EDTA

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is a synthetic aminopolycarboxylic acid with the formula [CH2N(CH2CO2H)2]2[1]. It is a white, water-insoluble solid that is widely used to bind to iron (Fe2+/Fe3+) and calcium ions (Ca2+), forming water-soluble complexes even at neutral pH[1]. This property makes it useful for dissolving Fe- and Ca-containing scale as well as delivering iron ions under conditions where its oxides are insoluble[1].

EDTA is available as several salts, including disodium EDTA, sodium calcium edetate, and tetrasodium EDTA, which all function similarly[1]. It exhibits low acute toxicity with an LD50 (rat) of 2.0 g/kg to 2.2 g/kg[1]. However, it has been found to be both cytotoxic and weakly genotoxic in laboratory animals[1]. Oral exposures have been noted to cause reproductive and developmental effects[1].

The compound was first described in 1935 by Ferdinand Münz, who prepared it from ethylenediamine and chloroacetic acid[1]. Today, EDTA is mainly synthesized from ethylenediamine (1,2-diaminoethane), formaldehyde, and sodium cyanide[1]. This route yields tetrasodium EDTA, which is converted into the acid forms in a subsequent step[1]. Impurities generated by this route include glycine and nitrilotriacetic acid, which arise from reactions of the ammonia coproduct[1].

EDTA is used in medicine, particularly in chelation therapy, to bind metal ions[2]. Sodium calcium edetate, an EDTA derivative, is used to treat mercury and lead poisoning by removing excess metal ions from the body[2]. It is also used to remove excess iron from the body, which is a complication of repeated blood transfusions, as seen in thalassaemia[2]. In dentistry, EDTA solutions are used to remove the smear layer from the root canal, facilitating the cleaning process[2].

EDTA is sometimes prescribed by doctors to clean toxic metals, such as lead, from the blood[2]. It is also an ingredient in some prescription cancer-fighting medicines[2]. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that over-the-counter forms of EDTA can be taken by mouth to "detox" the body and make the gastrointestinal tract healthier[2]. Preliminary studies suggest that intravenous EDTA therapy under physician supervision may help patients who have had a heart attack, particularly if they have diabetes, but more study is needed to prove this[2].

EDTA is added to certain foods and beverages to help them keep their color and flavor[2]. The FDA considers EDTA safe for use in foods in the U.S.[2]. However, EDTA supplements may interfere with medicines, and it can interact with diuretics (water pills), leading to dangerously low potassium levels[2]. This can cause severe, irregular heartbeats[2].

The most common side effect of EDTA is burning at the IV site[2]. Chelating agents like EDTA can also have serious, even life-threatening side effects, including kidney damage and kidney failure[2]. Other side effects reported in patients taking some forms of EDTA include low blood sugar, diminished calcium levels, headache, nausea, dangerously low blood pressure, organ damage, irregular heartbeat, seizures, or even death[2].

EDTA may lower levels of nutrients such as calcium, zinc, and potassium[3]. It may also interact with antibiotics, vitamins and minerals, warfarin (Coumadin), and insulin[3]. A qualified health care provider will monitor blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, organ function, and other vital statistics during treatment with EDTA[3].

In summary, EDTA is a synthetic acid used to bind metal ions, particularly iron and calcium, and is employed in various applications, including medicine, dentistry, and food preservation[1][2][3]. While it has been found to be effective in treating certain conditions, such as lead poisoning, it can also have serious side effects and interact with other medications[2][3].

Citations:

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethylenediaminetetraacetic_acid

[2] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/edta-uses-and-risks

[3] https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/ethylenediaminetetraacetic-acid

[4] https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/702229-EDTA/

[5] https://schooltheatre.org

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is a synthetic aminopolycarboxylic acid with the formula [CH2N(CH2CO2H)2]2[1]. It is a white, water-insoluble solid that is widely used to bind to iron (Fe2+/Fe3+) and calcium ions (Ca2+), forming water-soluble complexes even at neutral pH[1]. This property makes it useful for dissolving Fe- and Ca-containing scale as well as delivering iron ions under conditions where its oxides are insoluble[1].

EDTA is available as several salts, including disodium EDTA, sodium calcium edetate, and tetrasodium EDTA, which all function similarly[1]. It exhibits low acute toxicity with an LD50 (rat) of 2.0 g/kg to 2.2 g/kg[1]. However, it has been found to be both cytotoxic and weakly genotoxic in laboratory animals[1]. Oral exposures have been noted to cause reproductive and developmental effects[1].

The compound was first described in 1935 by Ferdinand Münz, who prepared it from ethylenediamine and chloroacetic acid[1]. Today, EDTA is mainly synthesized from ethylenediamine (1,2-diaminoethane), formaldehyde, and sodium cyanide[1]. This route yields tetrasodium EDTA, which is converted into the acid forms in a subsequent step[1]. Impurities generated by this route include glycine and nitrilotriacetic acid, which arise from reactions of the ammonia coproduct[1].

EDTA is used in medicine, particularly in chelation therapy, to bind metal ions[2]. Sodium calcium edetate, an EDTA derivative, is used to treat mercury and lead poisoning by removing excess metal ions from the body[2]. It is also used to remove excess iron from the body, which is a complication of repeated blood transfusions, as seen in thalassaemia[2]. In dentistry, EDTA solutions are used to remove the smear layer from the root canal, facilitating the cleaning process[2].

EDTA is sometimes prescribed by doctors to clean toxic metals, such as lead, from the blood[2]. It is also an ingredient in some prescription cancer-fighting medicines[2]. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that over-the-counter forms of EDTA can be taken by mouth to "detox" the body and make the gastrointestinal tract healthier[2]. Preliminary studies suggest that intravenous EDTA therapy under physician supervision may help patients who have had a heart attack, particularly if they have diabetes, but more study is needed to prove this[2].

EDTA is added to certain foods and beverages to help them keep their color and flavor[2]. The FDA considers EDTA safe for use in foods in the U.S.[2]. However, EDTA supplements may interfere with medicines, and it can interact with diuretics (water pills), leading to dangerously low potassium levels[2]. This can cause severe, irregular heartbeats[2].

The most common side effect of EDTA is burning at the IV site[2]. Chelating agents like EDTA can also have serious, even life-threatening side effects, including kidney damage and kidney failure[2]. Other side effects reported in patients taking some forms of EDTA include low blood sugar, diminished calcium levels, headache, nausea, dangerously low blood pressure, organ damage, irregular heartbeat, seizures, or even death[2].

EDTA may lower levels of nutrients such as calcium, zinc, and potassium[3]. It may also interact with antibiotics, vitamins and minerals, warfarin (Coumadin), and insulin[3]. A qualified health care provider will monitor blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, organ function, and other vital statistics during treatment with EDTA[3].

In summary, EDTA is a synthetic acid used to bind metal ions, particularly iron and calcium, and is employed in various applications, including medicine, dentistry, and food preservation[1][2][3]. While it has been found to be effective in treating certain conditions, such as lead poisoning, it can also have serious side effects and interact with other medications[2][3].

Citations:

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethylenediaminetetraacetic_acid

[2] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/edta-uses-and-risks

[3] https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/ethylenediaminetetraacetic-acid

[4] https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/702229-EDTA/

[5] https://schooltheatre.org