Side Effects of chelation therapy: A Synthesis of Findings from 8 Studies

  1. Home
  2. Side Effects of chelation therapy
This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician.Data sources and disclaimers (data limitations, copyright, etc.)The analysis on "Side Effects of chelation therapy: A Synthesis of Findings from 8 Studies" on this page is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). However, NLM does not endorse or verify these analyses.

This analysis is based on research papers included in PubMed, but medical research is constantly evolving and may not fully reflect the latest findings. There may also be biases towards certain research areas.

This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician. If you have concerns about "Side Effects of chelation therapy: A Synthesis of Findings from 8 Studies", please consult your doctor.

For NLM copyright information, please see Link to NLM Copyright Page
PubMed data is obtained via Hugging Face Datasets: Link to DatasetPlease check the disclaimer.
This page's analysis is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).
Original Abstract of the Article

Main Research Findings

Chelation therapy is a treatment that removes harmful substances, like heavy metals and iron, that have built up in the body. While effective for various conditions, it also comes with side effects. This article examines the side effects of chelation therapy using various research data.

Reasons for Side Effects

Side effects of chelation therapy occur when chelating agents bind with various substances in the body. For example, iron chelating agents can bind to essential minerals like calcium and zinc, leading to potential deficiencies. Additionally, these agents can bind to cell membranes and proteins, disrupting cellular functions.

Common Side Effects

Gastrointestinal

The most frequent side effects of chelation therapy are gastrointestinal issues. Research indicates that symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting have been reported. 8 , , , 5 , 4 , , , 3

Hematological

Chelating agents can affect blood cells, leading to hematological side effects like anemia and leukopenia. , 4 , , , 3

Liver

Chelating agents can impact liver function, causing side effects like liver dysfunction. 8 , , 2 , 1 , , ,

Kidney

Chelating agents can affect kidney function, resulting in side effects such as kidney dysfunction. , , 3 ,

Nervous System

Chelating agents can impact the nervous system, causing side effects such as headache, dizziness, and numbness. 8 , 7

Other

Besides these common side effects, chelation therapy has also been associated with side effects such as rashes, allergic reactions, and joint pain. 4 , 3

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Countermeasures for Gastrointestinal Side Effects

If you experience gastrointestinal side effects like constipation or diarrhea, adjusting your diet and hydration can often help. For instance, increasing your intake of fiber-rich foods or drinking plenty of fluids can aid in relieving constipation. If diarrhea persists, consulting a doctor and getting appropriate medication is crucial.

Countermeasures for Hematological Side Effects

If you experience hematological side effects like anemia or leukopenia, it's essential to consult a doctor and seek appropriate treatment. In certain cases, reducing the chelating agent dosage or temporarily discontinuing it might be necessary.

Countermeasures for Liver Side Effects

If you experience liver side effects like liver dysfunction, stopping the chelating agent is crucial. You should also consult a doctor and receive treatment to improve your liver function.

Countermeasures for Kidney Side Effects

If you experience kidney side effects like kidney dysfunction, stopping the chelating agent is essential. Consulting a doctor and receiving treatment to improve your kidney function is necessary.

Countermeasures for Nervous System Side Effects

If you experience nervous system side effects like headaches or dizziness, it's important to consult a doctor and receive appropriate treatment. In some cases, reducing the chelating agent dosage or temporarily discontinuing it might be necessary.

Comparison between Studies

Commonalities in Research

Numerous studies have confirmed that chelation therapy is effective in removing harmful substances such as heavy metals and iron. However, a wide range of side effects have also been documented. Moreover, research findings haven't consistently agreed on which chelating agent is the most effective or safest.

Differences in Research

Side effects of chelation therapy can vary depending on the specific chelating agent used, the dosage administered, and the patient's individual condition. Furthermore, variations in research methods and evaluation criteria can lead to discrepancies in research results.

Precautions for Applying Research to Real Life

Chelation therapy is a valuable treatment for conditions like heavy metal poisoning and iron overload, but it comes with the risk of side effects. If you're considering chelation therapy, always consult a doctor, understand the potential risks and benefits, and make an informed decision about treatment.

Limitations of Current Research

Research on chelation therapy is still ongoing and not yet comprehensive. Particularly, research on long-term side effects and the effectiveness and safety of various chelating agents remains insufficient.

Future Directions for Needed Research

Future research on chelation therapy should prioritize evaluating long-term side effects, conducting comparative studies of different chelating agents, and developing novel chelating agents. Additionally, developing personalized chelation therapy tailored to individual patient needs is crucial.

Conclusion

Chelation therapy is a valuable treatment option for conditions like heavy metal poisoning and iron overload, but it comes with the risk of side effects. Always consult a doctor before undergoing chelation therapy, thoroughly understand the potential risks and benefits, and make an informed decision about treatment. It is anticipated that future research will provide a more complete understanding of the safety and effectiveness of chelation therapy.

Literature analysis of 8 papers
Positive Content
7
Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
0
Article Type
0
1
1
4
7
1.

Protective Effects of Curcumin against Iron-induced Toxicity.

Author: MoinipourNastaran, BaratiMahdi, SahebkarAmirhossein, IranshahyMilad, ShakeriAbolfazl

Iron chelation

Iron overload can damage various organs, including the liver and heart. Iron chelation therapy can remove excess iron but has side effects. Curcumin, a natural compound from turmeric, shows promise as a safer alternative for managing iron overload due to its antioxidant and iron-chelating properties.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

3.

Efficacy and safety of deferasirox in myelodysplastic syndromes.

Author: BrecciaMassimo, AlimenaGiuliana

Improved Survival
Reduced Ferritin
Creatinine Change
GI Disturbances
Organ Damage
Oxidative Stress
Skin Rash

This review discusses the use of deferasirox, an oral iron chelator, in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients who may develop organ damage due to iron overload. Deferasirox can reduce iron levels and has a relatively good safety profile, though it can cause some side effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

5.

Iron Chelators in Treatment of Iron Overload.

Author: EntezariSarina, HaghiSeyedeh Mona, NorouzkhaniNarges, SahebnazarBarsa, VosoughianFatemeh, AkbarzadehDiba, IslampanahMuhammad, NaghshNavid, AbbasalizadehMohammad, DeraviNiloofar

Improved survival
Iron chelation therapy
Iron overload complications

Iron overload can cause serious complications, and iron chelation therapy has significantly improved patient survival. This review introduces three FDA-approved chelators (deferoxamine, deferiprone, and deferasirox), their advantages, disadvantages, and potential of combination therapy.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

6.

Potassium binders for chronic hyperkalaemia in people with chronic kidney disease.

Author: NatalePatrizia, PalmerSuetonia C, RuospoMarinella, SaglimbeneValeria M, StrippoliGiovanni Fm

CKD management
Hyperkalemia treatment
GI side effects

Hyperkalemia is a condition characterized by high potassium levels in the blood, often seen in people with kidney disease. This review discusses the different types of potassium-binding medications available for treating hyperkalemia, including newer options like patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate. The review aims to provide guidance on the effectiveness and tolerability of these medications for individuals with kidney disease.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

7.

Survival without peripheral neuropathy after massive acute arsenic poisoning: Treated by 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulphonate.

Author: LuP-H, TsengJ-C, ChenC-K, ChenC-H

Recovery from arsenic poisoning

DMPS is useful for the treatment of massive acute arsenic poisoning.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.

Language : English

8.

Clinical considerations for an effective medical therapy in Wilson's disease.

Author: WeissKarl Heinz, StremmelWolfgang

Improved adherence
Reduced morbidity
Reduced side effects
Neurologic deterioration

Wilson's disease is a copper overload disorder that leads to hepatic and neurologic symptoms. This review discusses the need for standardized treatment options, including the importance of careful biochemical monitoring and symptom assessment using validated rating scales.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

This site uses cookies. Visit our privacy policy page or click the link in any footer for more information and to change your preferences.