Chelation therapy is a series of intravenous infusions containing EDTA and various other substances. It is falsely claimed to be effective against cardiovascular disease, autism, and many other diseases and conditions. Because chelation has valid use in some cases of heavy metal poisoning, many practitioners falsely diagnose lead, mercury, or other heavy metal toxicity to trick patients into undergoing chelation. This Web site explains why doctors who advocate the general use of chelation therapy should be avoided.
About Chelation Watch
Basic Information
- Chelation Therapy: Unproven Claims and Unsound Theories
- The Pharmacology of Chelation Therapy
- Chelation Therapy and Insurance Fraud
- Questions and Answers about Chelation Therapy (American Heart Association)
- Heavy Metals and Your Health: Frequently asked questions about testing,
treatment and prevention FEATURE - National Council Against Health Fraud Policy Statement
- EDTA Chelation Therapy for Atherosclerosis and Degenerative Diseases: Implausibility and Paradoxical Oxidant Effects
- Birmingham Technology Assessment Group Report
- Chelation Treatment of Autism Is Bogus
- Be Wary of “Board Certification” in Clinical Metal Toxicology (link to Quackwatch)
- DMPS Is Not a Legal Drug
Safety Considerations
- Package Insert for Calcium Disodium Versenate
- Three Deaths Associated with Hypocalcemia from Chelation Therapy
Inappropriate Testing
- Hair Analysis
- Dubious Mercury Testing
- Why “Provoked” Testing for Heavy Metals Is Improper
- How “Provoked” Urine Metal Tests are Used to Mislead Patients
- Lead Poisoning: Medical Guidelines for the Exposed Worker
Clinical Studies
- Effects of an EDTA infusion on the urinary elimination of several elements in healthy subjects
- EDTA treatment of intermittent claudication: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study
- Chelation therapy for ischemic heart disease: a randomized, controlled trial
- Why the NIH Study of Chelation Therapy Should Have Been Stopped (updated 11/16/12)
History
Insurance Issues
- Medicare Policy for Chelation Therapy
- CIGNA Attacks Chelation Fraud
- CHAMPUS Denies Coverage if Chelation Therapy (1983)
- Government Moves to Stop Improper Medicare Payment for Chelation Therapy and Provoked Testing
Private Lawsuits
- Judge Awards $2.1 Million in Chelation Suit (1995)
- Court Rules Physician Has No Duty to Inform Patients about Chelation Therapy
- Edelson Center Sued Twice for Fraud and Malpractice
- Suit Filed against Australian Chelationist
Medical Board Policies
- New Hampshire Medical Board Limits Chelation Therapy
- Oregon Statement of Philosophy: Chelation Therapy
- Tennessee Medical Board Limits Chelation Therapy
Other Regulatory Actions
- A Close Look at “Dr.” Paula Bickle
- Chelation “Board” Denied Certification Provider Status in Florida
- Chelationist Charged with Insurance Fraud
- Chelationist Charles C. Adams, M.D., Sued for Medicare Fraud (posted 2/20/19)
- Chelation Clinic Owner Sentenced to Prison for Fraud
- Chiropractor Convicted of Chelation Fraud
- FDA Warnings
- FTC Action against Organization Promoting Chelation Therapy
- Index of 100+ Regulatory Actions against Chelation Therapists
- New Zealand Advertising Regulator Objects to Chelation Claims (1995)
