John H. Boyles, M.D. James J. Howard, M.D. William E. Rogers, M.D.
Chelation (pronounced key-lay-shun) is a non-surgical treatment for heavy metal poisoning which may be effective in treating cases of poor circulation and hardening of the arteries. The therapy consists of a series of slow intravenous infusions of a synthesized amino acid called ethylene diamine tetracetic acid (EDTA), diet, exercise, and stress management.
EDTA is a preservative that is found in many foods. The Food and Drug Administration includes EDTA on its list of Generally Recognized As Safe drug(s). Since the 1940s, EDTA has been used in cases of heavy metal poisoning (such as lead intoxication in children who have eaten lead-based paint) to remove the harmful metal from the body. It was incidentally noted that some patients who also had hardened arteries and were being treated for metal toxicity seemed to respond with improvement in circulatory function, as well as lowered blood pressure. This "side effect" of EDTA has led to its current use as a form of therapy for all sorts of circulatory problems.
When an EDTA solution is injected into the blood stream, it surrounds calcium ions in the blood and quickly takes them with it through the kidneys into the urine. This process may even stimulate new bone growth for those who have weak bones (osteoporosis). Reports in the literature show that EDTA may reduce clotting, improve cholesterol, and lower blood pressure. It must be emphasized that these mechanisms are the way we think the therapy works. There have not been any large double-blind studies that have proven this theory.
Nearly all men and women over the age of 45 suffer from the effects of hardening of the arteries. Actually, a 30% narrowing of the arteries is considered "normal" at that age. Most people do not realize that they have a problem until they develop chest pains, cramps in their legs when they walk, or a heart attack.
People associate things like loss of sharp vision and hearing, dizziness, and loss of memory with "old age". The reason some of us seem to get older and more senile than others is often due to the amount of narrowing of the arteries, Chelation may be the help that many need to overcome the debilitating effects that arteriosclerosis can have all over the body.
The chelation solution contains EDTA, plus vitamins and minerals, in a standard intravenous preparation. It flows into a vein through a small needle in the arm over a period of 1 to 3 hours. The procedure is continuously monitored by a registered nurse. Thirty treatments given either once or twice a week is the basic course of therapy.
Anecdotal reports in the medical literature have shown good to excellent results in 80%-90% of patients who have received the program for poor circulation to the brain, heart and/or extremities. No definitive proof in which accurately controlled, large double-blind studies have been completed. It has been noted that within a month or two of completing a course of chelation, patients notice an improvement in energy, vitality, memory, slow-healing sores, as well as a decrease in pain, dizziness, cramps, weakness, and shortness of breath.
EDTA CHELATION is a safe and effective intravenous treatment for improving circulation and oxygen to the brain, heart, extremities, etc. It is estimated that 1500 physicians have safely given more than 16,000,000 EDTA infusions to over 800,000 patients.