Applications Of EDTA Chelation Therapy

Ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, or EDTA, is a synthetic amino acid approved by the FDA for the removal of toxic metal ions such as lead. EDTA is used in isolation for heavy metal poisoning; however, the vast majority of practitioners who offer intravenous EDTA treatments utilize it as a part of a comprehensive therapy program for treating atherosclerosis and other chronic degenerative diseases. Treatment is aimed at removing accumulations in the body of harmful levels of aluminum, iron, copper, and toxic heavy metals, all of which enhance free radical damage. Treatment objectives also include the removal of metastatic calcium from soft tissues, enhancement of the levels of ionic magnesium intracellularly, and reduction of pathologically enhanced clotting mechanisms, especially platelet adhesiveness. Because of its mechanism of action, EDTA chelation therapy might be useful to prevent or treat rapid oxidation of LDL cholesterol, ischemia-reperfusion injuries, arrythmias, hypertension in the presence of low-level lead accumulation, and congestive cardiomyopathy due to iron overload. Reports also indicate autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Wegener’s granulomatosis, and scleroderma respond to EDTA chelation therapy. (Alt Med Rev 1997;2(6):426-432) Chelating Actions of EDTA Ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, or EDTA, is a synthetic amino acid that is approved by the FDA for removal of toxic metal ions such as lead. EDTA chelation therapy for treating atherosclerosis and other chronic degenerative diseases is an off-label use, consisting of a series of intravenous infusions with EDTA, accompanied by vitamins, minerals, and other supplements. “Chelation” derives from the Greek chele, which refers to the claws of a crab. It describes how certain molecules surround and bind metal ions. Many therapeutic agents act as chelators, including aspirin, ascorbic acid, tetracycline, and other antibiotics. Naturally occuring examples of chelates include magnesium in chlorophyll, and iron in hemoglobin. At physiologic pH, EDTA readily binds with calcium and promotes its excretion. It also binds and removes other metals in the body such as zinc, iron, copper, lead, arsenic, cadmium, and aluminum. The binding of these metals results in a variety of clinically relevant actions by EDTA. The lowering of serum calcium during and immediately after a treatment stimulates the release of parathyroid hormone, resulting in the partial removal of metastatic calcium deposits, including those from atherosclerotic plaque. The removal of heavy metals and excessive iron and copper results in the reduction of free radical production and a decrease in lipid peroxidation. Terry Chappell, MD is certified by the American Board of Family Practice and the American Board of Chelation Therapy with added qualifications in Geriatricts. He serves as an associate professor of family practice at Wright State School of Medicine and is the immediate past president of ACAM. Correspondence address: Celebration of Health Center, 122 Thurman St., Bluffton, OH 45817