Chelation Background

Much of the toxicity from heavy metals is due to negative effects on the mitochondria, the energy-producing units of cells. Heavy metals also have a damaging effect on antioxidant enzymes, whose function is protecting the body against harmful chemicals. Toxic metals also have negative effects on your immune system. Examples of heavy metals that are toxic to the body are lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, nickel and aluminum. Each metal has its own specific toxic effects.

We use chelation therapy with medications or natural substances to help clear toxic metals from the body. One of the more powerful chelation therapies involves repeated administration of a synthetic amino acid EDTA. Extensive research shows that cadmium, antimony, tungsten, lead, mercury and iron overload can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and/or death significantly. It is believed that removal of these toxic metals from the body can therefore slow or prevent cardiovascular disease or improve lifespan.

EDTA is approved for removal of toxic metals from the body. The American College for the Advancement of Medicine (ACAM) has collected medical research and experience from experts in the field, and created a standardized procedure for safe and effective EDTA chelation. Sano Via follows the ACAM chelation protocols.

Chelation Research

Several studies of varying quality have been published that evaluated the benefits of EDTA chelation, mainly on cardiovascular disease.

In 1988 the first double-blind controlled trial of EDTA chelation for peripheral vascular disease was published. Ten men with vascular disease entered the study. Eight were former heavy smokers. After only 10 chelation treatment, there was a significant difference between the patients, with some showing notable improvements in walking distance and bicycle riding ability. The trial was then un-blinded, and it was determined that the EDTA patients were the ones who had improved, while the placebo group had not. The trial was completed with all the patients receiving EDTA, and all of them subsequently improved.

In 2003 the National Institute of Health in USA funded a $30M double-blind controlled clinical trial to assess chelation therapy in over 1700 patients after a heart attack using the ACAM chelation protocol (Trial to Assess Chleation Therapy – TACT). Interestingly, during the course of this trial, there was violent opposition from certain members of the medical community who demanded that trial funding be withdrawn.

The trial found an 18% reduction in death, heart attack, stroke, bypass surgery/angioplasty, or hospitalization for angina (which was statistically significant). In diabetic patients the benefit was even greater, with a 41% risk reduction and a 43% reduction in total mortality (also statistically significant). Diabetic patients who received an oral vitamin regimen along with EDTA chelation had the best results. The benefits persisted over 5 years of follow-up. The safety of the chelation therapy was favorable. Despite the large size of the study and significant favourable findings, the authors concluded that further studies were needed before EDTA chelation could be recommended as a routine therapy for all patients after a heart attack.

Chelation Controversy

Despite the published evidence, chelation remains a complementary / alternative therapy without wide acceptance among conventional medical doctors. It seems that the simplicity of the therapy and cost savings compared to expensive drugs or expensive cardiovascular procedures (bypass, angioplasty etc.) puts chelation in competition with the multi-billion dollar drug and surgical industries. In 1977 an article in the New England Journal of Medicine stated:

“an industry is being built around this operation [coronary bypass]…This rapidly growing industry is building a momentum and constituency of its own…it will be progressively more difficult and costly to curtail it materially…The financial implications of CABG [coronary artery bypass grafting] are profound…the enormous funds already being devoted to this procedure divert support available for other, perhaps more necessary aspects of medical care.”

It is up to patients to review the evidence and decide if EDTA chelation is right for them, without influence of those who stand to lose financially from increased popularity of EDTA.

Chelation and Ozone

Since the toxicity from heavy metals is due to mitochondria injury and damage to antioxidant enzymes, ozone therapy in theory should increase the benefits of EDTA chelation. This is because ozone is known to enhance mitochondrial function and also boost the levels of antioxidant enzymes in the body. So far there is no published study combining ozone and chelation. However, based on the scientific theory and positive experience of other doctors, Sano Via offers the combination of chelation + ozone to interested patients.

Do I Qualify For EDTA Chelation?

If you have the following health issues, you likely qualify for EDTA chelation:

• pre-diabetes
• impaired glucose tolerance
• diabetes
• known cardiovascular disease (like angina, heart attack, stroke, poor blood flow to the limbs, vascular dementia, kidney failure due to poor circulation etc.)
• immune system problems (overactive or weak)

If you do not have these conditions, but you wish to stay healthy or prevent disease, then we recommend testing to determine the extent of heavy metals present in your body. Based on the test results, we will determine if EDTA chelation is appropriate. If we do not find any significant levels of heavy metals, then ozone therapy or phospholipid infusion may be recommended as prevention.

How is EDTA Administered?

EDTA is administered by intravenous infusion, in combination with specific vitamins and minerals. We use a nearly painless iv insertion technique consisting of freezing the skin with a cooling liquid or injecting local anesthetic first with a very fine needle. Since the infusion is slow, we can also use a fine iv needle with no freezing if your veins are small.

How Many EDTA Infusions are Needed?

The standard protocol (for cardiovascular disease) is infusions weekly for 30 – 40 weeks, then cut back to every 2 weeks, then maintenance every 1 – 3 months. The infusion typically takes about 3 hours. It may not be necessary to take 30 or 40 infusions. We can re-test the levels of heavy metals to confirm successful removal after only 8 – 10 infusions, then decide on a maintenance plan.

How Can I Start Treatment?

Please contact us to make an appointment to discuss your individual case. We will do our best to respond to your request promptly.

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