Types of Chelation

Chelation therapy, which removes toxic heavy metal or excess mineral deposits in the body with the use of a synthetic chemical called ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, has been used to treat a variety of medical conditions. While Chelation is approved by the Food and Drug Administration only as a treatment for lead or heavy metal poisoning, it can be used in treatment for autism, heart disease or other medical problems. Chelation is typically performed intravenously, but can be taken orally as well.

Out-Patient Intravenous Chelation

• Intravenous Chelation is often performed as an out-patient procedure. For patients who are being treated for milder cases of heavy metal poisoning, heart disease, or for autism, treatment can take place once or twice weekly. Outpatient Chelation therapy will involve the patient receiving an infusion of EDTA through a vein in the arm. Sessions normally last for two hours, during which time the patient will be closely monitored to be sure blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and kidneys are all functioning normally. Outpatient intravenous Chelation sessions continue for as long as a physician feels they are indicated, with about 20 to 50 individual sessions being typical.

Hospital Intravenous Chelation

• In cases of severe blood poisoning, intravenous Chelation therapy in a hospital environment might be indicated. The amount of EDTA used will vary by patient weight. From 700 to 3,500mg of EDTA is administered intravenously every 12 hours until the amount of toxins in the blood is reduced to a safe level. Hospital Chelation therapy is closely monitored by medical professionals, and patient vital signs are continually assessed.

Oral Chelation Therapy

• In oral Chelation therapy, vitamins are taken orally outside of a medical setting. The vitamins, which can be purchased without a prescription, in oral Chelation normally contain cysteine, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine and EDTA, but ingredients vary. Because the EDTA is taken orally, the body absorbs less of the substance than it would with intravenous Chelation treatment. Oral Chelation is therefore likely to be less effective than intravenous Chelation.