Chelation

Chelation is the name for administering a substance to remove heavy metals from the body. It can be an important treatment for lead poisoning or iron overload. It is also touted by some for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders, based on the idea that these children may have toxicity from mercury or other heavy metals. However, there is little evidence to support this hypothesis. Chelation agents bind metals nonspecifically and may result in dangerously low levels of calcium, iron, and magnesium, in addition to toxic heavy metals. Thus, chelation requires careful monitoring.