EDTA In The News

For years, EDTA held a clean record regarding safety but in the past few years, there have been rumors concerning the safety of EDTA. Unfortunately these rumors are true.   Due to some poorly trained doctors, hospitals and pharmacies, the wrong medication was incorrectly administered to patients and they were injured or died.  EDTA has two forms with administration protocols that are very different.  The FDA has issued a public health advisory regarding this very serious recurring prescription drug error.  An article was posted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2006 which documented the Edetate Disodium being used instead of Edetate Calcium Disodium.  Prior to these fairly resent events, the safety of EDTA when properly administered was unopposed.  We submit that if  the doctors who caused these disasterous errors were trained by the ACAM (the Academy for Advancement of Medicine), they would be well trained and injuries would not have occurred tarnishing a record that previously enjoyed a long record of safety.  

EDTA is often used for “off label” purposes for reduction of heavy metal burden which is believed to cause free radical activity.  In alternative medicine, this activity is believed to cause injury to the cardiovascular system and contributes to arteriosclerosis.  While it cannot be claimed that EDTA improves arteriosclerosis, it is believed to increase peripheral circulation thereby improving the condition.

Edetate  Calcium Disodium is approved to treat severe lead poisoning by the FDA.  The FDA is not considering removing it from the market since it is a medically necessary drug with very few other options available to treat lead toxicity.  It can safely be administered rapidly by an IV push.  Patients with a serum level over 55 mcg/dl and symptomatic should not be given mobilization test.  See position paper reference below.

The cause of patient injury comes from an administration error regarding Edetate Disodium.  This product is mixed in an IV along with magnesium and administered over a three to four hour period.  When administered too rapidly, it lowers the calcium level reducing contractions of the heart. 

Everything about this situation is unfortunate.  Proper training is essential in eliminating these errors.  Products, if stored in the same facility should be marked and stored in separate areas. 

Legal Status of EDTA Chelation Therapy  -  See www.acam.org   for position paper from American College for Advancement in Medicine on EDTA Chelation Therapy (16 pages)

Included in the paper are the following:

Introduction-’ACAM was founded in 1973 as a non-profit corporation comprised of approximately 750 licensed physicians many who were interested in and used innovative therapies for ocular vascular disease, degenerative disease and cardiovascular disease.’

Therapeutic History of Chelation Therapy- ‘In simplest of terms EDTA is a man-made amino acid widely recognized as effective for emergency use for hypercalcimia, control of ventricular arrhythmias associated with digitalis toxicity.  Due to research at the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council in the late 1960’s EDTA was indicated for possible consideration in the treatment of occlusive vascular disorders caused by arteriosclerosis….’  Many studies published and referred to in article.

Physician Use of Innovative Therapies- discussion regarding the use of EDTA and addressing concerns thereof and the rights and ethical duty of doctors with the highest regard to public safety.

 Restriction to FDA package Insert Guidelines in Inappropriate-  regarding off label use of EDTA

 Constitutional Considerations in Restricting Choice in Medical Treatment- evolution of patient participation in decision making regarding treatment

 First Amendment Protection of Commercial Speech-  entitlement to First Amendment protection

 Conclusion-Under common law, the state may not deny any individual the right to medical care and access.

Parkinson’s Disease Part 1

About two years ago, a new patient arrived at the office for an appointment.  She had just been released from the hospital where she had a psychiatric workup for extreme anxiety and depression.  Ten days later she emerged with the diagnosis of bipolar disorder and was on at least ten medications.  Her personality seemed flat which was attributed to the large number of mood altering medications.  Get off all the drugs was her goal once whe was healthy.

Medical records were sent for and a workup was initiated to evaluate her nutritionally and for environmental toxicity and heavy metal body burden.  Good initial results followed with treatment, especially when she was started on a supplement rich in Rhodiola Rosea root extract in high concentration of rosavins.   While the patient stated she felt much better, it was noted that her gait was guarded, she shuffled and was afraid of falling.  Her flat affect did not improve.  A visit to the neurologist confirmed the suspicion of Parkinson’s Disease and her medications were changed immediately.  Later she confessed it was a relief to have a correct diagnosis and seemed to relieve some of the anxiety.  This patient chose to not pursue environmental medicine and returned to conventional medicine. 

Another patient was incorrectly diagnosed as not having Parkinson’s, was not on the proper medications, and had hours and days of not being functional.  We sent him for another opinion.  While he is not textbook, the neurologist agreed that he did indeed have Parkinson’s and was more advanced than if he had been treated aggressively by early intervention.  A change in medications helped initially.  This patient decided based on his personal environmental history, that he wanted to continue nutritional therapy which helped in some ways more than the medications, especially the anxiety.  He also wanted to address detoxification because of his exposure to chemicals.  His neurologist agreed.  In his neurotransmitter profile, dopamine levels appeared normal in a urine sample but which does not necessarily correlate with what is in the brain.  His cortisol levels were extremely elevated day and night.  He benefited from the supplement that contained the rosavins but needed something more for anxiety.  We used Phosphatidylserine to reduce the cortisol levels.

Early diagnosis is very important in the Parkinson’s patient.  By the time the first symptom appears, the dopamine level in the brain has been reduced by 80%.  Dopamine functions in feelings of pleasure, integration of thoughts and feelings, attachment, love and the unselfish concern for the welfare of others.  Symptoms of dopamine deficiency are associated with lack of enjoyment, brain fatigue, confusion and lethargy.  That which was once fun loses its flavor.  Certain nutritional supplements are required for healthy function even with a healthy individual including tyrosine and certain B vitamins which are necessary cofactors.  The amino acid theanine can help by improving mental performance, calm nervous agitation, and lower blood pressure. 

In the future, stem cell transplants may be an option.  Tiantan Puhua, Beijing does transplants that reduce shaking, muscle tension disappeared, strength improved and movement became more fluid (1).  Until then, early diagnosis, environmental evaluation, proper nutrition and additional specific nutritional supplements reflect the approach we suggest with our patients.  Therapy may include detoxifiation with chelation.

(1) www.stemcellschina.com

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DMPS Detoxification for Heavy Metal Burden

The major focus of detoxification for most people involves the liver and digestive system but astute patients look further to what is known as metabolic detoxification and chelation to reduce toxins in the organs, soft tissue, nerve and muscle tissue.  One such chelator is DMPS.

 What is DMPS?  It is a chelator named Dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid that binds to specific metals such as mercury, lead and arsenic and forms stable complexes allowing them to be eliminated by the body.  It may be administered by prescription only.  It is used world wide for mercury poisoning by doctors and hospitals.  Additionally, a group of doctors who practice alternative medicine administer the substance to reduce heavy metal burden in patients who suffer from chronic illness.  It may be taken by IV or oral forms, however oral forms are usually reserved for children.  More recently the transdermal form was introduced.  DMPS does not strip minerals from the body but weakly bonds to zinc and copper.  It may also reduce vitamin B-6. There are no known interactions between DMPS and any pharmaceutical, vitamin, mineral or herbal formulations.  It is advised not to take minerals within two hours of oral administration.

 DMPS is created through a series of complex chemical reactions which has very low toxicity systemically and is generally well tolerated with long term use.  One should not use the chelator if pregnant or if intention is to get pregnant. 

 Symptoms may include mild itching, nausea, dizziness, fever, weakness, hives, mucous membrane reactions, or shivering.  In the case of inflammation of the mucous membranes, one should immediately discontinue the use of DMPS. 

 Patients who suffer chronic illness often turn to doctors who treat heavy metal burden in an effort to reduce symptoms.  Typically there is an event or history of exposure that makes this a candidate for consideration.  The duration of treatment typically is ten IVs once or twice per week for a total of 10 treatments and then levels are retested to monitor progress.  The ability to detoxify efficiently has a great deal to do with liver function and the ability to package up toxins in the pathway of Phase I detoxification.  Substances known as xenobiotics and metals can impair this pathway, making it extremely difficult to make progress. DMPS is mainly detoxified through the kidney, at approximately 90%.  The remainder is eliminated through the bile and GI tract.   If a patient has a history of poor nutrition, some of the circulating metals may be reabsorbed through the intestinal wall.   The longest reported continuous use of DMPS was four and one half years in some literature.  In some clinics oral chelation is reserved for children.

There has been a great deal of misinformation about DMPS and safety.   One should visit the official FDA website for proper information on its status at http://www.fda.gov

www.healthwatchcentral.com

Antioxidants – The Powerful Trio – Fighting Diabetes ALC

Acetyl-l-Carnatine                               Part 3                    

 This product is derived from lysine and methionine and is synthesized in the liver and kidneys.  It is found in highest concentrations in tissues that use fatty acids such as skeletal and cardiac muscle as it helps fatty acid oxidation-the process of transport across the mitochondra membrane to allow for oxidation of fatty acids. 

Related to the chronic affect of diabetes and other chronic conditions:

*ALC works by preventing buildup of mayloid plaque that damages brain tissues and is emerging as a cause of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s.

*ALC improves syntheses of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and uptake of choline. 

*ALC improves Alzheimer’s by helping to maintain brain energy production, phospholipid metabolism and acetylcoenzyme A levels-the later being used to re-synthesize acetylcholine.

*ALC helps maintain liver function essential for detoxification.

*ALC almost completely restores the age-dependent decline in oxygen consumption in the liver.

*ALC helps prevent hepatoxicity and increases survival during chemotherapy.

*ALC enhances detoxification of ethanol in the liver

*Promotes cellular energy production & simulates the release of acetylcholine and dopamine which promotes the growth of neuritis that facilitate communication among nerve cells in the brain. 

*ALC prevents a variety of structural changes to the aging brain from the hippocampus, prevents decreases in receptor site sensitivitity, and prevents loss of receptors in various areas over the brain.  Within sevens days of treatment with ALC increases in serotonin and dopamine output in rats is seen. 

*ALC in human trials improved nerve pain, nerve regeneration and sensory perceptions in patients with diabetes neuopathy.

*ALC studies show significant improvement in mild Alzheimer’s and cognitive impairment.

*ALC in randomized studtes was successfully used for Chonic Fatigue Syndrome and fatigue in MS

*ALC has proven itself in brain regeneration in animal and human brain cell studies. Together with the proven synergy between ALC in regrowing neuritis and dendrites-a vitally important supplement for the brain.

*Combined with uridine 5-monophosphate from phosphatidylcholine, the effects of nerve growth factor increases 100 times to regrow neuritis and dendrites because of the synergistic effect.  Uridine increases the release of dopamine in brains.  Phosphatidylcholine is the real dietary source of cytidine, a building block of the cell membrane component and signaling agent necessary for memory.  PC declines with age and a major contributor of memory loss.

 ALA, ALC (acetyl-l-carnitine) & carnosine help disorders of cognitive decline and to reduce cardiovascular disease when used together.

Center for Environmental Medicine