Chelation Used in Autism

Some people theorize that autism is linked to a previously used vaccine preservative, thimerosal, which contains mercury. Chelation therapy is promoted as a possible way to remove any of this mercury that still remains in the body, and thus cure autism.

Identification

• Standard chelation therapy involves providing certain drugs intravenously. These drugs, called chelating agents, bind with heavy metals in the body and then can be eliminated through urination. The Autism Research Institute says most autistic children who undergo chelation receive the medication orally or by gel through the skin.

Considerations

• Because chelation therapy is associated with severe side effects, including liver and kidney damage, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved chelation only for cases of acute heavy-metal poisoning.

Expert Insight

• According to Dr. Jay L. Hoecker of the Mayo Clinic, no scientific evidence has shown a link between autism and mercury exposure, or that chelation therapy is effective in treating autism.

Lack of Evidence

• The National Institute of Mental Health once planned a study on chelation therapy and autistic children, but canceled it in 2008 after finding no strong evidence for the therapy's effectiveness, especially when considering the risks involved.

Warning

• There has been one report of an autistic child dying during chelation therapy, in Pennsylvania in 2005. The physician was providing a drug typically used to treat lead poisoning rather than mercury poisoning, however, and providing it by IV rather than orally or through the skin, according to an article in the Aug. 26, 2005, edition of the "Pittsburgh Tribune-Review."

NCAHF Position

• The National Council Against Health Fraud states that chelation therapy performed on autistic children should be considered child abuse.