Controversial publications from the 1970s and ’80s claimed that intestinal C. albicans overgrowth impaired immune, thyroid, digestive, and adrenal function. This “Candidiasis Hypersensitivity Syndrome” allegedly led to a long list of ailments, including chronic fatigue, GI discomfort, recurrent vaginal yeast infections, arthritis, acne, migraines, menstrual symptoms, and heart issues.[1]
An observational study of 26 participants with chronic fatigue syndrome and 50 healthy controls revealed no differences in the concentration of Candida antibodies in their blood samples, which indicates that Candida infections don’t play a role in chronic fatigue.[2]
A more informative study compared antifungal treatment to a placebo in 42 women with alleged Candidiasis Hypersensitivity Syndrome and recurring vaginal yeast infections. Though the antifungal treatment resolved the vaginal yeast infections much more effectively than the placebo did, both were equally effective in reducing the systemic symptoms, such as fatigue, and psychological effects. This evidence strongly suggests that Candida colonization played no role in their physical symptoms.
The Executive Committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology released a position statement about this syndrome, critiquing the lack of evidence for any of its claims and the potential dangers of long-term antifungal drugs recommended by the program.[3]