Chelation therapy is a treatment in which chemicals are used to remove heavy metals and other substances from the body. A chemical substance is introduced into the body through an intravenous (IV) drip. Once it enters the bloodstream, the chemical substance binds to certain molecules (such as metals or minerals) and then removes those molecules from the body.

Although chelation was originally used to treat conditions like lead poisoning, this therapy is now claimed to protect against heart disease and other major health problems.

The most common form of chelation therapy uses a synthetic amino acid called ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA). EDTA is known to remove substances such as lead, iron, copper, and calcium from the blood