The most common chelators prescribed by the medical profession are EDTA, DMPS, and DMSA. These chelators are life-saving drugs in cases of acute metal poisoning. Of these, the DMSA and DMPS especially carry risks of harm, and should only be used as a last resort.

EDTA is usually given intravenously, though it has recently become available in pill form. Typically, twenty to thirty or even more IV treatments are needed to eliminate toxins from the body, and the sessions last anywhere from 90 minutes to 3 hours. Side effects may include dizziness, headache, mild nausea, or irritation at the IV site.

Oral EDTA given in pill form is easier and more convenient than the IV version, but large mounts must be taken for it to have a beneficial effect. Unfortunately, taking these large amounts can cause side effects in sensitive individuals, so it needs to be used with caution, and should only be used for a prescribed period of time. Mainly these oral chelation products with EDTA are designed to remove cholesterol and calcium deposits in the arteries. The removal of toxic metals is a secondary function.

DMPS can also be taken orally, intravenously, or as a suppository, though it is most commonly given as an infusion or injection. It is an experimental drug, and has NOT been approved by the FDA. Its primary usefulness is for severe metal poisoning when all other detoxification methods have been exhausted.

There have been reports of serious and devastating side effects with DMPS, since it works quite rapidly at excreting the toxic metals from the organs into the bloodstream and from the bloodstream into the kidneys.

Some scientists believe that the severe side effects experienced by some people are the result of too much mercury or other metals being dumped into the bloodstream at once, which overwhelms the organs of excretion, namely the liver and kidneys. Instead of being properly excreted, these toxic metals are redistributed and reabsorbed by the vital organs, where they poison the immune system and central nervous system.

Side effects in people who have generally tolerated DMPS include dizziness and weakness, the lowering of blood pressure, and flu-like symptoms.

It is NOT RECOMMENDED for people who still have their amalgam fillings, as DMPS can quickly enter the saliva and begin to dissolve the metals in the mouth, resulting in acute poisoning.

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DMSA comes in capsule or suppository form, and is considered to be much safer than DMPS. In research studies, DMSA was proven to be three times less toxic than DMPS.

DMSA is commonly prescribed orally. Oral administration is generally safer, because a patient can monitor the dose and test for side effects. The side effects of DMSA include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, appetite loss and rashes. As with other chelating drugs, kidney and liver function needs to be closely monitored.

These most commonly known chelators need to be taken in fairly high doses to be truly effective. Because of this, side effects are virtually unavoidable. Accordingly, these potent pharmaceuticals cannot be taken for an extended period of time (Goodman & Gilman).

As well, because of the high doses needed with these chelators, essential minerals are almost always chelated out of the body as well. Minerals most commonly lost include zinc, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, and selenium, which then need to be replaced.

Toxic metals are often stored in the brain, and none of the above-mentioned chelators cross the blood/brain barrier.

And last but not least, there has been concern that the metals loosened by the chelating agents are not always properly excreted. Instead, they may be reabsorbed in different parts of the body, causing more damage to the immune system and vital organs. This is why some individuals can remain just as sick after chelation as before, sometimes for years after their "detoxing".

There are a number of natural (non- synthetic) chelators on the market that use a combination of herbs, amino acids, and other nutritional supplements. A good one is NDF, which is used primarily for mercury poisoning, but will also chelate other metals.

Another chelator with an excellent reputation is PCA-Rx. It dislodges heavy metal molecules from cell receptors and captures them so that they may be safely excreted from the body. It is considered to be very safe with no side effects. The drawback is that it too is expensive ($125 per 30 ml bottle).