Anonymous asked 9 years ago
Dr. Dean,
My doctor recently had me do a 6 hour urine provocation test using one bag of DMPS and one bag of EDTA administered via IV. The results show that my mercury level is high so she would like me to do 6 bags of DMPS over a 6 month period. In your opinion how reliable is this method of testing? I have read that it may not be an accurate way to measure heavy metals since pretty much anyone will show elevated levels of metals in their urine after being administered IV DMPS. If it is an accurate test, I have also read many reasons not to treat high mercury with IV DMPS and that oral DMSA may be a better option. I had no noticeable side effects from the provocation test so would IV DMPS be a good treatment plan for me or should I stick with oral DMSA? I appreciate any insight that you can provide.
Thank You,
Jonathan Landry
My doctor recently had me do a 6 hour urine provocation test using one bag of DMPS and one bag of EDTA administered via IV. The results show that my mercury level is high so she would like me to do 6 bags of DMPS over a 6 month period. In your opinion how reliable is this method of testing? I have read that it may not be an accurate way to measure heavy metals since pretty much anyone will show elevated levels of metals in their urine after being administered IV DMPS. If it is an accurate test, I have also read many reasons not to treat high mercury with IV DMPS and that oral DMSA may be a better option. I had no noticeable side effects from the provocation test so would IV DMPS be a good treatment plan for me or should I stick with oral DMSA? I appreciate any insight that you can provide.
Thank You,
Jonathan Landry
1 Answers
Ward Dean, MD answered 9 years ago
Dear Mr. Landry,
I believe the urine chelation challenge test is the most accurate way to determine heavy metal toxicity. Virtually any amount of mercury or lead is toxic—and if, as you say, anyone will have heavy metals in their urine after DMPS or EDTA, then virtually everyone should undergo chelation therapy to eliminate these toxins. If there are no heavy metals in the body, they will not show up on these tests. But the more mercury or lead in your body, the greater the amounts that will show up in your urine following the chelation challenge.
IV DMPS and oral DMSA are both very effective chelators of mercury, and EDTA is somewhat less effective. The choice of which to use is really up to the physician and the patient. DMSA was formerly available in the U.S. as a dietary supplement, but was knocked off the market several years ago by the FDA (If the FDA doesn’t like it, it’s got to be good). Unfortunately, the prescription DMSA (Succimeer) is quite expensive (the dietary supplement was very cheap). Oral DMSA, of course is very convenient, while the IV DMPS requires periodic visits to your physician’s office.
So the choice is really up to you. Both treatments will work—and if your lead or mercury levels are up, I recommend that you select one and get started.
Ward Dean, MD
What Lead Levels are Considered Elevated in Adults?
I believe the urine chelation challenge test is the most accurate way to determine heavy metal toxicity. Virtually any amount of mercury or lead is toxic—and if, as you say, anyone will have heavy metals in their urine after DMPS or EDTA, then virtually everyone should undergo chelation therapy to eliminate these toxins. If there are no heavy metals in the body, they will not show up on these tests. But the more mercury or lead in your body, the greater the amounts that will show up in your urine following the chelation challenge.
IV DMPS and oral DMSA are both very effective chelators of mercury, and EDTA is somewhat less effective. The choice of which to use is really up to the physician and the patient. DMSA was formerly available in the U.S. as a dietary supplement, but was knocked off the market several years ago by the FDA (If the FDA doesn’t like it, it’s got to be good). Unfortunately, the prescription DMSA (Succimeer) is quite expensive (the dietary supplement was very cheap). Oral DMSA, of course is very convenient, while the IV DMPS requires periodic visits to your physician’s office.
So the choice is really up to you. Both treatments will work—and if your lead or mercury levels are up, I recommend that you select one and get started.
Ward Dean, MD
What Lead Levels are Considered Elevated in Adults?
- At levels above 80 µg/dL, serious, permanent health damage may occur (extremely dangerous).
- Between 40 and 80 µg/dL, serious health damage may be occurring, even if there are no symptoms (seriously elevated).
- Between 25 and 40 µg/dL, regular exposure is occurring. There is some evidence of potential physiologic problems (elevated).
- Between 10 and 25 µg/dL, lead is building up in the body and some exposure is occurring.
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