Riordan Clinic Research Institute Publishes Chelation Therapy Study

Riordan Clinic scientists Nina Mikirova, Joseph Casciari, Ronald Hunninghake, and Neil Riordan have recently had an article published in the Journal of Complementary Medicine and Drug Discovery (Spatula DD), a peer-reviewed quarterly international scientific medical journal devoted to emerging research in complementary medicine, pharmacy, and drug discovery. The article, “EDTA Chelation Therapy in the Treatment of Toxic Metals Exposure,” looks at using different chelation protocols to treat the buildup of heavy metals in the body.

The accumulation of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and aluminum in the body has been associated with pathologies and causes a wide range of physiological, biochemical, and behavioral health problems. Chelation, a method of removing certain heavy metals from the bloodstream, has been used for treatment of toxic metals exposure for many years. In this current clinical study, the doctors compared different chelation protocols and two forms of EDTA (sodium calcium edetate and sodium edetate) in treatments of toxic metal exposure.

The study analyzed data from over 600 patients with a variety of complaints, though not severe toxic metal exposure, who had been given chelation therapy with sodium (Na) EDTA or calcium (Ca) EDTA. Data showed that each antidote, at intravenous infusions of 3 g per treatment, increased excretion of lead and aluminum two to three times and were equally effective in removing lead from the body, while Ca-EDTA was more effective in aluminum removal. Though the urine level of toxic metals increased after chelation treatment, there were also high rates of excretion of essential metals such as zinc, manganese, iron, and calcium. This suggests that clearance of essential metals during chelation needs to be monitored. in the Riordan Clinic protocol, essential metal supplements are included for compensation.

The data also indicates that lead and aluminum accumulation in the body is most severe when other essential metals are deficient. The analysis demonstrated that deficiencies in essential minerals (zinc, iron, and calcium) enhanced the uptake of toxic metals. While there is variability from patient to patient, the highest concentrations of lead and aluminum were observed in patients with reduced levels of essential metals in the body. Based on their data, the researchers proposed that low dosages of chelating agents might be advantageous for patients with no occupational exposure to toxic metals.

To read this entire article and others published by Riordan Clinic researchers, visit http://www.riordanclinic.org/research/journal-articles.shtml.

The Riordan Clinic is a progressive nutrition-based medical clinic located in Wichita, Kansas. For 35 years, the Riordan Clinic has integrated lifestyle and nutrition to help patients find the underlying causes of their illness. Since the inception in 1975, the mission has been clear and unwavering to “… stimulate an epidemic of health.” If you would like more information about this topic, please call Tiffany

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