Chelation therapy in Munich – with prior diagnostics

The word “chelate” comes from the Greek word for a crab's claw. Chelating agents are active substances that enclose metal ions like a pair of pincers and bind them firmly. The resulting compound is water-soluble and is excreted mainly through the kidneys. Different chelating agents bind different metals with different strength. Which one comes into question depends on which metal has been detected. Chelation therapy (also written as chelation treatment) is usually given as an infusion into a vein. Some active substances are also available to take by mouth. In the treatment of poisoning, the principle has been used for decades, for example in poisoning with lead, mercury or arsenic.

Chelation therapy makes sense if a relevant exposure to a metal that can be bound by chelating agents has been proven. For other uses, there is not enough scientific evidence of benefit – for example for general detoxification, prevention or hardening of the arteries. We tell you this openly. Equally honest: experts do not agree on how metal exposure can be measured reliably. Blood levels tend to show current exposure, urine levels tend to show excretion. So-called mobilisation tests, in which a chelating agent is given before the urine sample, are of disputed value. We will explain what your results mean and what they do not.

Chelating agents are medicinal substances and belong in medical hands. They bind not only harmful metals but also trace elements such as zinc or copper that the body needs. Possible side effects include circulatory reactions, headaches, gastrointestinal complaints, skin reactions and strain on the kidneys. Allergic reactions occur rarely. Particular caution is needed if you have existing kidney disease. That is why, before treatment, we check kidney values and minerals and ask about pre-existing conditions and medication. We carry out regular checks as treatment goes on. If you have any symptoms during or after an infusion, please tell us straight away.

Metals occur everywhere in the environment, in small amounts also in food and drinking water. Not every measurable amount is harmful. Relevant sources can be old lead pipes in older buildings, certain predatory fish, tobacco smoke, some imported cosmetics, or handling metals at work or in hobbies. Dental materials are also often raised. Here it is worth weighing things up objectively together with your dentist. The first step is always to identify and reduce sources. Chelation therapy can then be an additional building block, never a substitute for that.

Prof. Schulte-Uebbing has studied the effects of metals on health for many years. He wrote the chapter “Antidotes” in the Handbook of Clinical Metal Toxicology (MTM Verlag, Hersbruck, 2016). Antidotes are remedies for poisoning; they include chelating agents. Other work carries titles such as “Metal Elimination in Oncology Practice” (workshop of the Medical Society for Clinical Metal Toxicology, 2011), “Endocrine Effects of Heavy Metals” (2010) and “The Significance of Toxic Metals in Environmental Medicine” (2019). This knowledge informs our advice – factual, cautious and without promises.