EDTA stands for Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.
Important facts about EDTA:
1. EDTA is a synthetic amino acid compound that is widely used as a chelating agent to bind metal ions such as calcium and magnesium.
2. EDTA is commonly used in the food industry as a preservative to prevent oxidation and discoloration.
3. In medicine, EDTA is used as a chelating agent to treat heavy metal poisoning and to remove excess calcium from the bloodstream in conditions such as hypercalcemia.
4. EDTA is also used in laboratory settings to prevent clotting of blood samples and to stabilize enzymes and proteins.
5. While EDTA is considered safe for most people when used appropriately, long-term or excessive use can lead to potential side effects such as kidney damage. It is important to use EDTA under the guidance of a healthcare professional.