Studies Affirm Role of Food Sensitivity in Skin and GI Disorders

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. and ISTANBUL, June 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, at the annual meeting of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, in Istanbul, Turkey, doctors from the University Teaching Hospital in Pavia, Italy, reported on their success in treating patients with both gastrointestinal and skin disorders by testing for food sensitivities and avoiding reactive foods.  

Food sensitivity testing and dietary modification is increasingly recognized by researchers, clinicians and other health care providers as a viable treatment modality for a number of chronic health problems. The researchers used the ALCAT Test for food and chemical sensitivity, which is included in the hospital’s official registry of services.  

Chronic inflammatory and degenerative conditions, ranging from skin problems like eczema and psoriasis to IBS, Crohn’s, and celiac disease, as well as many auto-immune diseases, respond to avoidance of specifically identified food sensitivities/intolerances.

Two of the most recent studies conducted at the University of Pavia teaching hospital showed positive results using the ALCAT Test.  The first of which, “Evaluation of The ALCAT Test results in the non IgE-mediated pathology of the skin” (De Amici, M., Berardi, L. et al), involving 35 patients, concluded that an elimination diet based on ALCAT Test results improved symptoms in 97% of patients, with  66% of those experiencing important improvements.  The second study, “ALCAT Test results in the treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms” (Berardi, L., De Amici M., et all), involving 48 patients, concluded that an elimination diet based on ALCAT results improved symptoms in 98% of patients.  In particular, symptom improvements were most evident in patients with higher symptom scores prior to treatment.

These study results are consistent with the work conducted by the University of Maryland’s Center for Celiac Research, led by Dr. Alessio  Fasano, that recently provided the first scientific evidence demonstrating that gluten sensitivity differs from celiac disease at a molecular level and the response it elicits from the immune system. Continuing research from Dr. Fasano and the team of the Center for Celiac Research identify three factors underlying auto-immune diseases:

1. A hyper-permeable, or, “leaky” gut.
2. A genetic pre-disposition.
3. Sensitivity to a food, which acts as a trigger.

It is the foods and other factors that act as triggers that the ALCAT test identifies.

The University of Pavia studies reaffirm the need for accurate food sensitivity testing in general medicine.  As stated by Cell Science Systems’ Medical Director, Dr. Fred Pescatore, “For ten years I have used the ALCAT test in my practice – no other test is as accurate or useful.”  

Cell Science Systems, Corp. (CSS), located in Deerfield Beach, Florida, is a life sciences company and the worldwide market leader in food sensitivity testing as the manufacturer of the ALCAT Test. CSS operates a State of Florida and US government (CLIA) licensed laboratory; as well as an FDA registered, ISO certified, cGMP, medical device manufacturing facility. It is the sole owner of ALCAT Europe, GmbH, near Berlin, Germany, a European Union supported clinical and research facility of ALCAT testing services in the European Community. The ALCAT test identifies cellular reactions to over 350 foods, chemicals and herbs. These inflammatory reactions are linked to chronic health problems like obesity and diabetes, as well as skin, heart, joint, and digestive disorders.

SOURCE Cell Science Systems, Corp.