Chelation therapy is a medical treatment that uses chelating agents to remove heavy metals from the body. It is sometimes explored as an adjunct therapy for certain neurological conditions.
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Chelation therapy binds heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic, facilitating their excretion from the body.
EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is one of the most commonly used chelating agents in this therapy.
While primarily used for heavy metal poisoning, it has been researched for potential benefits in neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease and autism spectrum disorder.
Chelation therapy can have side effects including kidney damage and hypocalcemia, making careful patient monitoring essential.
The efficacy and safety of chelation therapy for neurological wellness are still under investigation, with mixed results reported in clinical studies.
Review Questions
What are the primary heavy metals targeted by chelation therapy?
Which chelating agent is commonly used in chelation therapy?
What are some potential risks associated with chelation therapy?
Related terms
Neurotoxicity: The degree to which a substance can harm the nervous system
Heavy Metal Poisoning: A condition caused by the accumulation of toxic metals in the body
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA): A chelating agent used to bind and remove heavy metals from the bloodstream