Chelation on a Shoestring Part 2:
Chelating Agents and Monitoring Progress

by Kelly Dorfman, M.S., Nutritionist and DDR Co-founder

In a previous article, I detailed how to get started on the chelation process by developing a strong nutritional foundation, balancing the bowels and running a baseline hair analysis. Before moving to the next step, add a basic multi- vitamin such as Kirkman’s New and Improved Super NuThera with P5P (800-245-8282) or New Beginnings‘ Basic Nutrients Plus (877-575-2467) to the nutritional mix. Some mineral overlap with the recommended comprehensive mineral supplementation is inevitable, because most children’s nutrients contain small amounts of many minerals, though not enough to support chelation. Even if you decide not to try chelating agents, a good nutrient program alone naturally encourages detoxification and gentle heavy metal displacement.

Why Use Over-the-Counter Chelation?

Over-the-counter chelation is very effective, easy on the budget, and has few side effects. It’s also slow, and progress may not be noticeable on a day-to-day basis. Youngsters often become better regulated and more responsive to therapy; language may improve more rapidly. An occasional child shows dramatic developmental gains.

The Chelating Agents

Many over-the-counter chelating agents are now available online. While several may be useful, I will concentrate on two with good records of safety and efficacy.

• Chlorella - Extracted from algae, chlorella contains vast amounts of chlorophyll, nature’s detoxification agent. Sun Chlorella™, available as both a powder and tablets, is considered the purest form, free of metals and other toxins. Downside: the powdered drink looks smells and tastes like pond water, and the tablets could be difficult to swallow. Dosage: Four pellets or one packet of Sun Chlorella™ twice per day for children over three.
• METAL-FREE®- This complex nutritional chelating agent contains chlorella, as well as glycine, algae, hyaluronic acid, alpha lipoic acid and other nutrients in a liquid base that can be sprayed into the mouth or given as drops. Dosage: One spray (or 4 drops) under the tongue for one week, and then two sprays the second week, until you reach the final dose of 4 sprays (16 drops). Take an hour away from food, such as before bed. If a child becomes cranky or agitated, decrease the dose. Order METAL-FREE® from www.bodyhealth.com or by calling 877-804-3258.

Monitoring Progress

Any studies on chlorella? The physician who developed METAL- FREE® has conducted some research showing evidence of heavy metal excretion with his product. In my practice, I have followed dozens of children using follow-up hair analysis tests. Whether the results are clear or uncertain, run a follow-up hair sample after four to six months on the program. Compare the results with the initial sample. If heavy metal excretion was low in the first sample, hair should show higher levels after several months of chelation. Increased numbers document that the child is releasing metals with the extra nutritional support: a sign of progress. If heavy metal excretion was high in the first sample, samples should show even higher levels. Those on a strong nutritional support program before starting chelation may see heavy metal levels decrease rapidly. Generally, excretion of heavy metals goes up initially, eventually falling to normal levels when chelation ends. The complete cycle can take one to two years.

Hair Analysis Quirks

Hair analysis has its limits unless we understand the origin of some metals. High levels come from unexpected places. Low levels do not necessarily mean "all clear."

• Copper - Children who swim can collect chemicals from the pool water in their hair, artificially elevating copper levels. Verify high copper levels in the hair with blood testing.
• Aluminum - Alarmingly high aluminum levels in those with developmental delays may come from vaccines, all of which contain aluminum to increase the toxicity of the antigen. While mercury has been removed from most vaccines, aluminum has not.
• Mercury - Exposure to mercury only within the past three months registers in the hair. Mercury readings before chelation are usually low. Exceptions are when a person has had a flu shot or exposure through other environmental sources.

Sample Over-the-Counter Daily Chelation Program for children over three:

• Vitamin C - 500 mg
• Super NuThera with PSP - 1 teaspoon
• Vitamin E - 200 IU as mixed tocopherols
• Minerall - 1 capsule
• Coromega (fish oil) - 1 packet
• TMG - 500 mg - Methyl B12 - 1000 mcg
• Folinic acid - 800 mcg
• Lipoceutical glutathione (GSH) - 1/4 teas., 2x/day
• METAL-FREE® - 16 drops (4 sprays)

Chelation need not be intimidating. Start with a safe, good quality nutrient regimen, whether or not a child has had heavy metal exposure. A home based program is not a substitute for appropriate, individual medical care. Contact a health care practitioner with chelation experience if questions or problems arise.

[Initially published in New Developments: Volume 11, Number 1 - Fall, 2005]