Understanding Chelation Methods is Essential in Helping Autistic and ADD Kids with Heavy Metal Overload

The Term Chelation Arises from the Greek Word "Chele" for Claw

This refers to the "claw-like" structure of the organic chemical EDTA that was first manufactured in Germany in the 1930s.

The Chemical Structure of EDTA Allows it to Bind Metal Ions that are Dissolved in Water

At a normal blood pH of 7.4, the strength with which EDTA binds dissolved metals occurs in the following order of strongest to weakest: iron, mercury, copper, aluminum, nickel, lead, cobalt, zinc, cadmium, manganese, magnesium, and calcium.

In the early days of this therapy, some doctors postulated that hardened arteries could be softened if the calcium in their walls was removed. The late 1950's marked the time that these ideas were first presented.

Despite more than 50 years of belief in the effectiveness of IV (intravenous) therapy for atherosclerosis, there are currently no scientific studies to support the claims.

IV Chelation Side-Effects

The potential for side-effects from IV therapy include low blood calcium, kidney damage, allergies, low blood sugar, blood-clotting problems, congestive heart failure, liver impairment, and tuberculosis.

Because of the high concentration and large dose of EDTA used in the process, there can be a dramatic loss of the essential mineral zinc that occurs within the first 24 hours of EDTA therapy.

During the course of the recommended 30-40 treatments, zinc losses of this magnitude can impair the immune system and cause problems in the permeability of cell membranes.

EDTA is water-soluble and cannot penetrate the fat-rich cell membranes so it's unable to reach the most concentrated source of toxic metals: those sequestered within the cell itself. The EDTA form of the therapy was originally used to remove lead arising from industrial poisoning.

Importantly, EDTA therapy introduces a chemical into the body which binds heavy metals and then relies on the body's own built-in mechanisms to eliminate them.

In any discussion of the total heavy metal elimination process, there's never a discussion about the inherent weaknesses within the body's own elimination channels.

By Definition, Any Child Diagnosed with Autism Must Be Considered Weak

It's my view, that weakness is the underlying susceptibility to the autistic condition.

So, EDTA and other forms of chelation therapy rely solely on the introduction of some substance into the body with no consideration of strengthening the process by which the body eliminates clawed substances.

Oral Chelation 

The term "oral chelation" simply means using some substance that enters the body via the mouth. EDTA is poorly absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract.

Research has shown that only 4%-5% is absorbed; nonetheless, over time, oral EDTA use will lead to heavy metal excretion. The pattern of excretion changes in that as one metal becomes depleted, the excretion of other heavy metals tends to increase.

The advantage of using oral EDTA is that there's a continuous excretion of heavy metals in the urine and feces which are now no longer available to induce free radical damage.

Cysteine and N-Acetyl Cysteine 

One of the most effective oral chelators is the amino acid cysteine. Cysteine is common in foods and one egg contains about 250 mg. But, as an essential amino acid, most cysteine is used to build body tissues.

The "grabbing" or chelating process requires that there's much more cysteine in the blood than that used to build organs and tissues. The use of cysteine as an agent requires the use of other nutrients such as vitamin C and some B vitamins to prevent any potential side-effects.

Cysteine is absorbed by the body close to 100%, unlike EDTA. It is, therefore, not necessary to risk IV (intravenous) chelation therapy when there are so many effective ways to use oral chelators. Bio-Chelat  provides a very effective form of oral EDTA.

In addition, the daily use of cysteine (300-500 mg) and N-Acetyl Cysteine (300-500 mg) is appropriate for oral chelation. Younger children can benefit by using half of that amount. N-Acetyl Cysteine is a "super" form of cysteine.

A common intervention in autistic children is to do a DMSA or DMPS challenge test for the heavy metal mercury. These agents do not cross the blood-brain barrier and, therefore, cannot touch the intracellular stored mercury.

An excellent nutritional supplement, readily accessible, is alpha lipoic acid. Its molecular structure will chelate mercury and it has the unique ability of being fat-soluble, allowing it to cross cell membranes, including the mitochondria which contain many sulf-hydryl enzymes that attach to toxic metals. Another amino acid, glycine, should also be added to the mix.

This is exactly the type of work I do in my individual counseling programs.