Chelation Therapy – Know the Ways and associated Warnings

Chelation therapy is a special form of therapy whereby an agent is administered with the aim of assisting the body excretes the targeted toxins. Certain heavy metals, minerals and toxins cannot be excreted by the kidneys and as such, a chelating agent is administered and it binds to the heavy metal, mineral or toxins enabling the body to excrete them. Heavy metals like lead, copper, iron and mercury toxicity are effectively treated using chelation therapy.

Chelating agents can be administered as intravenous or oral agents taken it by mouth. Several claims have been made on the efficacy, safety and uses of chelating therapy.

Different types of Chelation therapy

1. Medical/ heavy metal chelation therapy: this is the commonest and approved type of chelation therapy where trained physician uses antidotes to treat heavy metal poisoning which has accumulated in the body over years. However, acute toxicity of these metals does occur.
2. Alternative/ complementary chelation therapy: this has been used by alternative medical practitioners to treat various health conditions and issue. Although no scientific evidence is available on its safety and efficacy it has gained popularity in the alternative medicine.

History/ Origin of Chelation therapy

Chelation therapy began with a German scientist Ferdinand Munz who synthesized ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) which was the first agent used in chelation. During the Second World War, EDTA was used as an antidote for lewisite (arsenic compound) which was used as a chemical warfare. After the Second World War, EDTA has been used extensively in the treatment of metal toxicity. The United State navy used in to treat her workers working with lead based paint on its vessels.

A popular Physician Norman Clarke used EDTA to effectively treat cardiovascular symptoms in his patients suffering from lead poisoning. Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) came into limelight in the early 1960s and it was preferred as the agent for the treatment of mercury, lead and arsenic poisoning. Since then, different agents have been described as effecting chelating used in the treatment of disease

Uses of Chelation therapy

Chelation therapy is used mainly in the treatment of metal toxicity which has accumulated in the body over years. It has also been postulated that certain chelating agents may be helpful in removing toxins and free radicals produced by the human body. Common chelating agent and uses includes: Dimercaprol used in the treatment of acute arsenic, acute mercury and lead poisoning; Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) in the treatment of lead, mercury and arsenic poisoning; Penicillamine used in the treatment of copper toxicity and as an adjuvant therapy in arsenic, mercury and gold toxicity; dereroxamine used in iron overload and poisoning.

Other Uses of Chelation therapy

Other used of chelation therapy especially in alternate medical practice include: treatment of autism, cardiovascular disease, relieves undue stress and anxiety, effective in promoting skin health, boost memory, improves mental alertness and attention, diabetes, dementia, cleanse the intestinal tract which can harbor life threatening diseases

Precaution/ Warning for Chelation therapy

Chelation as with other therapy must be provided by trained personnel who have been taught the principles, applications and possible side effects of this therapy. Chelating agents can remove vital minerals in the body which are necessary for optimal performance of the body. This can leave the patient with deficiencies that may be harmful if not detected and treated promptly.

Side effects associated with chelation therapy includes: deposition of the heavy metals and toxins at sites remote from its initial location, accumulation of toxins in the heart, lungs and kidney causing cardiovascular, lungs and kidney disease respectively. Chelation therapy should be used with great care because of its potential side effects which can be life threatening and can result in organ damage and death.