IV Chelation Therapy in North Palm Beach

At Palm Beach Integrative Medicine, IV chelation therapy is offered only after a physician evaluation, appropriate lab testing, and an honest conversation about what chelation can and cannot do. Dr. John DeLuca, MD, sees patients from North Palm Beach, Jupiter, Juno Beach, and Singer Island.

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What is chelation therapy?

Chelation therapy uses a medication called a chelating agent. It binds to certain metals in the body, such as lead, so they can be removed, mainly through the urine. Depending on the situation, a chelating agent may be given through an IV (for example, calcium disodium EDTA & DMPS) or by mouth (for example, DMSA). Chelation is one of the options within our physician-guided IV therapy services.

What chelation is approved for, and what is still being studied

Chelating agents such as calcium disodium EDTA and DMSA are FDA-approved for specific uses, most notably the treatment of lead poisoning. Other uses, including chelation aimed at heart disease or general "detox," are considered off-label or investigational.

Researchers have studied EDTA-based chelation for heart health. The NIH-supported Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT), published in 2013, reported a modest reduction in cardiovascular events in people who had already had a heart attack. A follow-up trial in people with diabetes and a prior heart attack (TACT2, 2024) did not find fewer cardiovascular events, although chelation did lower blood lead levels. Because the evidence is mixed, chelation is not a substitute for standard heart care, and we discuss the research candidly.

Is chelation right for you?

Chelation is not right for everyone. Before recommending it, Dr. DeLuca reviews your health history, medications, and possible metal exposures. He orders lab testing to assess your metal levels and your baseline health, including kidney function and mineral levels. If chelation isn't a good fit, for example because of kidney disease, pregnancy, or other factors, we'll tell you honestly and talk through other options.

Safety and monitoring

Chelation can cause side effects, including discomfort at the IV site, fatigue, headache, and changes in important minerals such as calcium and zinc. Less commonly, it can affect the kidneys. That's why every treatment is physician-supervised and why we track kidney function and mineral levels with follow-up labs during a course of care. Let us know about new symptoms or medication changes before each visit.

What to expect

Your first step is a consultation. If chelation is appropriate, Dr. DeLuca will explain which chelating agent he recommends, how often treatments are scheduled, and how your labs will be monitored. IV treatments take place in our North Palm Beach office under physician supervision.

Frequently asked questions

Is chelation therapy FDA-approved?

Certain chelating agents are FDA-approved for specific conditions, such as lead poisoning. Uses outside those approved indications are off-label, and we'll explain which category your situation falls into.

Can chelation treat heart disease?

Chelation is not an established treatment for heart disease. Clinical trials have produced mixed results, and chelation should never replace care from your cardiologist or primary care physician.

How do you check for heavy metals?

Dr. DeLuca chooses lab tests based on your history and possible exposures, such as a blood lead level. Results are interpreted alongside your symptoms and overall health.

Is chelation safe?

When patients are carefully selected and monitored, chelation is generally well tolerated, but side effects and complications can occur. We check kidney function and mineral levels before and during treatment to help keep you safe.

Ready to talk?

To find out whether chelation makes sense for you, call or text (561) 630-8722 or request a consultation.

Palm Beach Integrative Medicine · 11951 US Highway 1 Ste 105, North Palm Beach, FL 33408 · Mon–Fri 10am–5pm

This page is for general education only and is not a diagnosis, treatment recommendation, or guarantee of results. Decisions about chelation should be made with a qualified physician who knows your history.