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chelation therapy
noun
: the use of a chelator (such as EDTA) to bind with a metal (such as lead or iron) in the body to form a chelate so that the metal loses its chemical effect (such as toxicity or physiological activity)
Examples of chelation therapy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In 2005 a five-year-old autistic child died of a heart attack as a result of chelation therapy.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 27 Nov. 2024
Lead screenings are now recommended for all young children, with treatment such as chelation therapy available to remove the poison if levels are high.
—Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 4 Dec. 2024
Can chelation therapy treat autism? Chronic and acute poisoning with toxic elements like arsenic, uranium, mercury, and lead is sometimes treated with chelation therapy.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 27 Nov. 2024
Despite a proliferation of claims, there is no evidence that chelation therapy treats autism, says Stephen James, a researcher at the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 27 Nov. 2024
The agency has approved chelation therapy for particular uses, like treating lead poisoning, but has warned about companies marketing unapproved, over-the-counter versions.
—Aria Bendix, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2024
For very high exposures, a treatment known as chelation therapy, which involves an oral medication that binds to lead so that it can be excreted in urine, has been shown to be effective at reducing blood lead levels.
—Aaron Specht, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2024
Any child whose blood lead level is above 45 µg/dL may require hospital admission and chelation therapy.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 14 Nov. 2023
Over the next several days, Buttar treated Desiree with IV chelation therapy, vitamin cocktails and a lotion chelator rubbed on her arms.
—Brandy Zadrozny, NBC News, 4 Aug. 2023
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Word History
First Known Use
1960, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of chelation therapy was
in 1960
Dictionary Entries Near chelation therapy
Cite this Entry
“Chelation therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chelation%20therapy. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Medical Definition
chelation therapy
noun
: the use of a chelator (as EDTA) to bind with a metal (as lead or iron) in the body to form a chelate so that the metal loses its toxic effect or physiological activity
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