Calcium Disodium – What Is It?
Calcium disodium (Calcium Disodium EDTA) is a chelating (complex-forming) agent, better known as EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetate calcium disodium). Its primary function is to bind and remove metals (such as lead, mercury, and other heavy metals) from the body or from solutions where it is used.
Where Is It Used?
- In medicine – used to treat heavy metal poisoning (lead, mercury). It binds these metals and removes them through urine.
- In the food industry (E385) – added to products as an antioxidant and preservative to prevent fat and oil oxidation and slow down the browning of fruits and vegetables.
- In cosmetics – used in creams, shampoos, and other products to stabilize formulations and prevent spoilage.
- In industry – applied in water purification, pharmaceuticals, textile, and paper industries.
Safety and Risks
- In permissible doses (e.g., in the food industry), it is considered safe.
- However, excessive consumption can lead to mineral imbalances since it removes not only harmful but also essential metals (such as calcium, zinc, and magnesium).
- In medicine, it is used only under medical supervision, as excessive removal of minerals can cause health problems.
Alternative Views for Conspiracy Enthusiasts
Alternative information about Calcium Disodium EDTA exists, but in most cases, it is associated with unverified theories or alternative medicine without scientific confirmation. Here are some of these claims:
1. Use in Alternative Medicine
Some advocates of alternative medicine believe that EDTA can cleanse the body of “toxins” and “waste,” not just heavy metals. This has led to the popularity of chelation therapy for conditions unrelated to metal poisoning:
- “Vascular cleansing” and treatment of atherosclerosis – Some claim EDTA can remove calcium plaques from blood vessels. However, scientific studies have not confirmed this effect.
- Autism treatment – Some alternative therapists use EDTA to “remove mercury” from children’s bodies, although there is no evidence of its effectiveness, and in some cases, such procedures have been dangerous.
- Anti-aging effects – There is a belief that EDTA slows aging, but no scientific data supports this claim.
2. Conspiracy Theories
- Danger in food products – Some internet sources claim that the food additive E385 (EDTA) can accumulate in the body and cause cancer or neurological disorders. However, studies do not support this. EDTA is excreted in urine and does not accumulate.
- Pharmaceutical conspiracy – A theory exists that EDTA is truly effective for cardiovascular diseases, but pharmaceutical companies hide this information to promote more expensive drugs. However, clinical studies have not confirmed significant benefits of EDTA for heart health.
3. “Natural” Alternatives
Some proponents of a natural lifestyle seek plant-based or food-based alternatives to EDTA, claiming they help with detoxification:
- Chlorella and spirulina – Believed to remove heavy metals, though evidence is limited.
- Coriander and garlic – In alternative medicine, these are thought to “pull toxins” from the body. This is not scientifically proven, but they are beneficial in small amounts.
- Bentonite clay and activated charcoal – Used for “body cleansing,” but their effectiveness in detoxifying heavy metals is questionable.
Conclusion
The only scientifically confirmed use of EDTA is treating heavy metal poisoning. Everything else is either unproven hypotheses or outright myths.
