Question 1

is it safe to have chelation therapy on a regular basis?

Accepted Answer

Depends on technique: Chelation is a broad category that ranges from intravenous infusions to simple dietary changes.  What you are trying to chelate dictates the approach and how aggressive you will want to be.  There are many time-tested protocols but few rigorous studies to prove their effectiveness.  As with all complementary techniques, choose your practitioner carefully.  Educational pedigree does not equal skill.

Question 2

can you tell me about it's like to try chelation therapy for their autistic child?

Accepted Answer

Not recommended: (NIMH) supports doing a study on the effects of oral chelation therapy in autism. The proposal is highly controversial, is drawing criticism from many scientists, but has popular support among parents who believe this type of therapy might help their children with autism.  
 e National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) supports doing a study on the effects of oral chelation therapy in autism. The proposal is highly controversial, is drawing criticism from many scientists, but has popular support among parents who believe this type of therapy might help their children with autism. The proposal raises many questions about the ethics of biomedical research.

Chelation and Autism

Chelation therapy is a legitimate FDA approved treatment for heavy metal poisoning. The drugs used for chelation, such as disodium EDTA, bind to heavy metals so that they can be removed from the body. Chelation drugs can be given either orally or intravenously. The treatment is somewhat risky because it can also remove needed electrolytes, like calcium, from the body or causes shifts in the electrolytes that can cause arhythmias and changes in brain function. There are reported cases of cardiac arrest and death due to chelation.

Chelation therapy has a long history of quackery – not for its intended use but for other uses for which there is no evidence.

Question 3

could you tell me about the positive and negative of chelation therapy for arteriosclerosis?

Accepted Answer

Gray area: Many studies have shown no benefit over the years but the most recent study, published in the last year did show some benefit. It's a gray area right now, certainly far from proved, and not mainstream.  I'd stay away from it. In the 1970s there were many shadowy clinics offering it and the only ones who definitely benefitted were the ones who got paid for it.

Question 4

what is chelation therapy?

Accepted Answer

Chelation therapy: Chelation therapy is a chemical process in which a synthetic solution—EDTA is injected into the veins to remove heavy metals and/or minerals from the body. 
 such as lead, mercury, copper, iron, arsenic, aluminum, and calcium and removes them from the body.

FDA has approved treatment for Lead poisoning.

There is not enough scientific evidence about its effectiveness in other metal poisoning..

Question 5

can anyone describe to oral chelation therapy?

Accepted Answer

Chelation: Artery disease is best treated with risk factor modification,  medcal therapy for hypertension, nicotine addiction,  diabetes, and elevated cholestrol.  Chelation is expensive, heavily advertised and not scientific in regards to any benefit. Its not likely to hurt you, but why are you using it?

Question 6

does anyone have any thoughts about chelation therapy?

Accepted Answer

My Thoughts Below: There are  two drugs approved by the fda that have similar names are easily confused.  To add to the confusion, both drugs are commonly referred to only as the abbreviation, "edta."

edetate calcium disodium is fda approved to lower blood lead levels among patients with lead poisoning.

Edetate disodium is fda approved to medically lower calcium levels and to treat digitalis toxicity.

Question 7

can i get chelation therapy in pill form from health food stores?

Accepted Answer

Yes and Questionable: Succimer {chemet} is an oral lead chelating agent that is not available from the health food stores.  It must be prescribed.

Health food stores sell supplements.  Supplements are sold a food product and must be safe for consumption.  This means they do not have to prove or provide any medical benefits.  Supplements with edta {a chelating agent} will have ultra-low levels, so no harm = no med bene.

Question 8

where can i find chelation therapy clinic?

Accepted Answer

Check with ACAM: Most (though not all) doctors who offer chelation therapy belong to acam,  an organization that offers training & certification in chelation therapy. Not every acam member offers chelation, but many do, so you can check the directory & see if the practitioner offers chelation: 
www.Acamnet.Org/site/c.Ltjwj4mpiwe/b.5457489/k.60df/welcome_to_physicianlink__18005323688_/apps/kb/cs/contactsearch.Asp.

Question 9

can chelation therapy help someone with autism?

Accepted Answer

Possible: Chelation is not a cure or cure-all for autism but many children with autism have higher than ideal levels of toxic metals that may play a significant role in their neurologic function and development.  In those cases, I have seen excellent improvement with individualized oral chelation programs.  On the flip side, few cases of autism have been reversed with chelation alone.

Question 10

does chelation therapy work for atherosclerosis?

Accepted Answer

Chelation therapy: No chelation therapy doesnot reverse atherosclerosis, chelation is supposed to bind toxins for elimination through the kidneys. Atherosclerosis is integrated into the arteries in a matrix of calcium, cholesterol, platelets, fibrinogen and other substances. If chelation freed the plaques they would clog the kidneys and shut down normal filtration causing kidney failure, emboli or strokes.

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A member asked:

Is it safe to have chelation therapy on a regular basis?

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Can you tell me about it's like to try chelation therapy for their autistic child?

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Could you tell me about the positive and negative of chelation therapy for arteriosclerosis?

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What is chelation therapy?

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Can anyone describe to oral chelation therapy?

A member asked:

Does anyone have any thoughts about chelation therapy?

A member asked:

Can i get chelation therapy in pill form from health food stores?

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Where can i find chelation therapy clinic?

A member asked:

Can chelation therapy help someone with autism?

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Does chelation therapy work for atherosclerosis?

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