Chelation therapy is a medical treatment that uses specialized compounds called chelating agents, such as calcium EDTA (CaEDTA), DMPS, and DMSA, to bind certain metals in the body and facilitate their elimination, primarily through the kidneys.

Different chelating agents have different binding properties and vary in how they are administered, absorbed, and eliminated. Choosing the most appropriate agent depends on the specific metals of concern, laboratory findings, kidney function, medical history, and overall health.

Chelation therapy has established medical applications for certain types of heavy metal poisoning and specific metal-overload conditions.

Researchers have also investigated possible relationships between metal exposure and a variety of chronic health conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome, long COVID, neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune diseases, and chronic pain. 

At Aspen Integrative Medical Center, we consider the patient’s complete clinical picture when evaluating whether chelation therapy may have a role in their care.

Chelation therapy may be considered for individuals with significant heavy metal exposure, whether from a recent exposure or gradual accumulation over time.

In our clinical experience, we’ve observed elevated heavy metal levels in patients with a variety of chronic health conditions. Toxic metals can interfere with numerous physiological processes, potentially affecting the nervous system, immune function, hormonal balance, and other essential body systems. While heavy metal exposure may contribute to certain health problems, its role in chronic disease varies considerably from person to person.

Not everyone with detectable heavy metals requires chelation therapy. The clinical significance of a finding depends on the specific metal involved, the amount detected, the type of testing performed, your exposure history, symptoms, and overall health. Our goal is to determine whether heavy metals may be contributing to your health concerns and whether chelation therapy is an appropriate treatment option

IV chelation therapy delivers specialized chelating agents directly into the bloodstream, where they bind to certain metals and help facilitate their elimination from the body, primarily through the kidneys.

At Aspen Integrative Medical Center, we primarily use calcium EDTA (CaEDTA) and DMPS, selecting the most appropriate agent based on the specific metals of concern, laboratory findings, and each patient’s individual health needs.

Potential Advantages of IV Chelation

• Direct delivery: Chelating agents enter the bloodstream without relying on gastrointestinal absorption.
• Greater bioavailability: IV administration provides more predictable systemic availability than certain oral chelating agents.
• Precise dosing: Allows for controlled administration and individualized treatment protocols.
• Broader treatment options: Provides access to certain chelating agents that may not be suitable for oral administration.
• Medical supervision: Treatments are performed in our clinic, allowing for monitoring throughout the procedure.

While IV chelation may offer advantages in certain situations, it is not necessarily more effective than oral chelation for every patient or type of metal exposure. Dr. Despres will help determine the most appropriate approach based on your laboratory findings, overall health, and treatment goals.

Oral chelation therapy involves taking specialized chelating agents by mouth that bind to certain metals and help facilitate their elimination from the body, primarily through the kidneys.

At Aspen Integrative Medical Center, we primarily use DMSA and oral EDTA, selecting the most appropriate agent based on the specific metals of concern, laboratory findings, and each patient’s individual health needs.

Potential Advantages of Oral Chelation

• Convenience: Treatments can be administered at home without frequent visits to the clinic.
• Non-invasive: Eliminates the need for IV placement or intravenous infusions.
• Flexibility: Allows for individualized dosing schedules that can be incorporated into your daily routine.
• Longer-term treatment options: May be suitable for certain extended chelation protocols when clinically appropriate.
• Cost-effective: May be a more affordable alternative to IV chelation, depending on the medication and treatment duration.

While oral chelation offers greater convenience, it is not necessarily the best option for every patient or type of metal exposure. The absorption and effectiveness of oral chelating agents vary, and some preparations, particularly oral EDTA, have limited absorption into the bloodstream.

Dr. Despres will help determine whether oral or IV chelation is the most appropriate approach based on your laboratory findings, overall health, and treatment goals.

Determining whether heavy metals may be contributing to your health concerns begins with a thorough evaluation of your medical history, symptoms, and potential sources of exposure. Depending on your circumstances, Dr. Despres may recommend blood testing, urine testing, or chelation-provoked urine testing.

In our clinical experience, chelation-provoked urine testing is a valuable tool for evaluating suspected heavy metal accumulation. Our typical protocol involves administering an IV infusion of calcium EDTA (CaEDTA) followed by an IV push of DMPS. These chelating agents bind certain metals and increase their elimination through the kidneys.

Following treatment, you’ll collect your urine over a 24-hour period. The sample is then analyzed to measure the amount of various metals excreted during that time. Dr. Despres uses these results, along with your symptoms, exposure history, and other laboratory findings, to help assess potential heavy metal burden and guide treatment decisions.

Before administering chelating agents, we also evaluate kidney and liver function, blood counts, mineral status, and other relevant health markers to help ensure treatment can be performed as safely as possible.

Our comprehensive urine heavy metal panel evaluates the following 20 elements:

• Aluminum
• Antimony
• Arsenic
• Barium
• Beryllium
• Bismuth
• Cadmium
• Cesium
• Gadolinium
• Lead
• Mercury
• Nickel
• Palladium
• Platinum
• Tellurium
• Thorium
• Tin
• Tungsten
• Uranium

Results are interpreted in the context of your clinical history, symptoms, exposure profile, and other laboratory findings.

Chelation therapy can be a safe and effective treatment when appropriately indicated, carefully administered, and medically supervised. However, like any medical treatment, it carries potential risks.

Depending on the chelating agent used, possible side effects may include:

• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Depletion of essential minerals
• Allergic or infusion-related reactions
• Kidney stress or injury
• Other medication-specific adverse effects

At Aspen Integrative Medical Center, patient safety is a priority throughout every stage of treatment. Dr. Despres carefully evaluates your medical history, kidney and liver function, nutritional status, and laboratory findings before recommending chelation therapy.

Our approach emphasizes proper preparation, individualized dosing, appropriate hydration and mineral support, and ongoing monitoring to help minimize potential risks and support treatment tolerance.

Our goal is to make chelation therapy as safe, effective, and well-tolerated as possible while tailoring treatment to your individual health needs.