Chelation therapy

Alternate Title

EDTA therapy

Synonyms

Edetic acid, ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) therapy.

Note: The term "chelation" may be used in general to refer to the use of any chemical in the blood to remove specific contaminants or toxins (for example, deferoxamine is used as a chelating agent to treat high levels of iron in the body). This type of chelation should not be confused with the use of EDTA therapy.

Background

EDTA chelation became well known during the 1950s when it was proposed as a method to cleanse the blood and blood vessel walls of toxins and minerals. The technique involves infusing a chemical called ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) into the blood. The therapy is sometimes given by mouth and occasionally, other chemicals may be used.

Initially, chelation was used to treat heavy metal poisoning. Some observers felt that other benefits occurred in patients receiving this therapy. Currently, chelation practitioners may recommended this treatment for diabetes, for clogged arteries in the heart or legs (called peripheral vascular disease), and for many other conditions. Twenty or more sessions may be recommended and can cost several thousand dollars.

EDTA chelation became well known during the 1950s when it was proposed as a method to cleanse the blood and blood vessel walls of toxins and minerals. The technique involves infusing a chemical called ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) into the blood. The therapy is sometimes given by mouth and occasionally, other chemicals may be used.

Initially, chelation was used to treat heavy metal poisoning. Some observers felt that other benefits occurred in patients receiving this therapy. Currently, chelation practitioners may recommended this treatment for diabetes, for clogged arteries in the heart or legs (called peripheral vascular disease), and for many other conditions. Twenty or more sessions may be recommended and can cost several thousand dollars.

Theory

It has been proposed that treatment with chelation may break down cholesterol plaques in the arteries. Other mechanisms, such as the removal of calcium from these plaques and antioxidant properties, have also been suggested. However, there is little scientific evidence to support these theories.

500-1,000mL of a solution containing 50mg of disodium EDTA per kilogram of body weight is commonly injected into the vein. However, there is no standardized dosage. A single infusion may be used, or multiple infusions may be used daily, over several days or over several weeks.

The American College for the Advancement of Medicine (ACAM) recommends adding heparin, magnesium chloride, a local anesthetic, several B-vitamins, and 4-20g of vitamin C to the chelation solution. This solution is infused slowly over 3.5-4 hours, one to three times a week. The ACAM recommends about 30 treatments for heart disease.

Lifestyle modification, including, stress reduction, caffeine avoidance, alcohol limitation, quitting smoking, exercise and nutritional counseling, is encouraged.

Chelation therapy is rarely administered through the mouth.

Evidence

DISCLAIMER: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Heavy metal/lead toxicity: For many years, chelation therapy has been used with calcium disodium EDTA to treat heavy metal poisoning. It is still an accepted medical therapy for lead toxicity, and several studies report lower levels of lead in the blood and slower progression of kidney failure. Chelation therapy may also be used to treat iron, arsenic, mercury, or cobalt poisoning. However, some research results are mixed. More studies are needed to clarify.
Grade: B

Kidney dysfunction: Repeated chelation therapy may improve kidney function and slow the progression of kidney damage. Further research is needed to confirm these results.
Grade: B

Eye disorders (calcific band keratopathy): EDTA is use to treat calcium deposits on the eye. However, well-designed research is needed before a recommendation can be made.
Grade: C

Ovarian cancer (used with chemotherapy): Early evidence shows that EDTA may be beneficial in ovarian cancer patients when used with chemotherapy. However, further studies are needed before a strong recommendation can be made.
Grade: C

Heart disease: Evidence does not support the use of EDTA chelation therapy in heart disease even though there is strong popular interest in this use. At this time, the evidence suggests it does not work and it cannot be recommended as a treatment for heart disease.
Grade: D

Claudication (peripheral vascular disease): People with clogged arteries in the legs (peripheral vascular disease) may experience a sensation of pain or fatigue in the legs with exercise (claudication). Studies suggest that EDTA chelation therapy may not be beneficial in claudication and this use is not supported by research at this time.
Grade: F

Tradition

WARNING: DISCLAIMER: The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Alzheimer's disease, anemia, arthritis, autism, blood disorders, blood pressure, cataracts, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), degenerative diseases (chronic), dementia, diabetes, digoxin toxicity, disease diagnosis, emphysema, encephalopathy, gallstones, gout, heart rhythm abnormalities, hemochromatosis, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea of the eye), macular degeneration, memory loss, neurodegenerative disorders, neuroprotection (oxaliplatin-related toxicity), osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, sexual development, sickle-cell disease, snakebites, stroke, systemic lupus erythematosus, vision problems, Wilson's disease.

Safety

DISCLAIMER: Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

Chelation therapy may cause serious side effects, such as dangerously low calcium levels in the blood, bone marrow damage that leads to low levels of blood cells, kidney damage (with elevated creatinine levels), very low blood pressure, fast heart rate, increased risk of bleeding or blood clots (including interference with the effects of the blood thinning drug warfarin [Coumadin®]), bacterial blood infections, seizures, allergic or immune system reactions, heart rhythm abnormalities, and unstable blood sugar levels. Other side effects may include fever, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal upset, excessive thirst, increased sweating, headache, decreased thyroid function, fatigue, low white blood cell count (leukopenia), low blood platelet count (thrombocytopenia), or inflammation of the uvea (uveitis). Severe reactions have occurred causing people to stop breathing. Although deaths have been reported in people receiving chelation, it is unclear if chelation therapy was the direct cause. One possible cause may be due to the loss of calcium.

Chelation may be dangerous in people with heart, kidney, or liver disease or with conditions affecting blood cells or the immune system. Use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in children may also be dangerous due to potential toxic effects.

Attribution

This information is based on a professional level monograph edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com): William Collinge, PhD, MPH (Collinge & Associates); Dawn Costa, BA, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); David Lee, PharmD (Massachusetts College of Pharmacy-Worcester); Erica Seamon, PharmD (Nova Southeastern University); Shaina Tanguay-Colucci, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD (Massachusetts General Hospital); Wendy Weissner, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration).

Bibliography

DISCLAIMER: Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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Najjar DM, Cohen EJ, Rapuano CJ, et al. EDTA chelation for calcific band keratopathy: results and long-term follow-up. Am J Ophthalmol 2004;137(6):1056-1064.

Quan H, Ghali WA, Verhoef MJ, et al. Use of chelation therapy after coronary angiography. Am J Med 12-15-2001;111(9):686-691.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.