CHELATION THERAPY

Chelation (pronounced KEY-LAY-SHUN) is the chemical process by which a metal or mineral (such as lead,  mercury, copper, iron, arsenic, aluminum, calcium, etc.) is bonded to another substance.  It is a natural process, basic to life itself. Chelation is one mechanism by which such common substances as aspirin, antibiotics, vitamins, minerals and trace elements work in the body. 

At the Preventive Medicine & Wellness clinics we use EDTA Chelation Therapy.  EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid) is a synthetic amino acid which has the ability to attach itself to metals and minerals, forming a particular kind of bond called a chelate.  Heavier metals such as lead have a greater affinity for EDTA and form stronger bonds.

Since 1953, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized EDTA as a treatment for lead poisoning.  In the 1940s and 50s, some doctors using EDTA to treat lead toxicity in patients who also happened to suffer from heart disease observed an unexpected improvement in their angina symptoms.  Since that time, doctors have used EDTA to treat blood vessel diseases, and they believe, based on their observations, that EDTA is useful for that purpose.

Proponents of EDTA for vascular diseases have two principal theories for how the drug may operate in the circulatory system.  One is by possibly reducing “free radicals.” The presence of heavy metals in the blood stream can cause as increased production of free radicals and EDTA is approved by FDA to remove heavy metals that have accumulated in the body in excessive amounts. 

Another theory is that EDTA binds with calcium in the blood stream and creates a series of actions that result in altering the intercellular balance of calcium with magnesium.  Some scientists, however, dispute whether these changes have a positive effect on vascular disease.

Despite the lack of controlled scientific studies as proof of its effectiveness, physicians have used EDTA Chelation Therapy for over forty years to treat such related diseases as cardiovascular disease, diabetic arterial disease, decreased mental function from vascular disease and intermittent claudication (leg pain ).  Many of these doctors, myself included,  also use EDTA in preventive medicine. 

This therapy involves the intravenous infusions of EDTA over a course of treatments in a doctor’s office.  Under current treatment protocols, EDTA Chelation therapy is safe and relatively free of side effects.  Chelation therapy patients are advised to take a comprehensive approach to their treatment and health, including, as needed, diet, exercise, stress management programs and dietary supplements.

Doctors using EDTA Chelation therapy may recommend it in place of or in conjunction with other approaches for treating vascular diseases including other drug therapies, angioplasty and coronary artery by-pass grafting.  A doctor who administers EDTA Chelation therapy will take into consideration individual health issues to determine which approach may be appropriate and whether surgery may be indicted.

Scientific studies on Chelation Therapy are ongoing and debate among medical professionals will continue.  There is also serious controversy about the relative risks and long-term benefits of coronary bypass surgery.  Because it has a favorable safety and side effect profile and does not preclude the concurrent or subsequent use of other treatments, doctors who belong to ACAM believe that Chelation therapy is worthy of consideration by those suffering from vascular disease.

Please contact our Webmaster with questions or comments.
© Copyright 2002 Preventive Medicine & Wellness Clinic.  All rights reserved.