EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)

EDTA, or Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, is a chemical compound often used in medicine and industry. It acts as a chelating agent, meaning it binds to metals in the body and helps remove them. This property allows it to treat heavy metal poisoning, like lead or mercury toxicity. Additionally, EDTA is used in some medical tests to measure calcium and other metal levels in the blood. In food and cosmetics, it helps preserve freshness by preventing metal ions from spoiling products. Overall, EDTA plays a significant role in health and preservation through its ability to interact with metal ions.