Chelation and Autism
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Ranking : 
Type(s) : Medical Procedure
Introduction
Chelation, also known as detoxification, is a highly controversial and potentially dangerous intervention used to treat individuals with autism.
It involves using one or more chemicals or other substances to correct the chemical balance in the bodies of individuals with autism by removing toxic materials, including heavy metals such as mercury..
Some people believe that chelation also improves the sulphur amino acid balance, and increases the anti-oxidant properties, of people with autism.
Opinion
There is currently no scientifically valid and reliable evidence to show that chelation is effective in the treatment of people with autism.
The National Institute for Mental Health in the USA is currently running three major clinical trials into a chelating agent called N-acetylcysteine. However it has suspended a trial into another chelating agent called DMSA because of safety fears.
This reinforces our opinion that some chelating agents can have significant and very harmful side effects.
For these reasons, we do not believe that chelation is an appropriate intervention for the treatment of people with autism.
Further information
Please see the Advanced version of this page for more information about this intervention, including relevant research studies and details of how we ranked it.
Disclaimer
Please read our Disclaimer about this intervention.
Last Updated : 07/11/2011 Back to Top
