EDTA Info:

	What is EDTA : EDTA is the abbreviation of Ethylene Diamine Tetracetic Acid. It is a synthetic amino acid. It is a white crystalline solid substance, and has a molecular weight of 292.1. The empirical formula is C10H16N2O8, and the three dimensional structure of EDTA anion is as follow in Figure 1. (1)
	What is unique about EDTA : EDTA is a chelating agent. It can bind various metal cations, especially heavy metals with different affinity (Fig. 2). EDTA binds strongly with metals such as Lead, Mercury, Iron, Copper and Aluminum. It is this character that EDTA is used clinically for heavy metal poisoning. EDTA also binds with calcium, and is used in Acute Hypercalcemia. EDTA metal complex is excreted in kidney, about 95% in 24 hours. Because of this binding ability, EDTA is useful in many clinical conditions.
	The history of clinical applications of EDTA : EDTA was used initially for treating chronic lead poisoning in 1952, (2), (3). The clinician found that after the treatments, the patients showed a dramatic improvement in their Atherosclerotic disorders. Subsequently, EDTA was used in patients with Cardiovascular Diseases, such as Atherosclerosis, Diabetes Mellitus, Coronary Artery Disease, etc., and definite improvements have been noted. In one instance, a Diabetic patient who was about to receive an amputation for gangrenous feet, elected to try EDTA therapy. After more than 100 treatments of EDTA, the patient’s feet were saved instead (6).
	What kind of diseases or conditions will EDTA Chelation Therapy help? - Occlusive vascular disease such as Atherosclerosis, Diabetes Mellitus, Stroke, Transient Ischemic Attack, Peripheral Artery - Disease, Coronary Artery Disease. - Alzheimer’s Disease - Heavy Metal Poisoning - Digitalis Toxicity - Male Sexual Dysfunction - Hyperlipidemia - Hypercalcemia - Hyperlipidemia - Hypertension - Many others.(6)
	How does EDTA work in our body : EDTA removes calcium and other heavy metals from the body which are either excessive e.g. (pathological calcium deposits), or intoxicated (e.g.lead poisoning). Thus, EDTA restores the normality of cellular membrane and enzymes. The normal cellular functions are restored, so do that of tissues and organs. The arterial wall becomes more elastic because of normalization of elastic tissue, and the atheromatous plaques are reduced in size due to removal of calcium deposits. Meanwhile the functions of red blood cells and platelets are improved so that the blood is less viscous. Therefore, the end results are improved arterial and capillary circulations as well as total body’s function and health. (6)
	How is EDTA given to the patients : EDTA is a prescription drug. It is prescribed by and administered under the supervision of a licensed physician. EDTA prepared as disodium salt is mixed in 500cc of sterile water along with other ingredients to form so called Standard Chelation Therapy Infusion protocol(4). This entire solution is then given intravenously to the patients in no less than 3 hours. Snacks and drinks are prepared in case the patients become hungry during the treatment. - The IV stand should be rollable so that the patient can take it to the restroom. - The set up is better with a recliner in a comfortable room.
	Could EDTA replace orthodox medicine : No, patients should still receive the medications they are receiving at the time of EDTA therapy, although oftentimes, the dose and number of medications will be reduced. The patients should still consult their specialists periodically.
	Is there any precaution or contraindication for EDTA Chelation Therapy : The patient’s renal function is the key factor of concern. Patients with mildly impaired renal function with Creatinine less than 2mg/dl should receive treatment only once a week, and it is to be given in 4-5hours each time. Patients with Creatinine more than 2mg/dl is not to receive EDTA treatment as a general rule. Even though EDTA Chelation has been shown to have improved kidney function. (4) .
	Could EDTA be given by mouth? EDTA is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, i.e. only 5% or less is absorbed.Therefore, intravenous route is the only recommended route of administration, because it is 100% absorbed and much more effective. Moreover, EDTA in the gut may inhibit absorption of useful trace minerals.
	What is FDA’s opinion on EDTA therapy. The FDA approved indications for EDTA therapy consist of the following, 1) Heavy metal poisoning. 2) Digitals toxicity. 3) Acute Hypercalcemia Anything else is considered investigational use.
	References 1. The Scientific basis of EDTA Chelation Therapy 2nd Edition, Halstead and Rozema, TRC Publishing, 1997. 2. Bessman, S.P., Reid, H., and M. Rubin, Treatment of lead encephalopathy with calcium disodium versenate: Report of a case. Med. Ann. Dist. Columbia 21(6):312-315, 1952. 3. Rubis, M., Cignac, S., Bessman, S.P., and E.L. Belknap.Enhancement of lead excration in humans by disodium calcium ethyl enediamine tetracetate, Science 117: 659-660, 1953. 4. A textbook on EDTA Chelation Therapy 2nd Edition. Edited by Elmer M. Cranton, M.D., Hampton Roads Publishing Company, Inc. 2001. 5. Bypassing Bypass Surgery, Chelation Therapy: A non-surgical treatment for reversing Arteriosclerosis, improving blocked circulation, and slowing the aging process. By Elmer M. Cranton, M.D., Hampton Rods Publishing Company, Inc. 2005.   6. Everything you should know about Chelation Therapy by Dr. Morton Walker and Dr. Hitendra Shah, Keats Publishing, New Canaan, Connecticut, 1997.   7. The Chelation Way, The Complete Book of Chelation Therapy, Dr. Morton Walker, Avery Publishing Group, Inc. Garden City Park, New York, 1990.   8. “Cardiovascular Drug Therapy” 2nd Edition, by Franz H. Messali M.D., Ochsner Clinic and Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana. WB Saunders Company 1998, Chapter 175 Magnesium EDTA Chelation by Martin Rubin M.D. pp 1613-1616   9. Chelation Can Cure by Edward W. Mc Dough, D.O. 1983, 1987. Platinum Pen Publishers, Inc. Box 11127 4810 N. E. Vision Road Kansas City, Missouri 64119.   10. Journal of Advancement in Medicine,  Special Issue : Protocols for Chelation Therapy , Volume 10  Number 1   Spring 1997.  11. Questions from the Heart Answers to 100 Questions About Chelation Therapy, a Safe Alternative to Bypass Surgery by Terry Chappell, M.D. Prefaced by Julian Whitaker, M.D., by Hampton Roads Publishing Company, Inc. 1995