Advertisement
« Previous | Main | Next »

Food intolerance test

Post categories:

Rob Unsworth - editor | 18:08 UK time, Monday, 16 February 2009

In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions

Julia Bradbury went under cover to reveal how a 'food intolerance' test available from high street gyms, spas and chemists is a waste of money.

It's called the Kymatika K-Test and is marketed as a 'revolutionary' non-invasive way to diagnose food intolerances. The test costs on average £30, and, according to the company that developed it, is the culmination of three and a half years of dedicated research.

However, when Julia took the test twice in the same afternoon, she got very different results.

Tricks your body
At a branch of Superdrug in London, Julia was asked to sit down and place her hand on a black box, with her fingers resting on special pads. A nurse told Jules the machine "would bombard your body with 40 different sequences, so it tricks your body into thinking you've had 40 different foods".

A few minutes later the test was complete. Jules paid £30 and left the Superdrug with a print out of her results.

They showed she had no actual intolerances, but did have a 'sensitivity' to onions.

Different results
Later that afternoon Jules tried the test again, this time at an independent chemist in another part of London. It looked like the same black box, and the same procedure, but the results were completely different.

This time Jules was advised she did have intolerances, and should actually cut out certain foods from her diet. These included milk, lager, apples, bananas, garlic and onions.

Other members of the Watchdog team also each took the test several times on different days. They were all given different results each time.

No medical proof
Dr. Ben Goldacre, author of Bad Science, was not surprised at the inconsistency of the results. He says there is no medical proof to show that the test is reliable: "I would have very serious concerns about any nurse or pharmacist who was endorsing this frankly ridiculous voodoo science product," he said. "The bottom line is they have presented no evidence to show this machine diagnoses food intolerance."

He also expressed his concern that the test was being made available at all: "I think it could be practically harmful because people will exclude food groups that they don't need to. People may have a genuine medical problem which gets missed because of this theatrical machine."

Catherine Collins is the Principle Dietician at St George's Hospital in London. She is also concerned about the K-Test: "It gives you food exclusions which are not as a result of any proper scientific scrutiny. Following the advice long term could mean developing nutritional deficiencies."

Scrutiny
Watchdog has found that the test results cited by the makers of the K-Test do not stand up to scrutiny. To be considered as valid evidence, tests on any medicines or products have to be conducted in a controlled way and which does not appear to be the case with the K-Test. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is currently investigating the Kymatika K-Test.

Watchdog contacted the people behind the K-Test. They said that: "The K-Test is based on scientific research, and clinical evidence. We do not accept that the results are unreliable and we do not recommend two K-tests a day. The product is substantially cheaper than alternative food intolerance tests available on the market.

"We don't think the K-test could be detrimental to health and well-being. Its focus is to act as an indicator of an individual's digestive profile and to help identify food substances which may be causing problems to that individual. This is in line with the food exclusion practice of many GPs and healthcare specialists in helping to support individuals.

"We havn't seen the results of the tests [carried out by the Watchdog team] so cannot comment on these. However it's clear that repeat tests were conducted within a very short time period. This is in conflict with our standard operating procedures and training materials which state that customers should only use one test per day. We understand that your team were advised of this accordingly at the time.

"The information contained within our website aims to provide factual information to support those in need of it. The website also provides options for alternatives should people choose to exclude foods, therefore we help ensure they retain an appropriate nutritional balance."

When Watchdog contacted Superdrug they said: "At the time of going to market we believed it was the best test available on the high street without the patient having to take a blood test. The test is easy for the patient and links into an online nutritionist via the Kymatika website. We make it clear to our customers that this test is intended to indicate food intolerances and sensitivities: it's not an allergy test and it's not a medical device. If there's a pre-diagnosed condition or if symptoms persist, a doctor should be consulted.

"As with any customer feedback, we will review the information provided by the BBC before making a decision. Every product or service that Superdrug offers its customers goes through a rigorous quality control process before the decision is taken to stock it. Kymatika provided us with evidence and testimonials from an extensive trial carried out using over 500 people. We've also been provided with subsequent studies as they've been completed."

Comments

or register to comment.

  • 1. At 8:02pm on 16 Feb 2009, lewiesbird wrote:

    I can't believe I've been fooled into thinking that the K-Test is accurate. I had a text done around a month ago, which told me I had an intolerance to onions and that I need to "monitor" several others, including milk, lager, wheat and yeast. The results of the test concerned me and I therefore decided to take what they were saying as true and cut out onions and cut down on the other foods. I'm not sure if my digestive health has improved or not... but I do now feel uncertainty and annoyance at the Kymatika company after seeing your programme. They've made me feel stupid and gullible. Thank you for showing this on Watchdog, I'm definitely now going to visit the Doctors!

    Complain about this comment

  • 2. At 8:08pm on 16 Feb 2009, Mikemessy wrote:

    This is surely a matter for the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). It is my belief that this product should be regulated as a medical device under Directive 93/42/EEC.

    I urge watchdog to contact the regulator and ensure this potentially dangerous breech of EU regulation is stopped.

    [Note from Watchdog: Thank you for your comment. Watchdog can confirm that the K-Test is currently being investigated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regularoty Agency.]

    Complain about this comment

  • 3. At 8:13pm on 16 Feb 2009, Northernlights1 wrote:

    Hi, at the end of your story this evening, you said that if you have a food intolerance, then the best place to go to, is your doctor. However, I'm finding that they aren't any good either. Even though, the week before last my skin came up in a rash, I felt really sick, and my lips swelled up, my doctor said that all I can have is antihistamin tablets, some cream for the rash and if it gets really bad to take myself off to hospital for a steroid jab. I asked if I could go and see an allergy clinic and she informed me she doesn't believe in them, even though I've since found out that NHS allergy clinics exist. What am I to do? This is why people are driven to try and get allergy test privately, even though, you have no idea whether you can trust the results or not.

    Complain about this comment

  • 4. At 8:24pm on 16 Feb 2009, lisak75 wrote:

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.

  • 5. At 8:27pm on 16 Feb 2009, lewiesbird wrote:

    Watchdog are a trusted source though... it does seem strange that the test results are so varied but I understand that there could be variations due to the time of day etc. What scientific proof have you seen?

    Complain about this comment

  • 6. At 8:39pm on 16 Feb 2009, lisak75 wrote:

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.

  • 7. At 8:46pm on 16 Feb 2009, lewiesbird wrote:

    true... i guess digestive intolerance is something we'll all just have to put up with for the time being!

    Complain about this comment

  • 8. At 8:49pm on 16 Feb 2009, kirky71 wrote:

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.

  • 9. At 8:52pm on 16 Feb 2009, Donmay wrote:

    I understand you were provided clinical evidence from the manufacturers and yet you stated on the programme you were given 'no scientific evidence'. I also understand that you were advised not to take a second test close to your first test, but again you chose to ignore the advice. The whole piece felt like a witch hunt against one retailer.

    Complain about this comment

  • 10. At 8:55pm on 16 Feb 2009, standupforyourself wrote:

    If it is all a load of nonsense how do all those people conned into believing it,(including me) get their money back... I feel totally abused both mentally and in my pocket?? It is things like this that takes peoples faith in alternative medicine away... so I would like k-test to refund everyone who's taken the test (as you get a login when the test is done so there will be a record) or prove the results. As may of us believed they were already proven when we forkedout the £25 in the first place!

    Complain about this comment

  • 11. At 8:56pm on 16 Feb 2009, simonmcghee wrote:

    I have been having stomach problems for about a year and thought it was linked to food but had no luck getting my gp to test for food intolerance(its not available on the nhs). instead i was advised to change my diet, given medication and even had to go for a colonoscopy(not nice). i went into superdrug when i was shopping and discussed my sypmtoms with the nurse who advised that i have a blood test for food intolerance. she discussed the k- test but explained that it was a diet tool, more useful for people who need help with elimination diets to detect food intolerance. she explained it but i wouldnt say she endorsed it- instead she recommended a blood test which i had then and there. i had my results back after a couple of days and i found i had a yeast intolerance. it is early days but i am starting to feel better already with just a couple of days of a yeast free diet. long may it continue

    Complain about this comment

  • 12. At 9:19pm on 16 Feb 2009, scep01 wrote:

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.

  • 13. At 9:20pm on 16 Feb 2009, platinummaxiboy1 wrote:

    just over 2 years ago i noticed that when i ate fruit,veg spuds things like that i became bloted and felt sick.i also had to go to toilet a lot,i went to mt doctor and was told i had i.b.s.i have an intolerance to food so was glad that i went there and not the high street.

    Complain about this comment

  • 14. At 9:21pm on 16 Feb 2009, foody-foody wrote:

    Thank you for interviewing a bona fide registered dietitian (RD), Catherine Collins, on your programme in the food intolerance piece. Just a pity she wasn't identified as such, since the general public needs to know that RD's (whose title is now protected by law) can be trusted to give sound, accurate advice on issues relating to nutrition. Was there a reason why Catherine's profesional status wasn't stated?

    From a disappointed RD.

    [Note from Watchdog: There is only a limited amount of space we have for name graphics - her full title is Principle Dietician, St Georges Hospital, NHS Trust, but we couldn't fit this in - So we felt it most important to show that she is linked with an established hospital. Best regards, web team]

    Complain about this comment

  • 15. At 10:00pm on 16 Feb 2009, antysue wrote:

    I feel that these tests are fine if one is sane but can ruin the life of some children when used as a tool to control a an estanged parent, eg dictation of diet for a 4 year old who presents with no symptoms

    Complain about this comment

  • 16. At 00:15am on 17 Feb 2009, Helen-Seven wrote:

    I would like the watchdog team to get back to me on this problem: These devices are not only used to treat but diagnose conditions in combination with NLP (hypnosis) they come under various trade names and computer formats. Seemingly thought to be low powered devices. They harp back to, electrotherapies used in the 1900`s. Modern day versions use scalar waves. They are the basis of RADAR. Dr George Carlo did a joint talk in September with Electrosensitivity UK he talk about the use of said devices in help and protection for electrosensitivity and other conditions: Dr Carlo said that these devices "break the cell membrane down" after 3 months or a year the condition reoccurs.
    The FDA have had various legislations on said devices but there`s no one listening either in the USA or within the UK authorities.

    I have contacted the GMC the health care commission medical devices agency. My MP a number of EU MP`s. Warning them these devices are not what they might seem
    They care little and understand even less as to what they really are. Many doctors and lay practitioners within natural medicine are likewise using them as if they are the best thing since sliced bread. A cure all for many illnesses.
    Doctors who do know they are a problem refuse to raise their concerns with the authorities because of their own involvement. These devices are not harmless nor are they low powered. Its possible to program your cells directly:
    The involvment of the computer makes it rather like a pandor`s box
    The NHS and the Princes trust has raised concerns about nanotechnology in that computer technology can generate any chemical electronically. The use of nanotechnology was referred to the Royal Society about 4 years ago.
    Concerns were raised about nanoparticles crossing the "blood brain barrier". The bodies immune system can no longer recognise them.
    I keep coming up against jobs worth.
    The Royal society handed this problem back to the government to file.
    While less well understanding experts think its just a belief system a trick of the light.
    The military have been using this stuff for years..
    BBC Horizon the God and the Brain and one or two other TV programs have touched apon this technology
    in the past. Dr Michael Persinger is a man to watch.

    Complain about this comment

  • 17. At 1:06pm on 17 Feb 2009, HollyBol01 wrote:

    One of my friends took this test at a local doctors clinic and cost her £85!! She was told that she has a bacteria in her stomach and needed to stick to a certain diet for 3 months until this bacteria had gone. Something along the lines of eating a certain foods that the bacteria cannot feed off and eventually dies off. She was then directed to a specialist food store and ended up spending over £100 on food for this "special" diet. After a month of sticking to the diet she went for a second test elsewhere and told she wasn't intolerent to any food groups! She has been starved of foods she is actually aloud to eat for 4 weeks. She has complained to the clinic and received a refund of the initial £85 she paid for nothing, unlike for the £100 she spent in the food store, which she will never see again. This whole K-Test machine is starving people of good food and nutrients they clearly DON'T need to cut out of their diets! Companies should only release these types of things if they are ligitamate and explain how they work. I can't see how vibrations/vibes can find intolarences in our bodies.

    Complain about this comment

  • 18. At 2:53pm on 17 Feb 2009, Donmay wrote:

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.

  • 19. At 3:57pm on 17 Feb 2009, Mizztootrue wrote:

    #17- are you sure it was a k-test your friend took? im by no means saying the k-test is a great peice of medical equipment but it does have some reasoning behind it. In the 1950s it was discovered that when a person was subjected to a toxic compound, allergen or food stuff they are intolerant of, the body will exhibit electro reactivity. As each foodstuff has a unique basket of electrical frequencies when it is broken down it doesnt seem impossible that it could be read somehow.
    i dont think the k-test is really the way forward in food intolerance. best stick to blood testing IgG antibodies for traditional medical results. It sound like your friend had h. pylori. H. pylori is an acid-loving bacteria. It thrives on the acid in your stomach. Therefore logic dictates that if you change your diet to dilute your stomach acid the bacterium cannot so possibly she had a blood test or doctors felt that she had h. pylori and suggested an elimination diet to help get rid of it? looking at the kymatika website i dont think the k-test would claim to test for that (it certainly wouldnt work)on that the k-test also claim to offer a virtual nutritionist that offers alternatives to foods that are cut out. i am by no means an expert - i am just studying nutrition but found this debate quite interesting.

    Complain about this comment

  • 20. At 4:29pm on 17 Feb 2009, Helen-Seven wrote:

    Hi Mikemessy,

    I contacted the MHRA and have been ignored.. Having contacted the Health Care Commission and the PCT as well as old uncle tom cobbly no one want`s to take resposibility.

    All make excuess not to take me seriously. This equipment does not comply to
    EMC law or BSI. That law is based on interferance on other equipment not possible health hazards:
    The DTI told me that Hospital equipment does not have to comply to BSI standards. The Health care commission was meant to change that. As in the past the EHO was not able to invesdgate NHS hospital cantines as the were covered by HMS.
    MRI machines don`t comply to BSI or EMC law.

    Complain about this comment

  • 21. At 5:03pm on 17 Feb 2009, scep01 wrote:

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.

  • 22. At 6:33pm on 17 Feb 2009, notlamc wrote:

    I'm the lead Software Architect for this product and I want to say something.

    Julia performed two tests within a 49 minute period:

    One at "4:07:42 PM" and one at "4:55:18 PM".

    It is stated not to perform Tests close together and in any case, not more than one per 24 hour period.

    I feel no one took the time to read and follow the instructions and conditions under which the K-Test can be performed.

    Since these instructions and conditions were not followed by the Watchdog team (by choice or sheer ignorance), how can they expect the K-Test to live up to its claims?

    I don't think their evaluation and subsequent report on the K-Test product was fair, just or valid.

    But I'm sure it makes great viewer ratings!

    Complain about this comment

  • 23. At 6:46pm on 17 Feb 2009, drivingkatie04 wrote:

    I think the k test should not be allowed. I know from experience that GPs do not have enough knowledge in allergies and intolerances i have battled for the past three years to get answers and it is only now that i am getting somewhere. I have two kids one who is four the other is 10 months and my eldest had a blood test done by the nhs and that came back negative but up until a couple of weeks ago she was treated for food intolerances. Now she is being treated for allergies because the blood tests are not always correct they are a guide line and i was told that by doctors. My 10 month old got her bloods done today so we are awaiting results. The fact that the k test is telling people to cut certain food groups out is bad, especially if they don't need to. It is hard enough to do it when you have to especially when you have to try and find nreplacement food beleive me i know.

    Complain about this comment

  • 24. At 7:32pm on 17 Feb 2009, botherer wrote:

    I think the first person commenting here - lewiesbird deserves the very highest praise. To be tricked by a con is very unpleasant, but to be humble enough to recognise that one was tricked, and to express the disappointment, is rare and impressive.

    If a pharmacist or nurse endorses something even as ridiculous as a metal pad on your finger that can magically tell you anything about the nature of your digestive system, then the unwitting victim is entirely innocent.

    For those who believe their response to the results have had a positive impact, I implore you to look into the remarkable effects of placebo. I strongly recommend either Ben Goldacre's book, Bad Science, or Simon Singh's Trick Or Treatment, both of which explain the intricacies and astonishing efficacy of a placebo reaction, in a really approachable way.

    I adore that Kymatika have put in place the "one test a day" rule. It's brilliant - the snake oil salesmen's equivalent of the child's magic trick that requires you to close your eyes.

    It would be splendid if someone with the resources of Watchdog were to conduct a trial following the Kymatika exactly, taking one test a day, at the same time, with the fewest variables possible. When the same nonsensical, random results appear, it will be a lot hard for Kymatika to wriggle out.

    Complain about this comment

  • 25. At 8:46pm on 17 Feb 2009, lisak75 wrote:

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.

  • 26. At 10:05am on 18 Feb 2009, windNoj wrote:

    Those who still seem to think that this test provides some kind of diagnosis should ask themselves a few questions, along the lines of 'What possible mechanism could the box be using to provide the printout?', 'What are these 'sequences'?' I have no idea what answers Kymatika would provide, but doubtless it will be something to do with 'energy fields' or 'hormones', or the usual suspects in the alternative medicine world. I'm afraid that the people who administer this 'test', probably in good faith, have allowed themselves to be suckered by a lot of pseudo-scientific mumbo-jumbo. If you really feel ill after eating food, go and see your GP - don't waste 30 quid on this nonsense.

    Complain about this comment

  • 27. At 12:47pm on 18 Feb 2009, missypt wrote:

    Up until around 3 months ago I used to be a K-Test provider. However I realised after a few months that this was literally a load of rubbish! I feel so upset and conned by this company! I have been a well estabilished personal trainer for 5 years and I intially thought this would really compliment my business, but as I later found out after numerous of tests, I realised the results were so varied and inconsistent that the results couldn't possibly be accurate. My gut feeling told me to stop providing the tests immediatly to save my reputation. I have lost money as I had to send my unused tests back to stop getting invoiced after invoive telling me I owed them money, even though no contract was set up or signed at the beginning, I was fuming, but thought this was the only option to be able to cut my ties!! When I first went on board with the company, I was one of the first people and they kept trying reasure me that there were just teething problems, however from the beginning to the end I feel I have wasted so much time and money on this ridiculous scam and feel so exploited. Luckly I have very understanding clients and my reputation is still in tact!!! If the test is found to be inacurate by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regularoty Agency, I think everyone providers and customers should be entitled to their money back!!!!

    Complain about this comment

  • 28. At 7:47pm on 18 Feb 2009, botherer wrote:

    Watchdog, in light of the comments from notlamc, you MUST do a repeat test under the conditions accepted by Kymatika!

    I would love to do it myself, had I the resources to spend multiples of £30. But with Kymatika's proven willingness to pay you back for nonsense results, I doubt it could even be argued as misspending license money.

    Take the tests with 24 hour gaps, ensure you eat a similar diet each day (as I'm certain they'll attempt to claim such variations skew their results), and for the same reasons ensure the same amount of exercise (or lack of) is taken. Ruling out as many of the bogus excuses they'll try and make from the start will make for a much more entertaining response.

    When the results come back equally random and spurious, perhaps not only will Kymatika have a harder time defending their product, but their clients might be more willing to abandon the device.

    (Or, hell, maybe it will work, and the science world will be revolutionised!)

    Complain about this comment

  • 29. At 10:13pm on 18 Feb 2009, Bandidoz wrote:

    I think there is some sound science behind these tests; I've done one and it did correlate with my suspected intolerances and vitamin deficiencies.

    However I believe these tests can be affected by eating too much or too little of particular food types, meaning that an "intolerance" could be displayed when in reality it could be a temporary signal from the body to say it's had enough of a particular vitamin.

    Complain about this comment

  • 30. At 10:14pm on 18 Feb 2009, notlamc wrote:

    People don't adapt to change easily (even my grandmother will go to the doctor for a headache, rather than take a paracetamol first!) so I don't expect everyone to just "get up and trust it".

    It's new and it's going to be met with doubt, concern and aprehension.

    Unfortunately, we've no magic way of alieviating this so we're stuck writing documentation and information to explain what it is and why it does what it does.

    This isn't "mumbo jumbo" merely wording that obviously isn't properly understood by the general public - Maybe it's just over explained or explained with too many long words and needs to be made more user friendly.

    Or maybe it scares you that a small, black box with 4 metal pads could do what it says and you simply can't believe it.

    The key element is to be open minded and constructive.

    Is it really not plausible that we have developed a technology that can read the electrical frequencies generated by consumed foods, interpret them and give lifestyle advice based upon the interpretation?

    Complain about this comment

  • 31. At 01:27am on 19 Feb 2009, Helen-Seven wrote:

    I`ve been discussing with several people: At a basic level the machine works on reverse polarity. The whole idea was to create chaos in the bodies cells..
    To help the healing process
    based upon the understanding
    we work rather like a battery. A battery goes between polerising and de-polerising. Illness is locked in when the battery stay`s in a polerised state.
    As in a battery the body naturally goes through these two states. However the device its self does not return you to your natural polarity..
    If the K-Test people want to talk with me they can ask the BBC to pass my info on. But the people who have used this machine and other simular devices need some help. In rebalancing their systems. There maybe some good in the system at some level; it far too powerful
    how it truley works is way out the side of conventional GP`s and doctors to explain. There aren`t any real experts. It needs people who are espesually sensivitive to understand where the energy can be balance. These devices have allowed low level healers to break into the total consciouness.

    The people who have been exposed need help and we must get our heads together as to what can be done. The authorties on their own have not the experts. All they will do is try to ignore and bury it; and us as if its all unreal.
    Even many scinentists are into Quatum Physics, but they don`t have any sense they can harm the whole of the human race. Like the Butterflies wings. You change one persons natual balance. They like a virious pass it on.

    I would be happy to discuss what I know with the K-Test people or any one else.

    Complain about this comment

  • 32. At 10:50am on 19 Feb 2009, cloud64 wrote:

    @notlamc

    As Software Architect for the product thank you for your interesting comment, and for providing us the opportunity to ask questions of someone who understands the machines inner workings.

    You state that the instructions re time intervals between samples were not followed. They may not have been for Julia, but the Watchdog piece is quite clear that other members of the team did take the test at intervals of greater than 24hrs, a per your instructions, yet they still had random results. I suggest you apologise to the Watchdog team for implicitly accusing them of wilful ignorance to create a negative story about your device.

    I would be grateful if you could answer two questions related to the time intervals.

    1) What exactly is the science based reasoning for requiring a 24h interval between tests? It seems unfair to assert this necessity without backing it up with an explanation.

    2) We are told that the device simulates the recent eating of 40 foods. I wonder, won't the recent eating of actual, real, physical foods have a confounding influence on the test? Could you please explain how the effects of a recent meal are filtered out from the machines simulated eating effects.

    I am sure your answers will be illuminating.

    Complain about this comment

  • 33. At 12:58pm on 19 Feb 2009, botherer wrote:

    notlamc

    Indeed, it doesn't seem plausible, since the claims you are making are medically improbable.

    Currently nothing has been "over-explained", so I think you're safe there. And implications that people are "scared" are not enormously endearing.

    You say that you have no magical way of alleviating people's doubt. I have some excellent news - there is a way, and it doesn't require any magic at all. You perform some standard tests of your product.

    Make the peer-reviewed data demonstrating the efficacy of the device available to the public. Get an independent body to perform some standard tests - perhaps a group of subjects who have had blood tests performed, and see if the K-Test can correlate. However, due to the spurious nature of food intolerance, perhaps the simplest test would be a more rigorous repeat of Watchdog's test, where people repeat the test daily, while eating and exercising the same amount each day.

    Since Kymatika are so confident that their device is effective, I'd imagine they will jump at the opportunity to prove it with such a simple and cheap test, conducted by an independent body, and the results made public afterward.

    Complain about this comment

  • 34. At 1:00pm on 19 Feb 2009, cloud64 wrote:

    @notalmac

    Hello again, notalmac. I am a little confused by this statement of yours: "It's new and it's going to be met with doubt, concern and aprehension."

    A quick search of the web shows that electrodiagnostic devices have been around for about 50 years. Apparently they were first made by a German physician, Reinhold Voll in 1958. That doesn't seem very new to me. It seems there have been quite a few varieties, the Vega machine, the Dermatron, the Interro device. In 50 years they have not caught on in the medical profession, presumably because none of them have met the satisfactory level of proof desired by evidence based medicine (they haven't and have consistently failed tests).

    Unfortunately your website is currently down so I cannot determine if your device fits this category, but from what I have read so far of the theory behind it, it does seem to. I would be grateful if you could tell the readers of this blog how it differs from other electrodiagnostic devices, for surely it must if it actually does work.

    Posting web links is against the rules here, but I suggest readers do a quick search for "electrodiagnostic devices" for themselves.

    Complain about this comment

  • 35. At 8:05pm on 19 Feb 2009, notlamc wrote:

    @Everyone:
    I apologise (to anyone attempting to view it) that our website has been offline - This due to a malicious third party flooding our web servers with too many requests for which it can handle and therefore preventing the website from being viewed.

    We are actively working on the problem and, at the time of me writing this, our website, albeit slow, is online.

    We have a technical paper describing, in full, the science and technology on which the K-Test operates and will be publishing this as soon as we regain full control of our web server.

    Watchdog were also sent this paper although was never mentioned on their programme, amongst other things.

    @cloud64:
    Thanks for your questions.

    Your answer regarding the need for a 24 hour wait period is as follows:

    The human body is an electrical conductor, full of salty fluids. Like any conductor, the human body has a capacitance, meaning that it stores electrical energy. A person's capacitance is one of his or her body's attributes and depends on many factors, including its posture, its relative position, and its proximity to other electrically conducting things.

    The effect of the electrical charge of the stimulation of the first test, sinusoidal pulses of 2 to 20 milliseconds duration per frequency with a maximum 5volts AC peak to peak, can have an effect on an individual’s responses if a second test is taken too soon.

    This has one of two possible effects: either the exaggeration of the response to a group of frequencies or the suppression of a response to a group of frequencies as not all frequency charges hold/dissipate at the same rate.

    The repeatability of the K-Test is highest when the test conditions are, like any scientific test, consistent, as similar as possible, including time of day, state of mind, physical condition.

    This phenomenon is also seen with Blood tests, even the same sample blood tests can return different results.

    Further it is acknowledged in the medical profession that the repeatability of blood samples taken at different times can also return different results, as with a lot of medical tests i.e. even blood pressure, must be taken in the same way each time to give accuracy.

    I will answer your other question a little later.

    @botherer:
    Thank you for your suggestions on how we can demonstrate the effectiveness of the K-Test - I will recommend that your suggestions are investigated.

    We've always opened our doors to people querying the science we use to do this - We have our technical paper available to those who wish to see it, explaining everything (albeit, in technical detail).

    The BBC does not allow me to post my email address nor a website address so I can make this paper available to you personally, so I will place this as a link on our website and notify you here when I have done it.

    @BBC:
    If anyone wishes to get in contact, the BBC has my permission to pass on the email address with which I am registered.

    Complain about this comment

  • 36. At 03:02am on 23 Feb 2009, Helen-Seven wrote:

    No one`s explained I personaly spent getting on for 10 years+ looking at versions of these devices.
    About every 20 year`s or so someone invents yet another version.

    The potted history is 1879 Tesla invents a reverse polarity device which is powerful enough to distroy the world. Essentually the device works on a reverse polarity system. Its basic format comes from running a conventional power system backwards. Eg as most car machanics know if one runs a car backwards the car runs ruff.. However by masking the output and eventually the motor was modified into a new format
    that being solid state or computer technology.
    (It works on low frequency)

    while seeemingly less powerful than convential power devices. Main stream science became confused as what the power difference between Tesla/computer technology and say a car or conventional power.
    Certainly up until the 1930`s the two power systems where know.
    The pharmacutical and aircraft industry as well as big bussines sort to hide the fact any chemical be it drug or poison could be made electronically through freqency modulation.
    The military add further to the confusion between the two system. Even removing the devices from other scientists not working for them. By the 1950`s the technology had evolved into "head`s up displays" for planes where the piolet could sit in his plane and see his controls projected on to the windscreen without the need to look down.

    The two power systems are still confused while the older devices under radionics where just a gloride radio and had only a slight infulance on the body and are compartiviely harmless.. Other devices which now relate to the heads up display are what these K-Test devices adhear
    too. The patient may not see a heads up display as these devices are not set up to do that job. Just as your personal computer is not. But add the right software and its essentually the same device.

    Richard Gerber Vibrational Med. for the 21st cen. says these devices in whatever format: "Are more effective than long term psychotherpy or drug treatment in curing disease."

    The problem is a number of doctors have been hooked and they don`t see the negative effects in that like hypnosis as; NLP as I said previous is being used.
    Can mask symptoms.
    BBC News did a report about clinics using stop smoking treatments. A Clinic in Manchester was shown with the patient holding electrodes while one of two practitioners read a script.
    A biofeed back device was passing frequencies through that person.

    Paul McKenna uses something of the same with his hynotic recordings.
    I can`t say for sure.
    A few years ago he did a stage show with an ex-military man (USA)in which he demonstated a electronic device that could "read minds". Seemingly if one asked him or anyone else they just close rank, they see nothing wrong. It could be classed being more potent then genetic engineering.
    Other back ground info
    The Secret KGB Paranormal Files Narr. Roger Moore DVD.

    The Field Lyn Mc Taggart she runs a course with Hal Putoff(CIA) on healing with these devices.
    She also a co-ed for "What Doctors Don`t tell you."

    Zero-Point Energy Nick Cook
    whose the Ed for Jane`s Defence Weekley.

    David Hamblin is a man too read as well.

    Complain about this comment

  • 37. At 6:54pm on 23 Feb 2009, Helen-Seven wrote:

    I don`t doubt this K-Test is
    able to detect imbalances in the body: But it can likewise cause imbalance in its own right.
    Cloud 64 talks about "volts" in the assumption that the device works in an up right polarity (N/S) Much of the true energy is off scale or off the conventional scale.
    The true polarity is based on a (S/N) South not a North
    polarity; or points in between: Energy works on co-ordinates, this appears to have been lost to main stream science where understanding has been compressed to a flat screen.
    The far field exsists in both the near field and the far field.

    Experts in hearing reserch; and brian and heart implants don`t want to talk too loudly. They percive people have problems with low frequency noise. However its not turely low frequency
    in the N/S direction.. Its more a field; an energy field that carries the higher freqencies not only further into the body, but further afield. So everything as in quantum worlds is joined up.
    Its complex, but at the same time very simple.

    Complain about this comment

  • 38. At 7:54pm on 23 Feb 2009, Helen-Seven wrote:

    The One Show has just had a
    hynotherapist on: He explained how hynotherpy works its able to stop the conciouness communicating so you are unable to feel pain. A certain part of the brain can be turned off.
    Hence when we are exposed to the combine effects of biofeed back and hypnosis some very serious effects can occur...
    Doctors and psychologists know about this stuff and its web reaches everywhere the authrorties have no experts. They are supposed to buy experts in like our
    local councils Trading Standings who likewise should be concerned about this technology.

    There are several universities working with this technology much has only recently been declassified. The Universities are working in combination with the military in many projects.
    Unusual Reasearch Psychologist are heavely involved this; and Out of body research.

    25 UK NHS Hospitals are doing research into out of body research...

    Dr Peter Fenwick reported that experts in Belgium produced out of body states with brain research and hearing. Passing frequencies through the brain. He`s linked with one of the 25 NHS Hospitals doing Out of body research.

    Complain about this comment

  • 39. At 10:17am on 25 Feb 2009, babywooby1 wrote:

    i took my 14 month baby boy to have a food and environmental intolerance test done it wasn't called k testing, but it cost the same price . my baby is always being sick and the doctors are useless hence having and paying for a private test but since having the test and changing his diet to dairy and lactose free 3 weeks ago the last 8 out of 10 days he's been vomiting . The hospitals are only interested if he needs a drip , people have no faith in the nhs thats why we go private but i still have no answers and i'm pulling my hair out as to why my baby keeps vomiting

    Complain about this comment

  • 40. At 7:50pm on 25 Feb 2009, Helen-Seven wrote:

    babywooby1 food is only part of the problem your baby may have a metabolic disorder in the way he is processes the way the gut fills and empties..

    If you think it might be food or milk.. I would ask your doc about putting your baby on a water and sugar based solution for a few days. It might help illimate
    any infections in his gut..

    Was he vomiting before the test?


    [Note from Watchdog: This blog cannot substitute for official medial advice. If you need medical advice consult your doctor. Best regards, web team]

    Complain about this comment

  • 41. At 9:00pm on 25 Feb 2009, Helen-Seven wrote:

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.

  • 42. At 7:15pm on 26 Feb 2009, Helen-Seven wrote:

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.

  • 43. At 00:35am on 27 Feb 2009, Helen-Seven wrote:

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.

  • 44. At 10:34am on 27 Feb 2009, babywooby1 wrote:

    helen my baby has always been a sicky baby , vomiting once a week or once a fortnight , it was three weeks after the test and changing his diet that he started being sick every day it is mainly at night time . he has lost a little weight but no one seems concerend coz he looks healthy . ive gone back to a normal diet coz he's sick whatever he has so he might as well enjoy it . babywoody1

    Complain about this comment

  • 45. At 2:54pm on 27 Feb 2009, Helen-Seven wrote:

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.

  • 46. At 10:56pm on 27 Feb 2009, Helen-Seven wrote:

    This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.

  • 47. At 04:09am on 28 Feb 2009, notlamc wrote:

    Dear All,

    As I previously mentioned, our website has been offline due to malicious third party activity.

    I'm now pleased to report the Kymatika website online.

    Thank you for your patience.

    Complain about this comment

  • 48. At 10:00pm on 28 Feb 2009, secretlainy1 wrote:

    I can't believe even though we are in the middle of a financial crisis people are still crazy even to hand over £30 for a test that clearly is foney!!!WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!

    Complain about this comment

  • 49. At 10:58am on 05 Mar 2009, babywooby1 wrote:

    secretlainy1
    how was i to know the test was phoney , and despite the finicial crisis i would pay any price if i thought it would help my boy get better and stop the sickness. And i'm sure any mother would. babywoody1

    Complain about this comment

  • 50. At 01:06am on 05 Apr 2009, always_learning wrote:

    I have to say to hear a test for food intolerances is inaccurate is somewhat disheartening.

    The term “intolerance” is one I am not at all happy with as it does nothing to indicate the potential seriousness of the issue. I learnt in January that I have an intolerance to caffeine & an only slightly less intolerance to sugar (natural sources tolerated the best). I did not have any testing done for it. I heard something on the radio about problems caffeine could cause and decided to cut it out just for a couple of weeks… just to see if there was any improvement. I had horrible caffeine withdrawal headaches for 3 days. The extent of the improvement in my total health was nothing short of astounding. I have not consumed any caffeine since.

    For at least 25 years I had been very sick physically & mentally. As a result my family, employment history and friendships had been severely damaged. The list of health improvements I have seen is extensive. None of my doctors ever looked into food intolerances. All of them jumped to different medications. Medications that did not correct the problems they were intended for, but created many other health concerns. I think people have to be advocates for themselves and their families. Doctors are a resource, but they are not perfect. Doctors are not likely losing sleep over your concerns.

    Finding just a couple of my intolerances became life changing for me. The symptoms I had were not obvious because they had started from childhood. It was like the analogy of the frog in the pond (gradually heating the water the frog could be cooked, immediately heating the pond would prompt it to jump out). I had no idea caffeine (and sugar) was making me sick. I know it’s doing the same to others but like any other drug… most people would rather stay sick then give it up.

    Complain about this comment

View these comments in RSS

Explore the BBC

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.