Side Effects of Oral EDTA
EDTA, which is short for calcium disodium edathamil, is used to treat lead or mercury poisoning. EDTA works by binding to either lead or mercury in the body and forming a calcium compound that becomes more water soluble. This allows the body to excrete the compound through urine.
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Cardiac Problems
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EDTA is a calcium-based compound that has the potential to cause arrhythmia in the heart. The heart rate is controlled by the heart through signals that use calcium to communicate. This communication is necessary to contract the heart muscle and pump blood either to the rest of the body or the lungs. When EDTA binds to toxic metals, it can cause a lower concentration of calcium in the body, leaving the heart with less calcium to generate signals, thus developing arrhythmia.
Diabetes
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EDTA can interact with insulin receptors. Insulin is a hormone that stores glucose as energy in the body. EDTA specifically affects insulin receptors found on the heart. It does not affect the number of receptors but it decreases the affinity for insulin to the receptor in half of the receptors on cardiac tissue. Just like all muscles in the body, the heart uses glucose for energy. Diabetics should be cautious when taking EDTA as it can worsen their condition.
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Kidney and Liver Problems
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Water soluble EDTA is filtered through the kidneys and excreted into the urine. People with renal disease should be careful because the concentration of EDTA will be higher in the body since the kidney takes longer to filter the product in these individuals. Overloading the kidney is dangerous and can worsen the kidney failure. People with liver failure will also have higher concentration in the body for longer periods due to a similar mechanism. A physician will be able to calculate the appropriate dosage for people with these problems.
Electrolyte Imbalance
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EDTA can cause an electrolyte imbalance in the body while binding to toxic metals. If an individual already has low potassium or low magnesium, ETDA can bind to magnesium or potassium causing blood levels to drop even further. Low potassium can cause cardiac arrhythmia because the heart uses potassium during signal conduction. Low magnesium can lower the threshold for seizures in the brain to occur. The effects of EDTA can be reversible with the addition of potassium and magnesium.
Tuberculosis Reactivation
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Tuberculosis infection in the lungs leads to a mass formation known as a granuloma, which is formed by the immune response of the body to contain the bacterial infection. Calcium is used in hold the mass together. EDTA can bind extra calcium from the body including calcium from the tuberculosis granuloma. This will cause the release of the active bacteria in the body. The person will then experience reactivation of tuberculosis. It is best to tell the physician of previous tuberculosis exposure before taking EDTA.
Allergic Reactions
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Like majority of drugs, EDTA can also cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Allergic reaction will present as rash, itching, redness, swelling and edema. Taking more than 3 grams of EDTA per day is not advised. If an allergic response occurs, it is best to temporarily stop taking the drug and consult a health care professional.
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