Thursday, August 20, 2009

ALCAT Food Sensitivity Testing


Earlier this week, we sent in a food sensitivity test for Henry called the ALCAT -- we are testing 200 foods, along with 10 food additive, 10 food colorings, 20 molds, and and a variety a environmental chemicals. This is a simple blood test that allows us to test many things to which Henry may be sensitive and will help us make decisions on how to further improve his wellness. Coincidentally, just today, a friend sent me a link to this Houston news report discussing food sensitivities and the ALCAT test. I am excited for Henry's results to arrive so that we can see what our next steps may be and I am really considering the test for myself as well.

http://sclipo.com/videos/view/alcat-featured-on-my-fox-houston

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6 comments:

  1. Kim,

    Awesome blog! My name is Joe Davis, I am an ALCAT Test Specialist, I work for Cell Science Systems the company that offers the ALCAT Test. I am so excited to hear that Henry is being tested and look forward to his success as you implement his new diet. I am always around to answer questions, feel free to call me anytime. 800-872-5228 ext 114

    Regards,,

    Joe Davis, PBT
    jdavis@alcat.com

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  2. I can't wait to hear what you find out. Who did the testing? How did you end up doing this. Also, I would LOVE you to post on neurofeedback. I love summer, but I can't wait for it to end so we can catch up.

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  3. Could you post the results so far of this testing? I am considering it too, but it will wipe out my savings account, so I'd like to hear if it helped your son. Thank you!

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  4. Sorry to burst the bubble folks, but I just completed the ALCAT Platinum panel and was completely disappointed by the results (despite my high hopes and optimism going into it!) Foods that have been safe for me all my life registerd as "severe intolerance" while garlic (to which I am astronomically reactive and insensitive) registered only as "mild intolerance." This poor identification of my established intolerances went on across the test results, which I rate as completely unreliable. Bottom Line from someone who's tried it: I WOULD NOT SPEND THE MONEY ON ALCAT TESTING. Instead, put your money on a reputable nutritionist who will work with your ACTUAL food experiences and established intolerances. Again, sorry to rain on the parade but you deserve to hear it from someone who's undertaken the experiment. I was SO hoping for reliable answers but ALCAT did not deliver.
    Dave

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  5. Update: In fairness to ALCAT, they responded to my concerns about the testing results as outlined above. It appears that ALCAT stands by the efficacy of their test to detect delayed reactions to substances which may, over time, cause chronic health problems. What I was looking for was something different: identification of my sensitivities that produce immediate, short-term reaction (such as garlic or other unpleasant gastronomic dangers lurking when I go to a new restaurant for example) This, they don't do.

    So do your research and be aware of what ALCAT can and cannot do before you undertake this testing. (My complaint to ALCAT was that their website information never hints at this limitation in their testing.) For me, it was a complete miss between what I sought and what they have to offer.
    Dave hath@gwi.net

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  6. Alcat's website does indeed does mention that "The ALCAT Test is NOT an allergy or IgE test". Here is the link: http://www.alcat.com/clinical_info.php

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