EDTA and Chelation Facts
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EDTA is a polyamino acid used to grab heavy metals in the bloodstream through a process called Chelation Therapy. EDTA was first used in the 1940's to treat heavy metal poisonings such as mercury or lead. Today it is used by many doctors and practitioners to treat atherosclerosis as well as other ailments.
Continue reading to learn everything you would ever want to know about EDTA and Chelation Therapy.
EDTA is a polyamino acid that is used to grab heavy metals in the bloodstream through a process called Chelation Therapy. It has been used for several decades to treat metal poisoning (e.g., lead, mercury, and aluminum among others). EDTA is also used by many doctors in the treatment of atherosclerosis. It is believed that the metal-binding properties of EDTA attach to the heavy metals in the bloodstream, thus extracting them. Once the heavy metals are drawn out, the platelets clogging the blood flow begin to deteriorate.
The unfortunate truth is that since EDTA is a non-patentable product, the funding necessary for a large scale, FDA approved study (in the ballpark of $40 million) was never put forth until 2003. The National Institute of Health (NIH) is funding a study to asses the effectiveness of EDTA chelation therapy, and is expected to be completed in 2012.Click to read more about the Trial to Assess the effectiveness of Chelation Therapy (TACT).
There has however, been plenty of independent research conducted by doctors and scientists on the effectiveness and safety of chelation therapy. And the findings are good news for all EDTA advocates, the results invariably conclude that chelation therapy with EDTA is, or theoretically should be, a safe and effective treatment for atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Please view all of our External Links to learn more about chelation studies and findings.
Chelation therapy is the process of extracting heavy metals from the bloodstream, usually intravenously. The word 'chelate' comes from the Latin word chelè which means 'to claw'. EDTA, which effectively speeds removal of heavy metals and minerals such as lead, iron, mercury, and calcium from the blood, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in treating lead poisoning and toxicity from other heavy metals. Although not yet approved by the FDA to treat coronary artery disease, many highly regarded physicians and therapists practice and recommend EDTA chelation as a way to treat this disorder.
There is a large-scale, FDA approved study currently underway by the NIH (National Institute of Health) to assess the effectiveness of EDTA chelation therapy.
The two leading causes of death for men and women over the age of 50 are heart attacks and strokes. Atherosclerosis, or "hardening of the arteries," is usually involved in the pathogenesis of these conditions. It has been thought for years that chelation therapy with EDTA would break down the atherosclerotic build-up in the blood vessels by removing the heavy metals within the plaque. It is estimated that more than 800,000 visits for chelation therapy were made in the U.S. in 1997. And the numbers are only rising with the more information that becomes available. Read the related articles below for further information and recent studies on the treatment of atherosclerosis using EDTA chelation therapy.
This was the first medical practice associated with EDTA and chelation therapy. Since EDTA binds to the heavy metals within your body, it has been used to tread lead and mercury poisoning among other metals. Below is further information on treating heavy metal poisoning with EDTA chelation.
Chelation therapy is also known, or claimed to be beneficial in the treatment of angina, gangrene, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, psoriasis, and Alzheimer's disease. Improvement is also claimed for people experiencing diminished sight, hearing, smell, coordination, and sexual potency.
The most common form of chelation therapy is done intravenously. It is performed and monitored by professionals over a period of time, and is currently the only way to receive intravenous chelation therapy. EDTA can be taken orally and the chelation begins once the compound absorbs into the bloodstream. The benefits and disadvantages of each are listed below.
** Note: EDTA chelation is safe to use orally or through an I/V. Side effects, if any, tend to be minor and are usually associated with sensitive skin where the I/V was inserted. Click here to see all safety information
In most cases, chelation therapy is done during regular sessions with doctor. The EDTA compound is inserted into your blood stream through an I/V and gets to work right away.
Pros: Higher percentage of EDTA absorbed and used, sessions regulated and handled by physician.
Cons: Much higher cost. Must see doctor for several visits.
Oral chelation is usually taken in pill or capsule form. The EDTA is absorbed into the bloodstream and should be taken for several weeks to see maximum benefits.
Pros: Fraction the cost of I/V chelation, can be taken from home, just as safe as I/V chelation.
Cons: Smaller percentage of EDTA compound is absorbed when taken.
