Chelation Therapy in Canada

  Chelation provides a means of removing heavy metals from the body. In addition to their use in the treatment of heavy metal poisoning and overload, there is a growing trend for chelating agents to be used to treat a variety of different conditions. These include cardiovascular disease, autism and chronic fatigue syndrome. The efficacy and safety of liquid chelation therapy as used in these circumstances are not well established.  A review was conducted to identify studies investigating the benefits of chelation therapy for cardiovascular disease, autism and chronic fatigue syndrome. Safety concerns relating to the use of chelation for the above indications were also considered.  Of seven randomised controlled trials looking at the use of chelation therapy in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, two appeared to show a benefit. Both of these studies had significant methodological limitations, as did two small, uncontrolled studies which suggested a benefit of the use of chelation