How Safe Is Chelation Therapy?

Research is ongoing to determine how safe chelation therapy (removing heavy metals from the blood) is for children and adults suffering from various conditions. Promotion of the dangerous procedure has led to confusion regarding its efficacy, approved uses and potential side effects. Public interest continues to grow, but credible medical sources insist the safety of chelation is not established.

Accidental Death

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has alerted the public and medical professionals that confusion between various chelation medications have caused death in children and adults.

Cardiac Arrhythmia

• The American Heart Association warns chelation therapy can result in cardiac arrhythmia, a potentially deadly side effect.

Children

• The National Institute of Mental Health has called for further research to identify potential benefits and to determine how safe chelation therapy is for autistic children.

Side Effects

• The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine warns that rare and deadly side effects of chelation therapy include low blood pressure, hypocalcemia (low blood calcium) and kidney failure.

Testing

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services strongly recommends that children be tested for sufficient mineral levels and digestive function before undergoing chelation therapy, in order to avoid serious complications.