# Blood test for inflammation **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 23, 2019, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-test-for-inflammation/840703 "2019-09-23T15:03:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2019, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-test-for-inflammation/840703/1 "2019-09-23T15:03:00Z")
I know that there are blood test for general inflammation like C-reactive protein but this is not about those tests. I heard about a test that works like this: you eat a different variety of food over two weeks then this blood test tells you exactly what foods are causing the inflammation. Has anyone heard of this test? ---
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2019, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-test-for-inflammation/840703/2 "2019-09-23T15:28:08Z")
There is a specific test for celiac, and for auto-immune issues, is that what you mean? Or more general like erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and procalcitonin (PCT)? ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2019, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-test-for-inflammation/840703/3 "2019-09-23T16:22:01Z")
Have not but my woo alarm is hurting my ear pans. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2019, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-test-for-inflammation/840703/4 "2019-09-23T16:39:31Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > Have not but my woo alarm is hurting my ear pans. This x 100. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2019, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-test-for-inflammation/840703/5 "2019-09-23T17:07:12Z")
Coincidentally I found references to these tests Antibody-Based Tests Antibody-based food sensitivity tests measure your production of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to foods. They’re available under various brand names. OR Antigen Leukocyte Cellular Antibody Test (ALCAT) or its successor Mediator Release Test (MRT) ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2019, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-test-for-inflammation/840703/6 "2019-09-23T19:45:13Z")
My woo detector is also blaring at what was described in the OP. The [ALCAT](http://quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Tests/alcat/overview.html) and MRT have a bad reputation, as described [here](http://www3.med.unipmn.it/papers/2013/LWW_Journals/2013-03-11_lww/Food_Sensitivity_Testing___Evidence_Based_Practice.1.pdf). IgG antibody testing in this context is poorly regarded also. _“It’s been a long debate as to whether IgG antibodies, a different kind antibody than IgE, have anything to do with predicting food intolerances. I asked Robert Hamilton, a professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University who runs a diagnostic allergy laboratory, what the deal was. He didn’t his mince words: “There is no firm, peer reviewed data that verifies that IgG antibody is diagnostically useful,” he tells me. “This type of food sensitivity test is essentially a bogus test.” He says that the presence of IgG antibodies for a certain food in my blood could merely mean I was recently exposed to it, not that I was sensitive in any way.”_ > **[Our Obsession With What We Can and Cannot Eat Is Getting Worse](https://www.vice.com/en/article/43778n/food-intolerance-tests-are-shoddy-science-and-traps-for-disordered-eating)** > > People are eliminating foods based on BS intolerance tests. There are useful laboratory tests to detect genuine conditions i.e. food allergies and celiac disease. There is also a ton of misinformation out there about food intolerances and nonspecific symptoms (headaches, lack of energy, “brain fog” etc.) which are blamed on certain foods without valid evidence. ---
**Author:** ![Kimera757](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kimera757/32/3765_2.png) [@Kimera757](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimera757)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2019, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-test-for-inflammation/840703/7 "2019-09-23T19:55:48Z")
Any time I hear about this kind of thing (anti-inflammatory diets, and the like) I think “what, exactly, is inflamed?” > [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > I know that there are blood test for general inflammation like C-reactive protein but this is not about those tests. I heard about a test that works like this: you eat a different variety of food over two weeks then this blood test tells you exactly what foods are causing the inflammation. Has anyone heard of this test? That’s a pretty incredible test. As in “not credible”. It’s miraculous, because that sort of precision requires a miracle. It’s a fantastic fantasy. It’s unbelievable, literally. It can tell _exactly_ what food types are causing inflammation of the … I don’t know… over the course of two weeks. The only thing the test can tell you is that something caused the inflammation (and I don’t see why that should require a blood test). At best, you’re going to get a lot of false positives. ---
**Author:** ![Flyer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/flyer/32/7298_2.png) [@Flyer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flyer)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2019, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-test-for-inflammation/840703/8 "2019-09-24T04:47:27Z")
> [@Kimera757](#): > > Any time I hear about this kind of thing (anti-inflammatory diets, and the like) I think “what, exactly, is inflamed?” It’s become known in recent years that chronic inflammation is a significant factor in causing several diseases. > [@](#): > > Chronic inflammation plays a central role in some of the most challenging diseases of our time, including rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and even Alzheimer’s. > **[Fighting Inflammation - Harvard Health](https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-inflammation)** > > Chronic inflammation plays a central role in some of the most challenging diseases of our time, including rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and even Alzheimer’s. ... > [@](#): > > Many people think of inflammation in terms of external signs: swelling, bruising and so on. But in truth, uncontrolled inflammation plays a role in almost every major disease, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and even depression. > **[Inflammation: What You Need To Know](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21660-inflammation)** > > Is inflammation your friend or foe? If you guessed both, you’re right. Learn how it affects your body and ways to keep its harmful effects at bay. > [@](#): > > Inflammation can affect organs as part of an autoimmune disorder. The type of symptoms depend on which organs are affected. For example: > > ``` > Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) may cause shortness of breath or fluid retention. > Inflammation of the small tubes that transport air to the lungs may cause shortness of breath. > Inflammation of the kidneys (nephritis) may cause high blood pressure or kidney failure. > > ``` > **[Inflammation](https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/about-inflammation#2-6)** > > WebMD explains inflammation, a process by which the body's immune system malfunctions. Find out how it is associated with arthritis and other autoimmune conditions. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2019, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-test-for-inflammation/840703/9 "2019-09-24T13:44:08Z")
> [@Flyer](#): > > It’s become known in recent years that chronic inflammation is a significant factor in causing several diseases. I see that your Cleveland Clinic link, after confidently announcing that chronic inflammation plays a role in Alzheimer’s disease, later notes that inflammation _may_ have a role in Alzheimer’s. :dubious: The alleged link to depression is also shaky. _“Probably the most important lessons that we have learned about inflammation and depression are that depression is not an inflammatory disorder and not every patient with depression has increased inflammation. Although a multitude of studies have demonstrated increased mean concentrations of a variety of inflammatory markers in depressed patients compared with controls—including reproducible increases in the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and the acute phase protein C-reactive protein (CRP)—there is considerable variability within the depressed population. Indeed, despite the question being asked repeatedly, we do not know the percentage (of) patients in whom inflammation plays a role.”_ [http://psychiatrictimes.com/special-reports/five-things-know-about-inflammation-and-depression](http://psychiatrictimes.com/special-reports/five-things-know-about-inflammation-and-depression) Key things to ask about inflammation and various disorders - does the inflammation _precipitate_ or worsen the disease, or have any significant role in its etiology? Or does it accompany the illness after it’s broken out? And for the purposes of this discussion, do we have tests that can accurately pinpoint the presence and cause of inflammation and have usefulness in its treatment or prevention? Finally, note that there are companies marketing a variety of tests whose utility has been questioned, but which apparently have a successful business model based on referrals from practitioners whose definitions of disease fall outside the mainstream (to put it gently). It’s a good idea to read up on these tests and learn about their value and limitations before depending on them to (for example) severely limit one’s diet. ---
**Author:** ![Kimera757](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kimera757/32/3765_2.png) [@Kimera757](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimera757)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2019, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-test-for-inflammation/840703/10 "2019-09-24T17:10:18Z")
At least there’s some details now… > [@Flyer](#): > > It’s become known in recent years that chronic inflammation is a significant factor in causing several diseases. > > Chronic inflammation plays a central role in some of the most challenging diseases of our time, including rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and even Alzheimer’s. Sounds way too broad. Inflammation is a symptom, not a cause. Of those, only half (rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and asthma) even make any sense. > [@](#): > > Many people think of inflammation in terms of external signs: swelling, bruising and so on. But in truth, uncontrolled inflammation plays a role in almost every major disease, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and even depression. What is being inflamed in depression? When someone sells snake oil, they come up with a vague cure that heals everything. > [@](#): > > Inflammation can affect organs as part of an autoimmune disorder. The type of symptoms depend on which organs are affected. For example: > > Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) may cause shortness of breath or fluid retention. While the symptoms make sense, I would need to see proof that myocarditis is an auto-immune disorder. Furthermore, I’d need to see what cures auto-immune disorders without suppressing the immune system. ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2019, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-test-for-inflammation/840703/11 "2019-09-24T18:37:37Z")
> [@Kimera757](#): > > At least there’s some details now… > > Sounds way too broad. Inflammation is a symptom, not a cause. Of those, only half (rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and asthma) even make any sense. > > What is being inflamed in depression? When someone sells snake oil, they come up with a vague cure that heals everything. > > While the symptoms make sense, I would need to see proof that myocarditis is an auto-immune disorder. Furthermore, I’d need to see what cures auto-immune disorders without suppressing the immune system. Inflammation has become the medical theory de jour and has been seized upon by alternative woo-woos. However, myocarditis is by definition inflammation of the heart muscle. Though it’s often caused by viruses, fungi, and the like, [it can be caused by lupus.](https://www.lupus.org/resources/how-lupus-affects-the-heart-and-circulation) I have lupus, and it’s one of the things docs say to watch out for. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2019, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-test-for-inflammation/840703/12 "2019-09-25T05:33:49Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > My woo detector is also blaring at what was described in the OP. > > The [ALCAT](http://quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Tests/alcat/overview.html) and MRT have a bad reputation, as described [here](http://www3.med.unipmn.it/papers/2013/LWW_Journals/2013-03-11_lww/Food_Sensitivity_Testing___Evidence_Based_Practice.1.pdf). > > IgG antibody testing in this context is poorly regarded also. > > \*"It’s been a long debate as to whether IgG antibodies, a different kind antibody than IgE, have anything to do with predicting food intolerances. I asked Robert Hamilton, a professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University who runs a diagnostic allergy laboratory, what the deal was… A “professor of medicine” they said? Is that an actual, credible title? ---
**Author:** ![Kimera757](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kimera757/32/3765_2.png) [@Kimera757](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimera757)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2019, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-test-for-inflammation/840703/13 "2019-09-25T13:25:42Z")
> [@nelliebly](#): > > However, myocarditis is by definition inflammation of the heart muscle. Though it’s often caused by viruses, fungi, and the like, [it can be caused by lupus.](https://www.lupus.org/resources/how-lupus-affects-the-heart-and-circulation) I have lupus, and it’s one of the things docs say to watch out for. Is there any evidence that an “anti-inflammatory” diet would help with that? Because I’m thinking something prescribed by the doctor who is managing lupus (the person who has access to your blood tests, scans, etc) would be more useful. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2019, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-test-for-inflammation/840703/14 "2019-09-25T13:48:33Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > A “professor of medicine” they said? Is that an actual, credible title? [Yep](http://hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/results/directory/profile/3083329/robert-hamilton). _“Robert G. Hamilton, Ph.D., D.ABMLI is currently Professor of Medicine and Pathology at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. He joined the Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology of the Department of Medicine in 1981 and is the Director of the Dermatology-Allergy Clinical Immunology (DACI) Reference Laboratory. He is a fellow of the American Academy and College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. He has served as co-editor the past 2 editions of the Manual of Molecular and Clinical Laboratory Immunology. He has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications, reviews and book chapters. He lectures on a variety of topics, including laboratory diagnosis and management of human allergic disease and assessment of immunogenicity and allergenicity of new drugs.”_ Note that in addition to dubious “anti-inflammatory diets”, there are people eager to sell you diet plans and supplements to combat [alleged “leaky gut syndrome”](https://badgut.org/information-centre/a-z-digestive-topics/leaky-gut-syndrome/). ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2019, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-test-for-inflammation/840703/15 "2019-09-26T00:15:39Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > [Yep](http://hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/results/directory/profile/3083329/robert-hamilton). > \*"Robert G. Hamilton, Ph.D., D.ABMLI is currently Professor of Medicine and Pathology at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. He joined the Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology of the Department of Medicine in 1981 \* ISTR he was one of my attendings back in 1982 during my Senior Osler Medicine rotation. My main recollection of him is that he didn’t seem to practice the Sadistic Socratic method of teaching. At least not that I saw.