Detox Programs and Chelation Claims

Two different things sold under one word

"Detox" can mean a diet or product marketed to remove toxins, or chelation, a medical drug treatment that binds metals. Naturopathic and integrative settings may offer both. NCCIH lists "practitioner-guided detoxification" among naturopathic approaches. [1] Labels used here: established, mixed, insufficient evidence, no good evidence of benefit, evidence of harm, marketing claim.

Detox programs

What they are. Fasting, juice-only plans, restricted diets, supplements, herbs, colon cleansing with enemas, laxatives or colon hydrotherapy, reducing environmental exposures, or sauna use. These may be sold commercially or offered as part of naturopathic treatment. [2]

Claim. The body is full of toxins and the program removes them. The sources we read do not show that a program removes toxins.

What the evidence shows. NCCIH says only a small number of studies exist, with some positive results on weight, insulin resistance and blood pressure, but of low quality. A 2015 review found no compelling research for detox diets for weight management or removing toxins, and a 2017 review said initial weight loss comes from low calorie intake and tends to return when normal eating resumes. [2] No studies on long-term effects were found. [2]

Risks. Regulators have acted against detox products with hidden ingredients and false claims of treating serious disease. [2] Colon cleansing may have serious side effects, more likely with gastrointestinal, kidney or heart disease. [2] Laxatives can cause dehydration, and days of water and herbal tea without food can cause dangerous electrolyte imbalances. [2] Unpasteurized juices can make people sick, especially children, older adults and those with weak immune systems. [2] We do not give programs or fasting schedules here.

See the product claim checks: detox and cleanse claims, detox and weight loss teas, and Panchakarma.

Chelation claims

What chelation is. Medicines that bind metals so the body can remove them. It is a prescription medical treatment, not a general cleanse.

Legitimate medical use. MedlinePlus says chelation can remove high levels of lead that have built up in the body. [3] NCCIH notes that CDC recommends chelation for removing toxic metals in specific serious cases. [2] Treatment decisions depend on blood tests and a clinician's judgment.

Heart disease. The TACT trial gave 1,708 people aged 50 or older with a previous heart attack 40 infusions of an EDTA solution or placebo. The EDTA group had a modestly lower rate of the combined outcome of death, heart attack, stroke, revascularization or angina hospitalization (26% vs 30%), with no effect on death alone. [4] Participants who stopped infusions because of side effects were 15%. [4] The authors said the results guide further research but are not enough to support routine use. [4]

Autism. A Cochrane review found only one trial (of oral DMSA) and no evidence that chelation improves autism symptoms. It cited reports of serious harms including low calcium, kidney impairment and death, and concluded the risks currently outweigh proven benefits. [5]

Testing note. "Provoked" urine tests for heavy metals are sometimes used to justify chelation. We did not find a source we could read on this, so we make no claim about them. Hair testing is covered on the testing claim-check page.

If someone offers you either

Ask what condition is being treated, what test shows it, and who supervises the treatment. Tell your doctor. See red flags in health claims. If you think someone swallowed a harmful amount of a metal or product, see poisoning: what to do first; in the US call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.