What Is the Controversy Surrounding EDTA Chelation Therapy?
Chelation therapy is a legitimate and effective treatment for heavy metal poisoning, particularly lead, mercury and arsenic poisoning. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, or EDTA, is a chelate used to treat lead poisoning. The controversy surrounding EDTA chelation therapy comes from claims that it also can be used to treat certain other conditions or diseases despite the fact that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that those claims are unfounded and has not approved it. In chelation therapy, a chelating agent that bonds to the heavy metals in the bloodstream is administered to the patient. When the bonding occurs, the heavy metal becomes water soluble, allowing it to be easily excreted from the body. Use of heavy metal chelation treatment began during World War I, when it was used to clear arsenic-based gas from the system. Current use includes treatment for plutonium, uranium and iron poisoning as well.
