available at a low cost.

About EDTA Chelation Suppositories

EDTA chelation suppositories are a recent addition to the types of EDTA chelation therapy. Following the success of I.V. chelation therapy, some companies began to offer EDTA chelation therapy in suppository form, for use as an over-the-counter product.

Chelation suppositories have many advantages:

1. Lower dosage - the chelation suppositories can be taken over a 30 - 60 day period.

2. Lower Cost - the cost of a 30 day supply of EDTA chelation suppositories is less than $300

3. Convenience - chelation suppositories are taken at night while you sleep, or at times that are convenient to your schedule. No time off from work is required for this therapy.

4. Easy-to-use and pain-free - chelation suppositories are self-administered in the privacy of one's own home.

What are the Benefits of Chelation Therapy?

While chelation therapy was first used in the treatment of lead poisoning, chelation therapy has proven helpful in a large variety of disease and ailments*. Numerous medical studies and articles have been published on the benefits of chelation therapy in peer-reviewed medical journals and other sources.

Will Chelation Therapy work for me?

As with any dietary supplement, individual results may vary. Also, you should always consult with your doctor or health care practitioner before you decide to purchase any health supplement or product, to be sure it is right for you, or if you have a serious or life-threatening condition.

[*DISCLAIMER: These statements are provided for research and educational purposes and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult with your own physician or health care practitioner before taking any dietary, nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or if you have a serious or life-threatening condition. As with any supplement, results will vary. While it is unlikely, you may experience side effects when using these products.]