We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Medical Uses of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid?

By Marlene Garcia
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,971
Share

A synthetic chemical compound known as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) removes heavy metals from the bloodstream as a poison antidote. The combination of sodium cyanide, formaldehyde, and ethylenediamine causes a chemical reaction that binds with metal ions and enables the body to excrete them through the urine. Called chelation therapy, an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid solution is administered intravenously to treat heavy metal poisoning and extremely high levels of calcium in the blood. As an alternative medicine, EDTA treats heart disease, but medical experts say chelating therapy for heart disorders proves no more effective than a placebo.

The most common form of heavy metal poisoning occurs with lead, mercury, aluminum, and nickel. Scientists believe an accumulation of heavy metals in the bloodstream might precipitate Alzheimer’s disease and disorders of the immune system. They also link heavy metals to attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity in children, autism, and gastric diseases. Excess metals in the blood might also contribute to the formation of plaque and heart disease.

Chelation therapists typically administer ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid with doses of vitamin B, vitamin C, magnesium, and calcium to avoid depleting these vital nutrients during treatment. Vital signs, and vitamin and mineral levels, require monitoring before, during, and after treatment to ensure levels remain healthy. If nutrient levels fall, they can be added to the intravenous ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid solution.

Children affected by lead poisoning typically receive chelation therapy in the hospital or an outpatient clinic. Doctors evaluate the level of lead in the blood and the child’s weight to determine treatment doses. Children commonly receive ethylenediaminetetraacetic therapy for five days to address lead poisoning. Adults might need one to three hour daily intravenous treatments until heavy metal levels subside.

Proponents of chelation therapy for heart disease say the chemical solution dissolves plaque that causes hardening of the arteries, based on animal studies. Recognized health experts have disputed this theory after numerous studies on EDTA and heart disease. Its safety as an alternative treatment for heart patients is unknown.

Side effects of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid therapy include burning at the injection site and allergic reaction to the chemicals. Serious complications might produce kidney damage, extremely low blood pressure, low blood sugar readings, and seizures. Most deaths connected to EDTA occur when calcium levels fall dangerously low.

EDTA represents an additive used in the food and drug manufacturing process. It preserves the flavor of some foods and protects against discoloration of food and medicines. The chemical compound allows carbonated beverages to retain their fizz, and reduces calcium content in hard water. Textile manufacturers find EDTA helpful when dyeing fabrics, and the substance is also added to soaps and chemical sprays.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-medical-uses-of-ethylenediaminetetraacetic-acid.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.