chelating agent
[/ˈkiːleɪtɪŋ ˈeɪdʒənt/]
nounpl: chelating agents
agente quelante
1. A chemical compound that forms multiple bonds with a metal ion, effectively trapping or binding it to prevent its participation in other chemical reactions
EDTA is a commonly used chelating agent in medical and industrial applications.
O EDTA é um agente quelante comumente usado em aplicações médicas e industriais.
2. In medicine, a substance used to remove toxic metals or excess minerals from the body through chelation therapy
The doctor prescribed a chelating agent to treat the patient's heavy metal poisoning.
O médico prescreveu um agente quelante para tratar o envenenamento por metais pesados do paciente.
3. In water treatment and food processing, a substance that prevents metal ions from causing discoloration, flavor changes, or spoilage
Food manufacturers add chelating agents to preserve product quality and extend shelf life.
Os fabricantes de alimentos adicionam agentes quelantes para preservar a qualidade do produto e prolongar a vida útil.
The term 'chelating agent' is primarily used in scientific and medical contexts in both Brazilian Portuguese and English-speaking countries. In Brazil, chelation therapy is recognized by ANVISA (National Health Surveillance Agency) for specific medical applications, though its use in alternative medicine remains controversial. In the USA, chelation therapy is FDA-approved only for heavy metal poisoning, while its use for other conditions like autism remains debated within the medical community.
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