Chelation Therapy - Information and Specialists

Chelation therapy is a method for removing harmful metals from the body. The procedure has been known in Germany since 1983. That year, physicians in Hamburg founded the German Medical Society for Chelation Therapy. 

Only physicians and environmental medicine specialists with appropriate training are authorized to administer this therapy. They follow the treatment protocol established by the Medical Society for Clinical Metal Toxicology (KMT).

Chelation therapy owes its name to the Greek word “chele.” “Chele” means crab claw and is a reference to how the therapy works. Like crab claws, the chelating agents envelop the heavy metals.

The chelating agents surround the electrolyte and metal ions, preventing them from being deposited in the tissues. They bind the metal atom so that the kidneys can eliminate it more quickly.

Various chemical compounds can be used as chelating agents:

• Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA): removes cadmium and mercury
• Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA): helps with mercury
• Dimercaptopropanesulfonic acid (DMPS): for mercury, lead, and arsenic

EDTA is the most commonly used agent. It can also be taken orally.

Chelation therapy is used to treat acute heavy metal poisoning (lead poisoning). Specialized physicians also use it to treat Wilson’s disease. In this disease, copper metabolism is disrupted. 

The bile excretes too little copper. The excess copper accumulates in the central nervous system, the eyes, the liver, and other organs, where it causes damage.

The German Medical Society for Clinical Metal Toxicology cites studies that demonstrate the toxic effects of various metals.

According to these studies, even small amounts of mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead contribute to the development of:

• Cancer
• Heart attacks
• Autoimmune reactions
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure 
• Neurological disorders

Chelation therapy thus addresses the root cause directly.

In addition, heavy metals prevent essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and zinc from performing their functions in the human body. 

Possible consequences include:

• Tumors
• Strokes
• Heart attacks

Chelation therapy is also effective against excess iron. Iron is a valuable component of the human diet. However, too much iron promotes the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Typical applications of chelation therapy include calcifications of the:

• carotid artery
• Abdominal aorta
• Coronary arteries
• Leg arteries

Many doctors use chelation therapy to prevent heart surgery (bypass) or amputation.

It may also be used as a supportive treatment for cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Chelation therapy is also suitable for follow-up care after a stroke or heart surgery. After bypass surgery, chelation therapy helps prevent another vascular occlusion.

A common area of application is degenerative vascular diseases.

Chelation therapy is a method for treating and preventing diseases of the blood vessels, the circulatory system, and neurological disorders @ TarikVision /AdobeStock

Before treatment, the physician determines the level of heavy metal exposure. To do this, they analyze urine or blood, or perform a hair analysis. 

Metal exposure often accumulates over the course of decades. If toxic metal exposure is present, the therapy is recommended. 

The therapy uses chelating agents, known as chelates. These remove metal residues from the body. Like a magnet, the chemical compounds attract the toxic metals to themselves. The kidneys then excrete them.

During chelation therapy, you will receive approximately 25 infusions. Two treatments per week are standard. The number of treatments depends on the urgency of your condition. 

Following this, maintenance therapy is recommended. During this phase, you’ll receive one infusion per month. An infusion takes about three to four hours. This extended duration is necessary to protect the kidneys. 

The cost of an infusion is approximately 120 to 150 euros. Not all health insurance plans cover the cost of this treatment. Chelation therapy is considered an alternative treatment method.

Chelation therapy is no more dangerous than other medical procedures. Since 1983, doctors in Germany alone have administered over two million infusions. According to the KMT, there have been no serious incidents to date. According to the TACT study conducted by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), serious side effects are very rare. 

Occasionally, patients may experience a sensation of coldness, fatigue, or a burning sensation at the infusion site after treatment. An increased urge to urinate is also possible. Rarely, patients may experience restlessness, headaches, and nausea.

However, treatment should be avoided in patients with dementia, untreated heart failure, infections treated with antibiotics, and elevated kidney function values. 

The therapy also carries risks for people with severe cardiac arrhythmias and liver dysfunction. This also applies to patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and an extensive aneurysm (bulging of a blood vessel). 

Pregnant women should avoid chelation therapy.

Several laboratory tests are conducted throughout the course of treatment. The doctor draws blood before therapy begins, after a few sessions, and at the end. This ensures that the excretory organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are functioning properly.

It is also important to detect electrolyte imbalances early on. Thorough testing reduces the risk of flushing out essential minerals and trace elements. 

The doctor closely monitors calcium and other mineral levels to prevent deficiencies and potential side effects. If necessary, the doctor takes immediate corrective action to restore mineral balance.

Generally, the chances of success are good, and symptoms usually disappear shortly after the initial therapy is completed. Depending on the condition, however, treatment may extend over months or years. 

As mentioned earlier, maintenance therapy is recommended following the initial treatment. During this phase, the patient receives an infusion on a monthly basis.

Many illnesses can be traced back to heavy metal exposure. As an alternative method, chelation therapy prevents various diseases and can even make surgery unnecessary.