Another Treatment For Multiple Food Allergies

by Dr. William Crook

In another report at the July 1993 Food Allergy Symposium, Michael McCann, M.D. of Cleveland, OH, described his use of a pancreatic enzyme supplement in patients with multiple food allergies.   In an abstract of his presentation, he said "Treatment of food allergy in adults has been limited to avoidance and use of drugs such as antihistamines, epinephrine and cortisone.

In his presentation, Dr. McCann described his experiences in treating a 37-year-old woman with lifelong eczema, intermittent diarrhea, and weight loss.  Moreover, a biopsy of the mucous membrane lining of the intestines showed significant abnormalities.  Skin tests showed positive reactions to 34 foods.  Her prior treatment consisted of avoidance of known allergic foods, intermittent corticosteroids, antihistamines, and oral cromolyn.  Yet the treatment was only partially successful and she continued to be bothered by both skin rashes and digestive symptoms.

This patient was given 2-4 capsules of a pancreatic enzyme supplement (25,000 U protease/per capsule) before each meal.  She showed a complete clinical remission and resolution of eczema for the first time in her adult life.  She was also able to discontinue all other drugs.

Dr McCann concluded that breaking up the allergens in food proteins by the pancreatic supplement lessened the absorption of large allergenic food particles (polypeptides) and thereby decreased the symptoms in food allergic patients.

Comments by Dr. Crook:  During the last 10 years several physicians including Dr. W. T. Kniker of the University of Texas, San Antonio, have discussed pancreatic enzyme supplements in treating their patients with food allergies.  However, this was the first scientific report I had heard on the subject.  I would appreciate feedback from any readers.

Dr. Crook can be reached at the International Health Foundation, PO Box 3494, Jackson TN 38202. 

Dr. Crook has written several books some of them being: The Yeast Connection, Tracking Down Hidden Food Allergy, Help for the Hyperactive Child, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and the Yeast Connection,  Solving the Puzzle for Your Hard to Raise Child, Detecting Hidden Food Allergies, and The Yeast Connection and the Woman.