If you're exploring chelation therapy, you're already taking an important step toward supporting your body’s natural detoxification process. Chelation can help remove heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic from the body but knowing which approach is right for you can feel overwhelming. Two of the most commonly used chelating agents are EDTA and DMPS.
Here’s a closer look at how they work, what they’re best for, and how nutrient support can play a key role in helping you feel your best during treatment.
Before treatment, providers often run lab tests to assess your heavy metal burden and determine the best chelator for your needs.
| EDTA | DMPS | |
| Best For | Lead, calcium (vascular plaques) | Mercury, arsenic, cadmium |
| How it Works | Binds to divalent/trivalent metals | Strong binding to metals that react with sulfur (thiols) |
| Common Routes | IV most often; some oral forms | IV, oral, or subcutaneous |
| Kidney Function | Needs to be monitored during treatment | Same, excreted through kidneys |
| Clinical Use | Often used in cardiovascular detox and lead protocols | Preferred for mercury or arsenic detox |
Chelation doesn't just remove harmful metals; it can also impact your levels of essential nutrients. That’s why comprehensive chelation protocols often include IV replenishment, especially with vitamins and minerals that support:
Many people include a Myers Cocktail IV, a blend of B vitamins, magnesium, and vitamin C, alongside chelation. Others may add NAD+ for cellular energy or glutathione to support antioxidant detox pathways.
Here’s a simplified overview of what each agent targets:
| Metal | Preferred Chelator | Why |
| Lead | EDTA (gold standard) | Strong affinity; calcium EDTA is preferred for IV safety |
| Mercury | DMPS | Binds multiple forms of mercury (elemental, organic, inorganic) |
| Arsenic | DMPS | Rapid chelation in both acute and chronic exposure |
| Cadmium | DMPS > EDTA | Both can bind, but DMPS is generally more effective |
| Calcium (in arteries) | EDTA | Disodium EDTA used in cardiovascular protocols |
| Iron (Fe³⁺) | Neither | Other chelators (like deferoxamine) are used here |
Keep in mind: no two detox plans are exactly the same. Your will likely start with a lab work to personalize your protocol.
Chelation can be a powerful part of a broader wellness plan but detox isn’t just about what you remove. It’s also about what you replenish and rebuild.
By combining targeted chelation agents like EDTA or DMPS with restorative IV support, you’re helping your body clear toxins while maintaining strength, energy, and resilience along the way.
This is a guided experience built around total-body support not just detox, but rejuvenation.
Want to learn more or see if it’s a fit for you?