EDTA

Medically Reviewed by Melinda Ratini, MS, DO on April 06, 2022
3 min read

EDTA is a molecule called a chelating agent. A chelating agent is a claw-like substance that can grab and stick to other molecules.

Some types of EDTA stick to calcium. Other types stick to metals, such as lead.

EDTA is sometimes prescribed by doctors to clean toxic metals, such as lead, from the blood. Doctors have used the molecule for decades to treat heavy metal poisoning. In those cases it is given through an IV.

EDTA is also an ingredient in some prescription cancer-fighting medicines.

Supplement makers claim that over-the-counter forms of EDTA can be taken by mouth to "detox" the body and make your gastrointestinal tract healthier. There is no scientific evidence to support this.

Preliminary studies show that intravenous EDTA therapy under physician supervision may help patients who have had a heart attack, particularly if they have diabetes. However, more study is needed to prove this.

Some people take EDTA to try to treat:

  • Diabetes
  • Peripheral vascular disease
  • Alzheimer's disease

However, evidence is lacking that EDTA works for those conditions. 

Optimal doses of EDTA supplements have not been set. Supplement ingredients and quality may vary widely. This makes it hard to set a standard dose.

EDTA is a chemical that is added to certain foods and beverages to help them keep their color and flavor. For instance, it is sometimes added to:

The FDA says EDTA is considered safe for use in foods in the U.S.

The most common side effect of EDTA is burning at the IV site.

Chelating agents can also have serious, even life-threatening side effects. One of the most serious side effects of EDTA is kidney damage and kidney failure.

Other side effects that have been reported in patients taking some forms of EDTA have included:

EDTA supplements may interfere with medicines you are taking. EDTA can interact with:

EDTA can also interact with diuretics (water pills). It may lead to dangerously low potassium levels. This can cause severe, irregular heartbeats. Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking any of these medicines.

Talk to your doctor before taking EDTA if you take any medicines or have any medical conditions:

Always tell your doctor about any medicines and supplements you are taking, including natural ones and those bought without a prescription. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with any of your medicines or health conditions.

Supplements are not regulated by the FDA the same way that medicines are. They are treated as foods and do not have to prove that they are safe or effective before being sold on the market.