What is chelation?
Chelation is a way to remove toxins from the blood. Toxins are chemicals with negative effects. Chelation usually aims to remove heavy metal toxins like lead or mercury.
The chelation process is done under strict medical supervision and can have several steps. One of the key steps is using chemicals to attach to toxins in the blood, which are then removed via the body’s waste system.
Other terms related to this therapy include DMSA, DMPS, EDTA, lipoic acid, clay baths and natural chelating agents.
Who is chelation therapy for?
Chelation therapy is used for people who have experienced heavy metal poisoning – for example, people who have accidentally ingested heavy metal toxins.
Chelation is not recommended as an autism therapy.
What is chelation therapy used for?
Chelation is used to remove toxic chemicals from the blood of people who have experienced heavy metal poisoning.
Where does chelation therapy come from?
Chelation therapy has been around for many years as a treatment for heavy metal poisoning. It has been used as a therapy for autistic people since the 1980s.
What is the idea behind chelation as a therapy for autistic people?
Blood contains several chemicals in small amounts, but certain chemicals – like mercury – can be poisonous if the levels are too high.
Some people think autism is caused by an excess of mercury in the blood, which the body can’t get rid of naturally. Supporters of this theory believe that removing excess toxins like mercury will remove the cause of autism.
Supporters of chelation also suggest that the excess mercury comes from immunisation. This is because, in the past, thimerosal (a chemical related to mercury) was used to make some vaccines. It’s important to note that thimerosal-based vaccines are no longer used in Australia. Even when they were, the amount of thimerosal was always below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limits.
There’s no scientific evidence that mercury is involved in the development of autism.
What does chelation therapy involve?
There are several stages in chelation therapy.
The first stage involves an initial test to identify the level and type of heavy metal toxin in the blood. This test also helps to identify an appropriate detoxification chemical.
The next stage is preparing the person’s body for the therapy. This includes:
- reducing any current exposure the person has to the heavy metal toxin
- looking at or improving the person’s nutritional status
- ensuring that other chemicals found in the body are at normal levels
- doing blood, kidney and liver tests.
Some of these steps can be complex, time consuming and distressing. For example, a person might need to have dental fillings replaced with another filling material, make dietary changes or take vitamin and mineral supplements.
The final stage involves giving the person a chelation chemical to ‘flush’ the toxin from their body. The chemicals might be taken orally, injected or administered as a rectal suppository or patch worn on the skin.
Chelation therapy can go on for many months and up to a year in some cases.
Does chelation therapy help autistic children?
Research has found no evidence that chelation is an effective therapy for autistic people.
There’s also evidence that chelation can cause serious health problems like liver and kidney damage, dehydration and allergic reactions, along with serious harm or even death, depending on how it’s carried out. The US Food and Drug Authority has issued a warning about the use of over-the-counter chelation therapy.
Where can you get chelation therapy?
Some of the drugs used for chelation therapy can be bought over the counter in pharmacies or health food shops, but the therapy should always be administered by a medical doctor.
Who can give you professional advice about chelation therapy?
If you’re thinking about chelation, see your GP or one of the other professionals working with your child. They can talk about its risks and benefits with you.
How are parents involved in chelation?
Unless you’re giving your child the chelating chemicals, there’s no specific involvement for parents in chelation therapy.
How much does chelation cost?
The cost of chelation varies depending on the type of chelation therapy used.
Therapies and supports for autistic children range from behavioural therapies and developmental approaches to medicines and alternative therapies. When you understand the main types of therapies and supports for autistic children, it’ll be easier to work out the approach that will best suit your child.