Introduction
The term "chelation" is derived from the Greek word "chele," which means claw, similar to that of a scorpion or crab. The concept of chelation is rooted in the observation that when a specific amino acid complex called EDTA (ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid) comes into contact with certain positively charged metals and substances like lead, iron, copper, calcium, magnesium, zinc, plutonium, and manganese, it essentially grasps them, just like a claw, and eliminates them. Chelation therapy involves the process of removing undesirable ionic materials from the body through infusion or oral administration of an organic compound with suitable chelating properties.
EDTA, a synthetic amino acid first employed in the 1940s for the treatment of heavy metal poisoning, is widely recognized for its efficacy in that regard, along with other applications. These include emergency treatment of hypercalcemia and the management of ventricular arrhythmias linked to digitalis toxicity. Studies conducted by the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council in the late 1960s suggested that EDTA might be considered effective for the treatment of occlusive vascular disorders resulting from arteriosclerosis. EDTA seizes metallic cations such as lead or calcium within the body, forming a stable compound that is subsequently excreted. The strength of this bond is crucial for the success of Chelation therapy. If the bond is weak, other chemicals can break it to form their own compounds.
One way to visualize the chelation process is by likening it to how we unclog our drains. We introduce a chemical into our drain, which dissolves the blockage. The resulting compound is then flushed out of the drain using the existing plumbing system. The chelation process functions in a similar manner within our bodies.