What to Know About Chelation Therapy

• April 3, 2022
• Written by :  Rebecca LaMarca, MSN, APN-BC, CNS

Our bodies are made up of 70% water and many other substances. Still, did you know that according to the Environmental Protection Agency, up to 60% of all chronic diseases have a close association with heavy metal poisoning? Certain metals are toxic, and their build-up in the body can make you sick over time.

The alarming figures highlight a public health concern and the need for a therapy that effectively removes toxic metals from the body. Chelation therapy is a proven way to eliminate harmful metallic substances in the body.

WHAT IS CHELATION THERAPY?

Chelation simply means the process of removing heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, or lead from a person’s body. In this context, it is done by intravenous infusion of the chelating agent. The chelating agent, EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid), is a synthetic amino acid most commonly used for the procedure.

Heavy metal poisoning happens when the body’s soft tissues absorb toxic amounts of metal, impairs their normal function. Chelation therapy aims to remove these metals by binding to them.

HOW DOES CHELATION THERAPY WORK?

Alongside the obvious symptoms, a simple urine test can reveal if someone has an overload of metals in the body. Two urine tests are conducted, one before chelation and the other after. If an increased quantity of metals is found in the urine after chelation, toxicity is almost confirmed. Toxicity tests are important because even when blood levels of metals appear normal, toxicity can be found in the soft tissues and even skeletal framework.

During chelation, the patient would be given an IV injection containing the chelating agent. The chelating agent binds to metallic ions and forms ring structures known as coordination complex. This is then excreted as urine. The intravenous solution also contains vitamins and minerals along with the prepared EDTA. EDTA leaves the body just the same way it enters, the only difference being that it carries the excess metals along with it.

Patients usually need between 10 and 20 chelation treatments, which will last for several weeks or months. Treatment is usually time-intensive, and patients are often encouraged to read a novel or watch a movie. The average time for a session usually lasts between three to four hours

Cellular Level

Chelation is a type of bonding where ions and molecules bind to metal ions. EDTA is a compound with an unusual ability to chelate metal ions in 1:1 metal-to-EDTA complexes. The binding occurs in its fully deprotonated form, where all acidic hydrogens are removed. Multiple coordinate bonds are then formed around a single central atom to form ligands. The ligands formed are biologically, chemically, and biochemically inactive and can be passed freely in the urine.

Anatomical Level

Human blood is water-based, so when the chelating agent is injected at the intravenous site, it gets directly absorbed into the bloodstream. Absorption here is 100% and immediate, and as the EDTA-containing blood circulates the body and flows to the organs and soft tissues, it binds with the excess metals in them. Subsequently, it is transported by the blood to the kidneys and the filtered fluid passes through the tubules and duct until it empties as urine.

MANAGEMENT.

Only an experienced practitioner should carry out the process because of the close monitoring needed. Since the kidneys excrete EDTA, it is important to carry out renal function tests. Also, levels of minerals and nutrients in the body must be regularly assessed and controlled through supplementation if needed. 

Giving too much fluid at a rapid rate causes a surge in the blood volume and leads to fluid overload, leading to a myriad of problems. Patients must be monitored in case of increased or reduced blood pressure. Asides from kidney function, other important tests to carry out before chelation therapy include cardiac function tests. A stress test and echocardiogram reveal the patient’s cardiovascular status and the ability to withstand the chelation therapy. Tests are repeated at intervals after several sessions of chelation therapy.

Patients are advised to have a good meal before treatment, and blood pressure is monitored before and after the procedure. It is also necessary to take in up to 16 ounces of water to aid excretion and flush the kidneys during treatment. Certain nutrients chelate metals in the body. For instance, garlic, selenium, glutathione, and L-cysteine all chelate mercury via competitive binding to sites in the cell.

Properties of an ideal chelator

‣ Should be water-soluble

‣ Should have a low affinity for calcium

‣ Should not be stored in the body

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ABNORMAL METAL LEVELS.

Gastrointestinal problems are the most common feature of heavy metal poisoning or toxicity. However, many times, the symptoms experienced by the individual are unique to a particular metal. So, we will be discussing the major metals, their sources, and the symptoms associated with them.

ARSENIC

‣ Sources: This metal is found in wood preservatives, pesticides, and poisons and maybe a contaminant in drinking water or coal combustion.

‣ Acute Symptoms: Gastroenteritis, hypotension, metabolic acidosis, garlic breath, torsades, and seizures.

‣ Chronic Symptoms: Pallor, skin pigmentation (raindrop pattern), alopecia, myelosuppression, and stocking-glove neuropathy.

IRON

‣ Sources: Medicines and supplements used to treat anemia are the most common sources of iron overload in the body.

‣ Acute Symptoms: Severe necrotizing gastroenteritis, bloody vomiting and diarrhea, dyspnea, shock, and coma.

LEAD

‣ Sources: Lead-based paint chips (usually found in older houses), tap water, herbal remedies, glazed kitchenware, and gas sniffling.

‣ Acute Symptoms: Acute symptoms are not usually common but could occur as gastrointestinal distress and pain, malaise, paresthesia, and tinnitus.

‣ Chronic Symptoms: Multi-system effects leading to lead colic, lead palsy, lead encephalopathy, anemia, reduced fertility, and hepatitis. Patients usually feel very tired because of the anemia and are predisposed to heart disease because of the free radical activity.

MERCURY

‣ Sources: Mercury is found in salts in amalgams, dyes, batteries, cosmetics, electroplating, fireworks, fish, vapor inhalation, photography, and several instruments.

‣ Acute Symptoms: Include chest pain, dyspnea, acute tubular necrosis, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, pneumonitis, and shock.

‣ Chronic Symptoms: Central nervous system effects such as ataxia, paresthesias, visual and auditory loss, and teeth’ loosening. Mercury toxicity can depress the immune system and lead to an array of symptoms and concerns.

BENEFITS OF CHELATION THERAPY.

Chelation therapy and its benefits have been proven scientifically in several toxicity cases, including:

‣ Direct and rapid cellular nutrition: Many cases of heavy metal poisoning present as emergencies. Chelation therapy offers a quick solution since it goes through the intravenous route and delivers immediate therapeutic effects.

‣ Possible alleviation of chronic disease symptoms: Chelation therapy has been touted as a possible remedy to autistic spectrum disorder, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s diseases. Some studies reveal that deposition of excess metals in the brain leads to these conditions, and that chelation therapy is a possible solution.

‣ Potential cardiovascular effects: EDTA chelation therapy directly removes calcium in fatty plaques. Thus, it could relieve blocking in arteries and blood vessels and build-up of plaques in tissues. It can also reduce the debilitating effects of oxidative stress from oxygen ions and free radicals, thereby reducing inflammation in vessels. 

‣ Rejuvenation: Many times, chelation therapy benefits are immediate, and you might find previously tired people looking lively after treatment. Due to the improved circulation that comes with intravenous therapy, your body no longer needs to work overtime just to carry excess luggage.

OTHER CHELATING MEDICATIONS.

Some examples of chelating agents are:

‣ Succimer: Can be used as an antidote for arsenic, lead, or mercury poisoning

‣ Edetate Calcium Disodium: Used to treat lead poisoning

‣ Deferoxamine: Specifically for iron overload

‣ Penicillamine: Useful in treating arsenic poisoning

‣ Dimercaprol: Can also be used as an antidote for lead, arsenic, and mercury poisoning

Potential side effects of these agents involve binding to trace metals, which the body might need. Others might experience fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting. A couple of people might complain of a burning sensation around the intravenous site. However, if symptoms occur, they resolve shortly after and mostly do not lead to any serious complications in most patients who undergo treatment.

CONCLUSION.

Heavy metal poisoning has become a common health problem issue in our world today. It could result from industrial and agricultural activities or food consumption, or exposure to certain drugs. Toxicity levels depend on the duration of exposure, quantity absorbed, and the mode of absorption. Symptoms depend on the particular metal involved and the age of the person.

Be sure to consult with your GP before undergoing chelation therapy because it requires adequate medical supervision. If a person experiences heavy metal poisoning symptoms, they would likely need chelation therapy. The chelators bind to the heavy metals, making them water-soluble and inactive for easy excretion in the urine.

 

 

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