Is Mold Toxicity On Your Radar? Wondering How To Test Your Body?
Disclaimer
This blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is recommended to see a doctor if you have any health concerns or are starting a new health regimen.
What is Mold Toxicity?
Mold toxicity refers to the adverse health effects that can occur due to exposure to mold and the mycotoxins it produces. Mycotoxins are toxic substances released by certain types of mold, and they can have various detrimental effects on human health.
In this blog, I will list a few testing options for assessing mold toxicity in the body and talk about the test I have used myself and I am currently using in my practice. It's important to note that there is no definitive or perfect test that can provide an absolute answer. Mold toxicity is a complex issue influenced by various factors, and it is recommended to work with a healthcare practitioner experienced in mold related illnesses to obtain a comprehensive evaluation.
Body Testing
VCS Contrast Sensitivity Testing: https://www.vcstest.com/
The Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS) test measures the visual system's sensitivity to variations in contrast, which can provide insights into potential visual impairments and neurotoxic effects associated with certain conditions, including mold exposure.
It's important to note that while the VCS test can provide insights and raise suspicions about potential health conditions, it is more like a starting point, and it does not provide a definitive diagnosis. The test should be used as a part of a comprehensive medical evaluation conducted by a healthcare professional experienced in mold related illnesses.
Sinus Swab and Culture
Sinus swab and culture tests are diagnostic tools that can be used to assess the presence of mold or fungal infections in the sinuses. These tests aim to identify the specific types of mold or fungi that may be causing sinus related symptoms or potential mold toxicity.
It's important to note that while sinus swab and culture tests can provide valuable information, they have limitations and can give false negative results.
If the swab does not collect an adequate sample or fails to reach the affected area in the sinuses, it may lead to false negative results. Also, not all molds or fungi may be detected through this method, and the results may not necessarily indicate mold toxicity.
Due to these limitations, sinus swab and culture tests may not always provide a definitive diagnosis. Healthcare professionals typically consider the test results alongside other diagnostic methods and factors to gain a comprehensive assessment. Additional testing, evaluation, and consideration of various factors may be necessary to obtain a more accurate understanding of mold related health concerns.
Urine Mycotoxin Testing
Shows body burden and it does not say if it is a current or past exposure.
Urine mycotoxin testing is a diagnostic procedure that analyzes urine samples to detect and quantify mycotoxins, which are toxic substances produced by certain molds or fungi. This type of testing aims to assess exposure to mycotoxins and evaluate potential health risks associated with mold exposure.
During urine mycotoxin testing, a urine sample is collected from the individual being tested. The sample is then analyzed in a laboratory using specialized techniques. Common methods used for urine mycotoxin testing include ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry).
Read more about the two methods here: PMID: 32405376.
Some of these are:
ELISA:
Mycotoxin Panel- Realtime Lab
MycoToxin Profile- US Biotek
Mass Spectrometry
MycoTox Profile- Mosaic Diagnostics
Mycotoxins- Vibrant Wellness
Mycotoxin Antibody- Blood Serum
This might be a good option for those who do not detox well.
The My MycoLab blood test is a specific type of testing that assesses IgG and IgE antibodies to various mycotoxins in the body- 12 of them. It measures the immune response to mycotoxins by detecting the presence and levels of these antibodies in the blood.
IgG antibodies are typically associated with a delayed immune response and can persist in the bloodstream for a longer duration. Elevated IgG antibody levels to specific mycotoxins may suggest past exposure or a previous immune reaction to those toxins.
IgE antibodies, on the other hand, are associated with an immediate immune response and are commonly elevated during active or recent exposure to mycotoxins. Elevated IgE antibody levels may indicate ongoing or recent exposure to mycotoxins.
Keep in mind, the antibodies on this test can also be elevated if mold colonization is present in the body.
This test requires a visit to a laboratory or a qualified healthcare professional who is licensed to draw blood.
Organic Acids Test- Mosaic Diagnostics & Vibrant Wellness
Certain markers on the Organic Acids Test (OAT) can indicate the presence of mold colonization in the gut. Markers such as 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furoic acid, Furan 2,5-dicarboxylic acid, Furancarbonylglycine and Tartaric acid are by-products of Aspergillus and other fungal species. Elevated levels of these markers may suggest the growth of Aspergillus mold from food or water damage in the digestive system. Additionally, Tricarballyllic acid (marker 9) is associated with fungal toxins.
These markers are significant because Aspergillus produces aflatoxin, a specific mycotoxin known to be a carcinogen. Mycotoxins can also have detrimental effects on the kidneys and liver. Mold presence in the gut can suppress immune function, making individuals more susceptible to other microbial overgrowths.
This test also includes markers for oxalates, glutathione and methylation.
It is worth noting that there is often a correlation between mold and yeast. Many individuals with mold exposure may also experience yeast overgrowth, such as Candida species, in their digestive system.
Blood and Genetic Testing
In addition to the blood tests mentioned earlier, there are other markers and genetic tests that can provide insights into mold related health issues:
MMP-9 (Matrix Metalloproteinase-9): Elevated levels of MMP-9 can indicate ongoing inflammation and tissue remodeling, which may be associated with mold exposure and related health conditions.
C3a and C4a: Complement proteins C3a and C4a are markers of immune system activation. Elevated levels may suggest an immune response to mold exposure.
TGF-B (Transforming Growth Factor-Beta): TGF-B is involved in tissue repair and immune regulation. Elevated levels may indicate ongoing inflammation and tissue damage related to mold exposure.
IL-1B (Interleukin-1 Beta): IL-1B is a pro-inflammatory cytokine. Elevated levels may suggest an inflammatory response to mold exposure.
Other laboratory findings associated with mold related health issues may include low iron and low B12 levels, elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT), elevated markers of inflammation (CRP, IL-6, IL-10), low white blood cell and red blood cell counts, low albumin and glutathione levels, elevated uric acid, presence of blood or elevated urobilinogen in urine, and positive ANA (antinuclear antibodies).
Genetic testing can provide insights into genetic susceptibility to mold related health issues. It may include analyzing HLA DR/DQ genes (specifically DRB1, DQB1, DRB3-5) and detoxification related genetic variations (SNPs) that can impact how the body handles toxins.
While holistic practitioners can offer valuable support in terms of detox protocols, dietary recommendations, functional testing, and overall wellness strategies, it is important to consult with a doctor who specializes in mold related illnesses for blood testing and interpretation.
Which Test is Better?
Choosing the appropriate test for mold toxicity is best determined by your healthcare practitioner based on your specific situation and symptoms. There is no single "better" test that applies to everyone. Each test has its own strengths and limitations, and the choice depends on various factors such as the suspected source of exposure, symptoms, medical history, and individual circumstances.
While urine tests can provide information about what is being excreted from the body, a negative or low result urine test does not necessarily rule out mold toxicity, as some individuals cannot detox. Other tests, such as blood tests or genetic testing, can provide different insights into immune responses, inflammation, and genetic susceptibility.
In some cases, when there are clear symptoms of mold exposure and a known or obvious mold exposure source, healthcare practitioners may decide not to conduct specific mold testing. Instead, they may rely on the correlation between symptoms and exposure to make a clinical diagnosis. This approach is based on the understanding that the presence of symptoms and exposure to mold are strong indicators of mold toxicity.
It's important to work closely with a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner who can consider your symptoms, exposure history, and various factors to determine the most appropriate testing approach for your specific case. They will consider a holistic view, including your overall health, in order to provide an accurate assessment and guide treatment decisions effectively.
Testing I Did Myself And Use In My Practice
I have personally utilized urine mycotoxin testing for both myself and my clients in my practice.
During the time when I was severely ill, the test results showed positive for only one mycotoxin. However, as I gradually improved and reached about 80% recovery, the subsequent test revealed positive results for almost all the mycotoxins tested. This highlighted the significance of one's detoxification ability in influencing the test results.
It is crucial to have a discussion with your healthcare practitioner to determine which test is most suitable for your specific situation, if any testing. They can provide guidance and expertise to ensure you choose the appropriate testing approach for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Other Things to Consider
Before jumping to testing for mycotoxins or mold toxicity, it is worth considering dietary factors that may contribute to symptoms or exacerbate mold related issues. Certain foods, such as mold contaminated grains, nuts, and dairy products, can contain mycotoxins and may worsen symptoms in individuals who are sensitive or have a compromised immune system.
When testing for mold toxicity, it's important to consider that the available tests may only detect a limited number of mycotoxins. There are numerous types of mycotoxins produced by different molds, and testing for all of them can be challenging.
Although they are sometimes connected, it is important to consider and explore other potential causes of symptoms before attributing them solely to mold exposure. SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), MARCoNS, B12 deficiency, Lyme disease and co-infections, autoimmune diseases, cancer, Mast Cell Activation, and Alzheimer's disease can manifest with symptoms that overlap with mold toxicity.
Where to Order Testing
Urine Mycotoxin and Organic Acids Testing from Vibrant Wellness can be ordered directly through this link: https://wellnesswithoana.wellproz.com/patient/home/
Afterpay and Klarna available (depending on your location).
