PHENOL INTOLERANCE SYNDROME
Phenol intolerance syndrome occurs when phenol builds up in the system due to slow or incomplete metabolism of phenolic compounds from food or the environment. This can be due to genetic predisposition and/or too high a load on the body of these compounds. Many foods are high in phenolic compounds and food additives, medications, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can add to the overall load of phenolic compounds and overwhelm tolerance.
REACTIONS TO PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS
Intolerance to phenolic compounds can result in a number of reactions that include redness of face and ears, dark circles under the eyes, fatigue, agitation, anxiety, muscle and joint aches and pains, indigestion, constipation and/or diarrhea, abdominal pain, insomnia, nightmares, wake tired, headache, foggy-headedness (inability to focus, concentrate, and recall), and hyperactive and erratic behavior in children.
PHENOL EXPOSURE
Phenolic compounds are present in fruits (esp. berries, grapes, and citrus), vegetables, grains (esp. soy and oats), and nut (esp. walnut), and oils (esp. olive). Herbs, cocoa (chocolate), wine, coffee, and tea are all high in phenolic compounds. Food additives (artificial colorings and flavorings) and volatile organic compounds are also sources of phenolic compounds.
PHENOLIC COMPOUND METABOLISM
Most fruits and vegatables promote the enzymes - phenol sulfotranferases (PST) - that metabolize phenolic compounds. Some foods decrease these enzymes through the complexity of their metabolism with citrus and wine as examples.
Artificial food additives like colors and flavorings are syntheic phenolic compounds that show potent inhibition of these enzymes. Food additive inhibition has been shown to effect neurotransmitter metabolism.
Levels of phenol sulfotranferases are subject to genetic variation and there is a genetic predisposition to being intolerant to phenolic compounds. PST level and activity can be supported specific nutrition.
PHENOLIC COMPOUND INTOLERANCE
It is worth considering phenol intolerance syndrome as a possible cause for reactions commonly associated with the intolerance when a physician workup has shown no other cause
