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
About Dr. BarrettMission Statement
Basic Information
Chelation Therapy: Unproven Claims and Unsound TheoriesThe Pharmacology of Chelation TherapyChelation Therapy and Insurance FraudQuestions and Answers about Chelation Therapy (American Heart Association)Heavy Metals and Your Health: Frequently asked questions about testing,
treatment and prevention FEATURENational Council Against Health Fraud Policy StatementEDTA Chelation Therapy for Atherosclerosis and Degenerative Diseases: Implausibility and Paradoxical Oxidant EffectsBirmingham Technology Assessment Group ReportChelation Treatment of Autism Is BogusBe Wary of “Board Certification” in Clinical Metal Toxicology (link to Quackwatch)DMPS Is Not a Legal Drug
Safety Considerations
Package Insert for Calcium Disodium VersenateThree Deaths Associated with Hypocalcemia from Chelation Therapy
Inappropriate Testing
Hair AnalysisDubious Mercury TestingWhy “Provoked” Testing for Heavy Metals Is ImproperHow “Provoked” Urine Metal Tests are Used to Mislead PatientsLead Poisoning: Medical Guidelines for the Exposed Worker
Clinical Studies
Effects of an EDTA infusion on the urinary elimination of several elements in healthy subjectsEDTA treatment of intermittent claudication: A double-blind, placebo-controlled studyChelation therapy for ischemic heart disease: a randomized, controlled trialWhy the NIH Study of Chelation Therapy Should Have Been Stopped (updated 11/16/12)
History
U.S. Public Health Service Assessment (1981)
Insurance Issues
Medicare Policy for Chelation TherapyCIGNA Attacks Chelation FraudCHAMPUS 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 TherapyEdelson Center Sued Twice for Fraud and MalpracticeDisciplinary Action against Dr. Edelson (1995)Suit Filed against Australian Chelationist
Medical Board Policies
New Hampshire Medical Board Limits Chelation TherapyOregon Statement of Philosophy: Chelation TherapyTennessee Medical Board Limits Chelation Therapy
Other Regulatory Actions
A Close Look at “Dr.” Paula BickleChelation “Board” Denied Certification Provider Status in FloridaChelationist Charged with Insurance FraudChelationist Charles C. Adams, M.D., Sued for Medicare Fraud (posted 2/20/19)Chelation Clinic Owner Sentenced to Prison for FraudChiropractor Convicted of Chelation FraudFDA WarningsOral “Chelation Therapy” Products (1985)Use for Atherosclerosis (1992)IV Products (2008) Oral “Chelation Therapy” Products and Heavy Metal Screening TestsFTC Action against Organization Promoting Chelation TherapyIndex of 100+ Regulatory Actions against Chelation TherapistsNew Zealand Advertising Regulator Objects to Chelation Claims (1995)
Links to Other Sites
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