Rationale for the Successful Management of EDTA Chelation Therapy in Human Burden by Toxic Metals

Abstract

Exposure to environmental and occupational toxicants is responsible for adverse effects on human health. Chelation therapy is the only procedure able to remove toxic metals from human organs and tissue, aiming to treat damage related to acute and/or chronic intoxication. The present review focuses on the most recent evidence of the successful use of the chelating agent ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Assessment of toxic-metal presence in humans, as well as the rationale of EDTA therapy in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, is reported.

Figure 1

Toxic-metal levels measured in the patient's urine collected during the 12 hours following EDTA “challenge” (chelation test) reported in micrograms (μg) per g creatinine. The 48-year-old female patient was affected by multiple sclerosis.

Figure 2

Toxic-metal levels measured in the patient's urine collected during the 12 hours following EDTA “challenge” (chelation test) reported in micrograms (μg) per g creatinine. The 61-year-old male patient was affected by idiopathic progressive spastic paraparesis.