Chelation (say "key-LAY-shun") therapy is a treatment in which a medicine is injected into the bloodstream to remove heavy metals and minerals from the body. Chelation means "to grab" or "to bind." When the medicine is injected into the veins, it binds to heavy metals and minerals such as lead, mercury, copper, iron, arsenic, and aluminum. These are then removed from the body through the urine.
Why It Is Used
Chelation therapy is a very effective way to treat heavy metal poisoning.
At high levels, heavy metals and minerals such as lead, mercury, copper, iron, arsenic, aluminum, or calcium are toxic to the body. Chelation therapy lowers the amount of heavy metals and minerals in the body.
Risks
Side effects of chelation treatment may include headaches, rash, nausea, vomiting, and belly pain.
The treatment may remove vital minerals from the body along with the toxic metals. Sometimes vitamins and minerals are added to the medicine solution to help keep them at the correct level in the body to maintain health.
Credits
Current as of: December 9, 2025
Current as of: December 9, 2025