Russ, Are you 'allergic' to mercury?


Mercury released from amalgam fillings is taken up by various enzymes and proteins found in the cells, nerves, organs and tissues of the body. This means the hair analysis can’t accurately determine the body burden of mercury because only a portion of the mercury you are exposed to will ever find its way into hair follicles.

In addition, hair mercury analysis only records whether mercury was available to the hair follicle during the time that portion of the hair was growing. It tells us nothing about exposure to mercury before or after that period, nor does it provide any indication about how much mercury is present in the body and the brain. Unless this test is accompanied by a fecal metals test, it doesn’t yield much usable information about the amount, or type, of mercury entering or leaving the body.

However, many believe that the hair analysis is a relatively good test for evaluating the body’s mineral levels, and interpreted correctly, it can be helpful for that purpose. I beleive the best lab for this test is Doctor's Data, Inc. <www.doctorsdata.com>.


Based on my research, I think this test is very useful in determining an ongoing exposure to mercury, especially from amalgam fillings. However, it does not determine the amount of mercury already stored in the body, or what the body is removing naturally. It would be informative if done in conjunction with a fecal metals test. Particularly for those who’ve already had their amalgam fillings removed.It would also be a valuable test for the dentist, and staff, in evaluating their mercury exposure. The test is available in the United States from Metametrix Clinical Laboratories. I beleive the best lab for this test is Doctor's Data, Inc. www.doctorsdata.com.

Testing for Mercury Allergy
Melisa Test®
The MELISA® test (Memory Lymphocyte Immuno Stimulation Assay) measures hypersensitivity to numerous metals, including mercury, by placing a series of metals into contact with the white blood cells of the person being tested and then monitoring the reaction. At the time of publication, this allergy test was the only scientifically proven test of this type.

Test results will enable you to confirm or eliminate the possibility that you’re allergic to mercury or other heavy metals. This test would be useful if you have mercury fillings and also have allergies that haven’t been accurately diagnosed—or if you haven’t adequately responded to treatment for any suspected allergy. It’s very possible that you’ve not accumulated enough mercury in your body to manifest direct symptoms of chronic mercury poisoning, but if you’re allergic to mercury, even small amounts released from your fillings could trigger an allergic reaction and related symptoms.Other indicators of mercury sensitivity include an unusual or dramatic response during, or soon after, the placement or removal of amalgam fillings or an allergic reaction to a variety of foods, chemicals and environmental toxins without being able to find the culprit. Mercury is known to increase the body’s susceptibility to other allergens, making any existing allergies worse.

If any of these conditions apply to you, it’s crucial to investigate further. People who are sensitive to mercury not only suffer from the direct and indirect effects of mercury poisoning, but also from the side effects of an allergic reaction to it. To avoid confusing a mercury allergy with an allergic reaction to another substance, I highly recommend the MELISA® test.

Recommended Testing Laboratories
Fecal Metals Test, Hair Analysis, Urine Challenge, Tests, and Urin Porphyrin Profile
Doctors Data, Inc.
3755 Illinois St.
Charles, IL 60174-7860

Phone: 630-377-8139
Toll free: 800-323-2784
Fax: 630-587-7860

Email: inquiries@doctorsdata.com
Website: www.doctorsdata.com