Chelation Therapy

When certain metals such as lead, mercury, iron, and arsenic accumulate in your body, they can become harmful. Chelation therapy is a medical treatment that involves using specific medications to eliminate these metals, preventing them from causing illness.

While some alternative health practitioners may employ chelation therapy to address conditions like heart disease, autism, and Alzheimer’s disease, there’s limited evidence supporting its effectiveness for these purposes. In reality, the use of chelation therapy can lead to severe side effects, including death, particularly if administered incorrectly.

How It Operates

Chelation therapy employs unique medications that attach to metals present in your bloodstream. The chelating medicine is administered either through an intravenous (IV) tube in your arm or in pill form. Once the medication has bonded with the metal, your body eliminates both substances through your urine.

This treatment is effective for removing metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic from your system. Before undergoing chelation therapy, your doctor will conduct a blood test to confirm the presence of metal poisoning.

Other health challenges chelation therapy can treat

Some advocates in natural health and supplement companies suggest that this therapy can help alleviate symptoms of autism, Alzheimer’s disease, or heart disease. However, it’s crucial to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved this therapy for treating metal poisoning.

Here’s what the research indicates for the use of chelation therapy in these specific conditions:

1. Autism: Some claim that chelation therapy can be beneficial for autism by removing metals, especially mercury from childhood vaccines. However, scientific studies have disproven this idea. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that there’s no evidence supporting the effectiveness of chelation as a treatment for autism, and it may even pose risks. The AAP does not recommend using this therapy for autism, except in a clinical trial.
2. Alzheimer’s Disease: Alzheimer’s patients experience the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain, causing damage. While some researchers suggest a potential role of metal buildup (copper, iron, and zinc) in Alzheimer’s, there is currently no evidence supporting the efficacy of this therapy for this condition.
3. Heart Disease: Chelation therapy has been explored as a treatment for heart disease, with the idea that it may remove calcium deposits in artery plaques, promoting clearer blood vessels. A major study called TACT in 2002 found some reduction in the risk of heart-related issues, but it was effective mainly in people with diabetes. However, there isn’t enough conclusive evidence to support this therapy as a standard treatment for heart disease, and the FDA has not approved it for this purpose. Ongoing research, such as the TACT2 study, may provide more insights.

Potential Side Effects of Chelation Therapy

When administered correctly and for valid reasons, chelation therapy is generally safe. The typical side effects include a burning sensation at the IV site, along with possible symptoms like fever, headache, and nausea or vomiting.

Chelating drugs, while removing harmful metals, can also bind to essential metals your body needs, such as calcium, copper, and zinc. This may result in a deficiency of these crucial substances. Additionally, individuals who have undergone this therapy may experience low calcium levels in the blood and kidney damage as potential side effects.

Cautionary Points:

As of today, the FDA has approved chelation therapy solely for the treatment of metal poisoning. There is insufficient evidence to endorse its use for any other condition, and research indicates potential dangers if utilized for unapproved purposes.

Exercise caution regarding online products or healthcare providers promoting this therapy for purposes like Alzheimer’s or heart disease. Importantly, chelating products are not sanctioned for home use and require a doctor’s prescription. If considering chelation therapy, it’s crucial to consult with your doctor before making any decisions.