EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) or another chelating agent is given either orally or intravenously to draw toxins and metabolic wastes from the bloodstream, to improve quality of life and function. Claims to affect memory, sight, hearing, sense of smell and energy levels, though it is mainly used for heart conditions and stroke. Effectiveness for these has been widely questioned.
Cochrane reviews are under way on chelation therapy for preventing morbidity and mortality in newborn infants with suspected perinatal asphyxia, and for preventing morbitiy and mortality in newborn infants with suspected hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy.
