chelation therapy

noun

Definition of chelation therapy

: 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)

Recent Examples of chelation therapy from the Web

In general, thalassemia can be well-managed with blood transfusions and chelation therapy which removes excess iron from the body with drugs, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

— jacqueline howard, CNN, "Gene therapy helps patients avoid blood transfusion," 18 Apr. 2018
But there are more effective ways to remove high levels of metals from the blood, such as chelation therapy.

— National Geographic, "Fact or Fiction: Can You Really Sweat Out Toxins?," 6 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chelation therapy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of chelation therapy

1960

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Medical Dictionary

chelation therapy

noun

medical Definition of chelation therapy

: 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