What we must know about EDTA

The FDA approved EDTA for its metal-binding ability.

We differentiate between NaEDTA, NaCaEDTA and NaMgEDTA.

NaEDTA strongly binds free calcium and has been approved by the FDA and other institutions for the treatment of hypercalcemia.

NaCaEDTA consists of NaEDTA bound with calcium, and thus cannot bind calcium. 

NaMgEDTA consists of NaEDTA bound with Magnesium. The vasodilatory function of magnesium and the calcium- and other metal-binding ability of this chelator is thus used for the treatment of vascular disease such as diabetes.

Misunderstandings about the function and application of EDTA-chelators have caused problems and since then the FDA issued the following warning: “The two EDTA drugs (NaCaEDTA+NaEDTA) have established names that are easily confused and both are referred to in clinical practice as "EDTA." This confusion has resulted in medication errors in which some patients have received the wrong drug, which has been fatal in some cases or caused serious adverse reactions in others. The error is especially dangerous when edetate disodium (NaEDTA) is erroneously given to a patient who is supposed to receive edetate calcium disodium (NaCaEDTA).
The two EDTA drugs have different approved uses and significantly different effects. Risks are low when infusion protocols are followed.

Chelation Article Response

Summary of the response to Dr. Michael Gerber's article "Thirty Years of Progress in Cardiovascular Heath", Townsend Letter, Oct 2011: view

  • Studies indicate NaMgEDTA is successful in treating atherosclerotic disease.
  • EDTA is not a suitable chelating substance for mercury
  • In its oral form, EDTA only detoxifies the digestive tract
  • As a suppository, EDTA detoxifies the colon.
  • EDTA, provided orally or as a suppository, does not cause clinically or statistically significant metal binding within the blood stream.

CaNaEDTA & Na2EDTA

Na2EDTA (Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid disodium salt or in short Sodium EDTA) easily binds with calcium. It is used intravenously in the treatment of hypercalcemia and of atherosclerotic disease. Na2EDTA should not be used in children or patients suffering from parathyroid disease.

CaEDTA is the calcium salt of Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, also referred to as Calcium ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid. Since it is bound to calcium, it will not be effective in removing calcium. It has been approved for lead intoxication only.

The infusion time of Na2EDTA or CaEDTA should not be less than 1gr/hr.

Oral EDTA or EDTA suppositories detoxify the digestive tract. Read more