“Type IV metal allergy is often overlooked as a culprit in many of today’s chronic illnesses. MELISA testing gives targeted information on what needs to be avoided. I am grateful for MELISA testing, it allows many patients to get their life back, instead of remaining chronically ill for the rest of their days.”  Dr Toril Jelter, MD, Mount Diablo Integrated Wellness Center

MELISA – a valuable diagnostic tool in Functional and Environmental medicine

Inflammation activated by metal allergy may be one of the causes of ill health in patients. MELISA, a clinically validated blood test, will identify if metals are causing an immune reaction, thereby contributing to health problems.

MELISA studies

94% of patients experienced significant health improvement after they followed treatment recommendations based on the result of their MELISA test

(Vrbova R, Podzimek S, Himmlova L, et al. Titanium and Other Metal Hypersensitivity Diagnosed by MELISA® Test: Follow-Up Study BioMed Research International 2021)

76% of chronic fatigue patients experienced health improvement after removing dental restorations containing allergenic metals, identified by MELISA testing

(Stejskal, V, et al. Metal-specific lymphocytes: biomarkers of sensitivity in man. Neuroendocrinology Letters 1999; 20:289-298)

71% of patients with autoimmune diseases and mercury allergy improved after having their amalgam fillings removed

(Prochazkova J, Sterzl I, Kucerova H, Bartova J, Stejskal V. The beneficial effect of amalgam replacement on health in patients with autoimmunity. Neuroendocrinology Letters 2004;25(3):211-218)

50% of fibromyalgia patients showed that after restricting exposure to metals that stimulated their immune system, they no longer fulfilled the criteria for fibromyalgia. 20% had reduced trigger points and all reported improvement in symptoms

(Stejskal V, Öckert K, Bjørklund G. Metal-induced inflammation triggers fibromyalgia in metal-allergic patients, Neuroendocrinol Lett 2013; 34(6):559–565)

63% of patients with connective tissue disease were allergic to two or more metals

(Stejskal V, Reynolds T, Bjørklund G. Increased frequency of delayed type hypersensitivity to metals in patients with connective tissue disease. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology 2015; 31:230-236)

Based on more than 20 years research, MELISA has identified symptoms and indicators for those likely to be metal hypersensitive and if several of these are present, allergy to metals should be considered. Specific metal allergens can be identified with MELISA testing. Most relevant results are obtained when testing is based on current exposure to metals found in fillings, crowns, orthopedic devices, pacemakers, Essure, occupational exposure etc. Studies show that if metal allergy is found, many symptoms will improve or disappear if exposure to relevant metals is reduced. Comprehensive questionnaires and an online version are available. A complete evaluation with a list of metal exposure can be provided if the full questionnaire is completed.

 

Common sources of metal exposure

(exact composition may vary)

Dental crowns: chromium, cobalt, gallium, gold, indium, iridium, nickel manganese, molybdenum, palladium, platinum, silver
Dental (amalgam) fillings: copper, inorganic mercury, nickel, silver, tin
Orthodontic braces and retainers: chromium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel
Dental titanium implants: aluminium, nickel, titanium, vanadium
Knee/hip prostheses: aluminium, chromium, cobalt, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, tungsten, titanium, vanadium
Environmental exposure: cadmium, lead, methyl mercury, nickel, titanium
Surgical stents, clips and coils: chromium, cobalt, gold, molybdenum, nickel, platinum, palladium, titanium
Vaccines: aluminium, thimerosal

Indicators of metal allergy

Atopy – eczema, asthma, food allergies, hayfever (in immediate family also)
Autoimmune disease – rheumatoid arthritis, thyroiditis, coeliac disease, Sjögrens, multiple sclerosis (in immediate family also)
Dermal reactions to costume jewellery, metal piercings, metal clasps and buckles etc
Positive patch testing, dermal allergies to creams, cosmetics
Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple chemical sensitivity and/or multiple non-specific symptoms of unknown origin such as fatigue, pain, “brain fog”, depression

Dental status

Health change after dental/surgical procedures
Burning mouth syndrome, ulcers, oral lichen planus, bleeding gums
Facial rash after implants
Unexplained change in health post implant; fatigue, rashes, joint/muscle pain, headaches, low grade fever, “brain fog”, depression

Surgical status

Slow healing after metal implants
Unexplained pain, loosening or unidentified infection
Generalised dermal rashes
Unexplained change in health post surgery, fatigue, rashes, joint/ muscle pain, headaches, low-grade fever, “brain fog”, depression