Question 1

what is chelation therepy?

Accepted Answer

Removal of minerals: Used for removing poisons like lead from body, usually. But the chelation you are probably hearing about is using that medicine to remove calcium from blood vessel wall to treat hardening of blood vessels (atherosclerosis) in heart and brain. The problem is that it has not been proven in traditional medical literature to be of benefit & has many side effects besides cost. Alternative med use only.

Question 2

what happens if too much copper is removed through chelation?

Accepted Answer

Several effects: Copper deficiency can cause a number of problems such as neurologic (nerve) problems, anemia (low red blood cell count), confusion, fragile hair, weakness, osteoporosis (thin bones that fracture easily).  These effects can be prevented by taking a copper supplement and restoring normal copper balance.

Question 3

iron chelation drugs a sham?

Accepted Answer

Iron chelation: Iron chelation is not a sham if the patient has a hematologic disorder such as myelodysplasia or thalassemia which requires frequent blood transfusions. When one receives blood, one also receives all the iron inside the blood cells. This iron stays inside the body and can cause organ damage. Chelation therapy is then very important. It is also used for patients who accidentally take too much iron.

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

can iron chelation drugs cause a rash?

Accepted Answer

Iron chelation: Yes, especially if you are taking Desferal subcutaneously. But oral medications can cause a rash as well. Please discuss this with your doctor to see if a change in medication is appropriate or if you could be helped by allergy medications.

Question 9

how effective is chelation for removing artery plaque?

Accepted Answer

Very good: Chelation is one of the best things to do for arterial plaque.

Question 10

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.

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What is chelation therepy?

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What happens if too much copper is removed through chelation?

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Iron chelation drugs a sham?

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What is chelation therapy?

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Can anyone describe to oral chelation therapy?

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Does anyone have any thoughts about chelation therapy?

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

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Can iron chelation drugs cause a rash?

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How effective is chelation for removing artery plaque?

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

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