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.

Chelation is also a treatment that uses medicine to remove metals from the body that can be toxic, such as lead, mercury, iron, and arsenic. Chelation therapy is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat metal poisoning.

How does chelation therapy work?

Chelation therapy uses special drugs that bind to metals in the blood. The drugs are given through an intravenous (IV) tube in the arm or in pill form. Once the drug has attached to the metal, the body removes them both through urine.

The most common chelating drug is disodium EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), which can bind to metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, zinc, and calcium. Other chelating drugs include dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), which can remove lead and mercury; penicillamine, which can remove copper and lead; and deferoxamine, which can remove iron.

What are the benefits of chelation therapy?

Chelation therapy can be lifesaving for people who have severe metal poisoning, such as from lead paint or industrial exposure. Chelation therapy can reduce the symptoms and complications of metal poisoning, such as brain damage, kidney failure, anemia, nerve damage, and organ damage.

Some people also use chelation therapy for other conditions, such as heart disease, autism, and Alzheimer’s disease. They believe that removing metals from the body can improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and enhance cognitive function. However, these claims are not well supported by scientific evidence and may pose serious risks.

Chelation therapy for heart disease

Some people believe that chelation therapy can treat heart disease by removing calcium deposits from the arteries, which can cause atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries). However, this theory is not proven and there is no clear evidence that chelation therapy can prevent or treat heart attacks or strokes.

The largest and most rigorous study on chelation therapy for heart disease was the Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT), which involved more than 1,700 participants who had a previous heart attack. The study found that chelation therapy with EDTA slightly reduced the risk of future cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, hospitalization, or death. However, this benefit was only seen in a subgroup of participants who had diabetes. The study also had some limitations, such as high dropout rates, inconsistent treatment protocols, and potential bias.

A follow-up study, TACT2, is currently underway to test whether chelation therapy with EDTA can prevent cardiovascular events in people with diabetes and a prior heart attack. The results of this study are expected in 2023.

Until more conclusive evidence is available, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology do not recommend chelation therapy for heart disease. They advise people to follow the proven treatments for heart disease, such as lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery.

Chelation therapy for autism

Some people believe that chelation therapy can treat autism by removing mercury or other metals that may cause or worsen the condition. However, there is no scientific evidence that autism is caused by metal poisoning or that chelation therapy can improve the symptoms or behavior of people with autism.

In fact, chelation therapy can be very dangerous for people with autism, especially children. There have been reports of serious complications and deaths from chelation therapy in children with autism, such as hypocalcemia (low blood calcium), cardiac arrest, kidney failure, and liver damage.

The FDA warns against the use of chelation therapy for autism and has taken action against several companies that marketed unapproved and potentially harmful products for this purpose. The FDA also advises parents and caregivers to consult with their health care providers before using any alternative treatments for autism.

Chelation therapy for Alzheimer’s disease

Some people believe that chelation therapy can treat Alzheimer’s disease by removing metals such as aluminum or copper that may contribute to the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain. However, there is no conclusive evidence that metals cause or worsen Alzheimer’s disease or that chelation therapy can slow down or reverse the cognitive decline associated with it.

There have been few studies on chelation therapy for Alzheimer’s disease and most of them have been small, poorly designed, or inconclusive. Some studies have suggested that chelating drugs such as desferrioxamine or clioquinol may have some beneficial effects on cognition or biomarkers in people with Alzheimer’s disease, but these results need to be confirmed by larger and more rigorous trials.

Chelation therapy for Alzheimer’s disease may also have serious side effects, such as anemia, infection, kidney damage, and allergic reactions.

What are the risks and side effects of chelation therapy?

Chelation therapy is not a harmless procedure. It can have serious and potentially life-threatening risks and side effects, especially if it is used improperly or unnecessarily. Some of the possible risks and side effects of chelation therapy include:

• Burning, pain, swelling, or infection at the injection site
• Fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Low blood pressure or irregular heartbeat
• Low blood calcium levels, which can cause muscle spasms, seizures, or cardiac arrest
• Kidney damage or failure
• Liver damage or failure
• Bone marrow suppression, which can cause anemia, bleeding, or infection
• Allergic reactions, such as rash, hives, itching, or anaphylaxis
• Depletion of essential minerals, such as zinc, copper, iron, and magnesium
• Death

To reduce the risks and side effects of chelation therapy, it is important to:

• Only use chelation therapy under the supervision of a licensed health care provider who has experience and training in this treatment
• Only use chelation therapy for approved indications, such as metal poisoning
• Only use FDA-approved chelating drugs that are appropriate for the type and amount of metal to be removed
• Avoid using OTC products that claim to be chelating agents, such as supplements, creams, or enemas
• Monitor blood levels of metals and minerals before, during, and after chelation therapy
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and kidney damage
• Report any signs or symptoms of complications to your health care provider immediately

How much does chelation therapy cost?

The cost of chelation therapy may vary depending on several factors, such as:

• The type and amount of chelating drug used
• The number and duration of sessions required
• The location and setting of the treatment
• The qualifications and fees of the health care provider

According to a 2019 report by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the average cost of a single session of intravenous EDTA chelation therapy in the United States was $140. The report also estimated that a typical course of 40 sessions would cost $5,600.

However, these costs may not include other expenses, such as:

• Laboratory tests to measure blood levels of metals and minerals
• Medications to prevent or treat side effects or complications
• Supplements to replenish essential minerals
• Follow-up visits to monitor progress and outcomes

Additionally, most health insurance plans do not cover chelation therapy for conditions other than metal poisoning. Therefore, people who use chelation therapy for unproven indications may have to pay out-of-pocket for the entire treatment.

Summary

Chelation therapy is a medical treatment that uses drugs to remove metals from the body. It is an effective and approved treatment for metal poisoning. However, some people also use it for other conditions that are not supported by scientific evidence, such as heart disease, autism, and Alzheimer’s disease. Chelation therapy can have serious risks and side effects and should only be used under the supervision of a licensed health care provider. It can also be expensive and may not be covered by insurance.