Current use of chelation in American health care

J Med Toxicol. 2013 Dec;9(4):303-7. doi: 10.1007/s13181-013-0347-2.

Abstract

The National Center for Health Statistics estimates that more than 100,000 Americans receive chelation each year, although far fewer than 1 % of these cases are managed by medical toxicologists. Unfortunately, fatalities have been reported after inappropriate chelation use. There are currently 11 FDA-approved chelators available by prescription although chelation products may also be obtained through compounding pharmacies and directly over the internet. Promotion of chelation training is prominent on some alternative and complementary medicine websites.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chelating Agents / adverse effects
  • Chelating Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Chelation Therapy* / adverse effects
  • Child, Preschool
  • Clinical Competence
  • Complementary Therapies*
  • Female
  • Heavy Metal Poisoning*
  • Humans
  • Inappropriate Prescribing*
  • Metals, Heavy / metabolism
  • Middle Aged
  • Poisoning / diagnosis
  • Poisoning / drug therapy*
  • Poisoning / etiology
  • Poisoning / metabolism
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • United States

Substances

  • Chelating Agents
  • Metals, Heavy