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FDA warns against the use of chelators
by Anter Prakash Singh - October 15, 2010 - comments
Some pharmacists have disputed the findings of the FDA and claimed that chelators are absolutely safe.
The U.S. Food and drug Administration come down heavily on over the counter sale of products called Chelators and termed these as ‘dangerous’ and ‘illegal’. Chelators are drugs used to treat autism, and other health conditions.
Chelators, which are used to remove harmful chemicals from human body “can be dangerous and can cause serious harm,” stated FDA Medical Officer, Dr. Charles Lee.
FDA warns against chelators
The FDA has warned eight pharma companies for violation of federal laws by selling these products.
These warnings are also meant for patients and other gullible persons who might be prompted to buy these products by advertisements on web sites and blogs.
The federal agency also severely criticized the practice of selling heavy metal screening tests over the counter by several companies.
Among the users of are young children afflicted with autism, even though it can be dangerous for them.
Doctors generally prescribe chelators in cases of severe metal poisoning. Some believe that removal of harmful chemicals like mercury etc through chelators can treat autism in children.
Chelators and heavy metal screening tests are sold without prescription.
Deborah Autor, Director of FDA’s Center for drug Evaluation and research said, “These products are dangerously misleading because they target patients with serious condition and limited treatment options. The FDA must take firm stand against companies who prey on the patients seeking hope and relief.”
Companies call chelators safe
Cardio Renew, a Minnesota based pharma company among those warned by the FDA, has claimed in its advertisements that its liquid chelator can be beneficial in angina, a pain that can be the indication of a heart attack.Another company to receive the warning letter has claimed that its chelator can lower blood pressure and cholesterol and prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Some pharmacists have disputed the findings of the FDA and claimed that chelators are absolutely safe.
Ron Portain, a pharmacist in Palm Desert, California claimed that he had been chelating himself for the last fifteen years and these products have a track record of safety.
The study by National Institution of Health was discontinued midway even before a single child suffering from autism was treated.
In 2005, a 5-year-old autism patient died of a heart attack after being chelated intravenously in Pennsylvania.