As we become older, more and more calcium accumulates on the walls of the arteries, creating a relative lack of magnesium. EDTA also reduces the production of free radicals in the body. Free radicals are highly active molecular fragments that form when cells produce energy. When they get out of control, they can damage the tissues and cells of the body. Free radicals have been implicated as a cause of age-related deterioration of the body, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, immune dysfunction and many other diseases.
Toxic metals can increase the production of free radicals.
Since chelation removes these metals from the body, it reduces the free radical load. One study showed a markedly lower incidence of cancer among patients who had received chelation therapy, confirming beneficial effect of EDTA on free radical production. There are a few reasons for it. The patent on EDTA has expired in the early 1960s, which means that any pharmaceutical company can manufacture it. Yet, the cardiac surgery department is usually the biggest money maker for any hospital.