title: University of Toronto case-control study of multiple chemical sensitivity-3: intra-erythrocytic mineral levels.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) has an estimated American prevalence of 15%, and no consistently abnormal laboratory tests are available to assist in its diagnosis. Some physicians treating MCS patients have observed changes in intra-erythrocytic minerals (IEMs). As co-factors, minerals could influence detoxication of xenobiotics.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To test whether IEM differed comparing MCS cases with controls.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 408 women meeting validated inclusion and exclusion criteria for MCS participated in this case-control study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No statistically significant differences were observed. However, for copper, chromium, magnesium, molybdenum, sulphur and zinc, mean detectable levels were all lower in cases. No dose-response relationships were found.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  IEM measurements do not appear to provide useful diagnostic markers for MCS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. cornelia.baines@utoronto.ca
authors.forename: Cornelia J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Baines
authors.forename: Gail E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: McKeown-Eyssen
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Riley
authors.forename: Lynn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.forename: Vartouhi
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Jazmaji
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D008903:Minerals / Q000032:analysis*; D018777:Multiple Chemical Sensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009864:Ontario
chemical_list: D008903:Minerals