Chelation (key-LAY-shun) comes from the Greek word chele, meaning “to claw” or “to bind.” In chelation therapy, the body is rid of unnecessary and toxic metals. Chelation is employed by a growing number of physicians to reverse the process of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). This reversal is accomplished in part through the removal of the calcium content of plaque from the artery walls, through the administration of the chelating agents. Chelation therapy has been used safely on more than five hundred thousand patients. Life Choice CLAW contains the following: L-Carnitine: This amino acid is found abundantly in skeletal muscle. It functions primarily to regulate fat metabolism, and to carry fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they are converted to energy. L-Carnitine also facilitates the removal of short and medium chain fatty acids from the mitochondria that accumulate during normal metabolic processes. L-Carnitine has the potential to improve fat metabolism, increase endurance, and enhance the normal functioning of the heart. Pantothenic Acid: Pantothenic acid is important to metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It also helps synthesize hormones and cholesterol. Pantothenic acid can be found in most plants and animals. Vitamin K2: Vitamin K2 is known as a procoagulant and may be useful for atherosclerosis, heart disease, nausea, and osteoporosis. Deficiency can cause bleeding. Recently, the journal ScienceDaily published a study in which Vitamin K2 showed great potential for another neurological disease, Parkinson’s disease. Like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s is associated with malfunctioning mitochondria. When brain cells do not have enough energy, they begin to die off, disrupting signals and causing movement impediments. In the study, fruit flies that were given the Parkin mutation were no longer able to fly. K2 supplementation improved mitochondrial energy and restored flying ability. Hawthorn: Hawthorn is used to support the heart’s metabolic process and to increase oxygen utilization and blood supply, which enables the body to maintain healthy blood pressure levels. It also provides nourishment to the body, which helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and decreases the amount of existing arterial plaque. Supplementation also helps keep the arteries open supplying the heart with blood. Finally, Hawthorne also increases energy production in the heart so that the heart can contract more forcefully and maintain a steadier rhythm. L-Arginine: L-Arginine reduces blood platelet aggregation, which reduces the build-up of cholesterol along arterial walls. It stimulates lymphocyte (white blood cell) production to support the body’s immune system. It also supports blood circulation to the genitals. Magnesium (Orotate): The body uses magnesium to maintain proper electrolyte levels, a regular heartbeat and healthy blood pressure. Magnesium works in conjunction with other minerals such as calcium and potassium to facilitate proper neurological, muscular and cardiovascular function. Magnesium and potassium are important for establishing the proper ionic equilibrium of the two minerals. These minerals form a fully reacted chelate. Coenzyme Q10: A potent, fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect cellular membranes. Also offers protection against potent low-density lipoprotein (LDL) peroxidation, a process that causes LDL molecules to adhere to artery walls, causing cholesterol deposits. CoQ10 provides nourishment for the body’s natural defense system and support for healthy cardiovascular function and blood pressure levels. It also supports healthy gum tissue. Guggul Extract: Guggul lowers VLDL and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while simultaneously raising HDL cholesterol. This indicates Guggul’s primary use for providing a protection effective against atherosclerosis. The thyroid is stimulated to increase the body’s metabolic rate and the liver is stimulated to metabolize LDL cholesterol, effectively lowering the amount in the bloodstream. In addition to protecting against the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, guggul provides regression of pre-existing plaques, plus mildly inhibiting platelet aggregation and promoting fibrinolysis, (which are) factors involved in stroke and embolic events. The guggul extract presents an anti-inflammatory action comparable to one-fifth that of hydrocortisone, and equal to that of phenylbutazone and ibuprofen. Potassium: This mineral is important for a healthy nervous system and for regular heart rhythm. It helps prevent stroke, aids in proper muscle contraction, and works together with magnesium to prevent calcium-oxalate kidney stones. Selenium: Selenium’s principal function is to inhibit the oxidation of lipids (fats) and used in the production of antibodies to help maintain a healthy heart and liver. Selenium deficiency has been linked to cancer and heart disease. Folic Acid: This vitamin is considered a brain food, and is needed for energy production and the formation of red blood cells. Folic acid regulates homocysteine levels. High levels of homocysteine have been found to be associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries due to the accumulation of fatty plaque). Vitamin B12: B12 is important in helping the body create new red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. Signs of low B12 levels include lightheadedness and weakness. Non-Medicinal Ingredients: EDTA: Used orally at home or intravenously under the supervision of a physician, EDTA is used to rid the body of excess toxins, particularly metals such as cadmium, lead, and mercury. These toxic metals enter the body through food, water, and other means. EDTA draws out these toxic metals and excretes them via the kidneys. Oral chelation can often prevent problems from occurring by restoring circulation to the body’s tissues. Malic Acid: Malic acid is present in all living cells and is essential for converting sugars and fats into ATP (your body’s energy source). It supports the energy production that is important for proper muscle function. Malic acid acts as a catalyst to the Krebs cycle by producing energy from the burning of pyruvic acid. Malic acid has traditionally been used for stress, tender points, pain, persistent fatigue, muscular pain, arthritic-like symptoms, and for recovery from exercise. Studies have shown that malic acid, when given with magnesium, resulted in a 41% reduction in tender points after four weeks and 76% after eight weeks. In some cases, noticeable improvement was evident in as little as 48 hours. Other Non-Medicinal Ingredients: Cellulose, Hypromellose, Magnesium stearate This advanced formulation is designed to offer a safe, convenient alternative for persons who are at risk for circulatory problems or problems caused by toxic metal accumulation, or just prevention. In addition to helping the cardiovascular system, many other disorders could be improved. This product also offers improvement with blood cholesterol levels, removal of calcium from hardened arteries, and is an effective cross-linking inhibitor. To prevent mineral depletion during the chelation process, CLAW should always be used in conjunction with a multi-mineral, such as our Opti-Cal/Mag with K2. The general guideline for CLAW dosage is one bottle per 10 years of life (for example, a 40 year old would go through 4 bottles).