Chelation Therapy for Mental Health Conditions

Some claim Chelation therapy improves overall functioning of the brain and improves memory and mental health, but the scientific evidence is limited.

Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, you should be aware that many of these techniques have not been evaluated in scientific studies. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about whether practitioners are required to be professionally licensed. If you plan to visit a practitioner, it is recommended that you choose one who is licensed by a recognized national organization and who abides by the organization's standards. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before starting any new therapeutic technique.

• Background

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• Theory
• Evidence
• Unproven Uses
• Potential Dangers
• Summary
• Resources

Background

Chelation therapy was developed during the 1950s as a way to cleanse the blood and blood vessel walls of toxins and minerals. Therapy involves infusions into the bloodstream of the chemical edetic acid (EDTA). Sometimes the therapy may be given by mouth, which occasionally uses other chemicals.

Chelation was initially used as a treatment for heavy metal poisoning, but some observers believed that people receiving chelation therapy were benefiting in other ways. In modern times, chelation practitioners may recommend this therapy for atherosclerosis (clogged arteries), heart disease, peripheral vascular disease (claudication), diabetes and many other health problems. Chelation practitioners often recommend 20 or more treatments, which may cost several thousand dollars.

The term "chelation" is also sometimes used in medicine as a general term to refer to the use of chemicals in the blood to remove specific toxins or contaminants (for example, deferoxamine is a chelating agent used to treat excessive amounts of iron in the body). This type of chelation should not be confused with EDTA chelation therapy.

Theory

It has been suggested that chelation breaks down cholesterol plaques that cause clogged arteries and removes calcium from these plaques. However, no convincing scientific evidence has supported this theory. Chelation has also been suggested as an antioxidant therapy, although there is limited research in this area as well.

Evidence

Scientists have studied chelation therapy for the following health problems:

Lead toxicity and heavy metal poisoning
Chelation therapy with calcium disodium EDTA is an accepted therapy in medical institutions for lead toxicity. Studies have demonstrated that chelation therapy reduced lead levels in the body and slowed progression of kidney failure in people with lead toxicity. Chelation therapy may also be used when toxic levels of iron, arsenic, or mercury are present.

Atherosclerosis
Several recent high-quality studies suggest that chelation does not improve atherosclerosis (clogged arteries). The American Heart Association does not recommend chelation therapy for arteriosclerotic heart disease. People with heart conditions should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional. Patients are advised not to delay starting more proven treatments to try chelation. Research is ongoing.

Improved kidney (renal) function
Repeated chelation therapy may improve renal function and slow the progression of renal insufficiency. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

Peripheral vascular disease
Studies suggest that chelation does not improve peripheral vascular disease, or claudication (exercise-induced pain or fatigue in the legs caused by clogged arteries).