FDA Warns About Unapproved Chelation Products

You may not be familiar with chelation therapy, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a warning for those who purchase chelation products over-the-counter. Chelation involves the use of certain chemicals to remove heavy metals from the body. In medicine, chelation has been used for the treatment of metal poisoning, among other conditions. All FDA-approved chelation therapy products require a prescription because they can only be used safely under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner.

The FDA reports: On October 14, 2010, FDA warned eight companies that market over-the-counter chelation products that these are unapproved drugs and devices and that it is a violation of federal law to make false claims about the products. Chelation products, even when used under medical supervision, can cause serious harm, including dehydration, kidney failure, and death.

For more information on chelation therapy, check out these links:

FDA Warns Marketers of Unapproved ‘Chelation’ Drugs

Questions and Answers on Unapproved Chelation Products