| Candida hypersensitivity | |
|---|---|
| systemic candidiasis, chronic candidiasis | |
| Pseudomedical diagnosis | |
| Risks | Nocebo |
Candida hypersensitivity is apseudoscientific syndrome promoted by William G. Crook, M.D.[1] It is spuriously claimed that chronic yeast infections are responsible for many common disorders andnon-specific symptoms includingfatigue,weight gain,constipation,dizziness, muscle and jointpain,asthma, and others.[2]
Candida albicans is afungus that colonizes a large majority of the population (meaning it is present in the body but not causing an infection or any problems). Under certain conditions, however, it can cause aninfection. The most common manifestations are thrush (a superficialCandida infection in the mouth) andvaginitis, also commonly referred to as a yeast infection. SeveralCandida species can also cause a serious infection known asinvasive candidiasis, which can be systemic if blood borne (candidaemia). This is almost always restricted to those withcompromised immune systems, such as patients undergoingchemotherapy or with advancedAIDS, or undergoing medical treatments.[2]
After reading publications by C. Orian Truss, M.D.,[3] Crook proposed the idea that a condition he termed systemic candidiasis, orCandida hypersensitivity, was responsible for a long list of common conditions andnon-specific symptoms includingfatigue,asthma,psoriasis,sexual dysfunction, and many others.[2] The list of symptoms is similar to that ofmultiple chemical sensitivity.[4] Many patients presenting with symptoms of environmental sensitivity claim to suffer from multiple "fashionable" syndromes.[5]
By 2005, scientists were taking note of "a largepseudoscientific cult"[6] that had developed around the topic ofyeast infections, with claims that up to one in three people were affected by yeast-related illnesses including Candida hypersensitivity.[4]
Some practitioners of alternative medicine have promoted dietary supplements as supposed cures for this non-existent illness, rendering themselves liable to prosecution.[4][7] In 1990, alternative health vendor Nature's Way signed aFTC consent agreement not to misrepresent in advertising any self-diagnostic test concerning yeast conditions or to make any unsubstantiated representation concerning any food or supplement's ability to control yeast conditions, with a fine of US$30,000 payable to theNational Institutes of Health for research in genuine candidiasis.[7]
