Chelation (pronounced kee-lay-shun) is the process of removing heavy metal from the body. It uses a medication that binds to the metals and carries them out of the body. A person can be exposed to heavy metals from many environmental conditions. Chelating agents are given either orally or intravenously.
Here is a list of some of the most commonly used chelators:
- DMPS (sodium dimercaptopropanesulfonate): This is not approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the United States, but is commonly used in Europe. DMPS is mainly used for removing mercury, but does not have an established safety profile.
- DMSA (dimercaptosuccinnic acid, or Chemet): DMSA is FDA approved for removing lead and for treating mercury poisoning. It is also an antioxidant that can help with the antioxidant depletion common in autistic children.
- EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid): Particularly effective for lead removal. If not administered properly, it can be life threatening.
When studied in animals, lead chelation therapy has shown to significantly reduce learning and behavioral problems resulting from lead exposure.
As there are over-the-counter oral chelation treatments available, it is important to note that you should have your child thoroughly tested for high metal levels before beginning chelation therapy. When rats with no lead in their systems were treated with lead removing chelation products, they showed declines in their learning and behavior. Symptoms were similar to those with lead poisoning.
If high levels of lead are present, it is critical that the lead is removed as soon as possible. Long-term exposure to lead can cause lasting damage to the brain. High lead exposure can lead to coma, convulsions, and even death. At lower levels, symptoms include attention deficits, difficulty controlling emotions, and lower IQ scores.
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