Heavy Metals Detoxification and Chelation

Heavy metals can take their toll on health, facilitating aging issues by increasing the degeneration of cells. There are many chronic illnesses that may not respond to therapy because high levels of heavy metals may be interfering with wellness. Decreasing heavy metal burden is believed to be a significant approach to anti-aging and improving health. At Avante, we offer screening lab work for heavy metals, especially lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium and nickel.

Chelation is the process of removing the heavy metals from the body. Chelate is the Greek word for claw, like a lobster claw. Picture a claw binding to a heavy metal like lead and not letting it go as it is excreted out of the body. That is the concept behind the act of chelation therapy, or pulling heavy metals out of the body.

There are two chelating agents (Calcium EDTA and/or DMSA) used to test or screen patients for heavy metals. The cost for screening heavy metals is reasonable. The test ranges from $80 to $140 depending on the provoking or chelating agent administered.  When high levels of a heavy metal or metals are detected in the body, then chelation therapy may be recommended. .

There are two typical approaches to chelation therapy, oral or IV. DMSA is the oral therapy we utilize. A patient will typically take oral capsules with supportive supplementation in a specific protocol. After 3 to 6 months, we will re-test the heavy metals to check the progress of the treatment protocol. 

Calcium EDTA (Ca EDTA) is used for IV chelation. This is a chelating agent in an IV bag of fluids with vitamin C, magnesium, and B vitamins. The IV is typically administered once a week, takes about thirty minutes and costs $90. Depending on the burden level of metals, anywhere from 5-20 IVs may be recommended, with 10 sessions being typical.

The IV protocol includes lab work and additional supplementation. Kidney function is evaluated and supportive supplementation is critical for this type of chelation therapy. When the chelating agent is administered quickly, we need to make certain that metals are completely bound to chelators. Additional antioxidants and oral chelators are critical and part of the protocol to ensure the safe chelation of metals. Good kidney function is followed, and poor kidney function would be a deterrent to receiving therapy. IV Chelation therapy itself is a safe therapy; there are no outward reactions or side effects to expect. An individualized protocol is designed for each person at his or her appointment.

Bethany Buchanan, ANP oversees the chelation department at Avante. She has been certified in chelation therapy by the American College for Advancement in Medicine and has attended numerous workshops on heavy metal detoxification for adults.  She has 13 years of experience working with IV chelation therapy. Currently she is following a protocol developed and established by Gary Gordon, MD (see www.gordonresearch.com).