Oral Chelation Side Effects
Oral chelation has become a popular home remedy for a number of serious and minor illnesses. Those currently undergoing chelation or considering the therapy should be aware of its many potential dangers. Oral chelation side effects are numerous and can be life-threatening.
Oral chelation products can easily be purchased without prescription, but consumers should not be fooled. Easy access to treatment does not mean they are safe. Lifelong illnesses can develop as a result of the treatment. Deaths have occurred during clinical trials and under doctor supervision. Manufacturers are eager to boast the scientifically unproven health benefits, but make little or no mention of the many severe oral chelation side effects.
Patients should consult their primary care physicians for a complete list of possible complications. Oral chelation is not suitable for most medical conditions. Personal medical history will put some individuals at an unacceptable level of risk while undergoing chelation.
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Mineral Depletion
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Chelation therapies interfere with the body's ability to absorb nutrients. Patients receiving treatment should undergo regular testing to ensure adequate nutrition is maintained. Mineral depletion is identified by expert and author Dr. Elmer Cranton as among the most serious oral chelation side effects.
Cranton argues oral chelation products have a five percent absorption rate as opposed to 100 percent absorption when chelation is administered intravenously. Cranton reports the unabsorbed 95 percent remains in the digestive tract, waiting for substances to bind to for excretion. Those substances are often necessary vitamins and minerals. Cranton explains once nutrients are bound to a chelator, they are eliminated as toxins and the body can become malnourished.
Toxic Metal Poisoning
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Oral chelation side effects include the potential for worsening a patient's condition. Chelation therapy is used as an emergency treatment in severe cases of lead poisoning, but it can make victims more vulnerable to lead and other poisons. Chelation increases the body's ability to absorb toxic metals.
This danger is especially high for patients receiving therapy for environmental toxins. Dr. Joan Bothner, pediatric expert, warns possible sources of toxicity must be eliminated before a patient is reintroduced to their environment. The consequence of further exposure after therapy has been administered can include total impairment and death.
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Death
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The Mayo Clinic reports participants in studies on the use of chelation therapy have died. The US Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings to health care providers regarding the risk of death when administering EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), a popular chelating agent.
Kidney Failure
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The American Heart Association lists kidney failure among possible chelation side effects. The organization reports renal tubular necrosis (kidney failure) as a result of chelation has required some recipients to undergo regular dialysis. Individuals with preexisting kidney disorders should not attempt oral chelation therapy without medical supervision.
Cardiac Arrhythmias
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The American Heart Association reports cardiac arrhythmias have occurred as a result of chelation. Disruption of heart rhythm is among the most serious oral chelation side effects. Individuals receiving chelation therapy should be monitored regularly to ensure heart health. The American Heart Association does not endorse oral chelation treatment for heart disease.
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