From the Guidelines
To address low Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) associated with mold toxicity, the most critical step is to eliminate the source of mold exposure by remediating your home environment or relocating if necessary, as recommended by the CDC and EPA guidelines 1.
Removing Mold Exposure
This is crucial because mold toxins can suppress VEGF production, which is essential for blood vessel formation and tissue repair. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the CDC offer practical guidelines for mold control and cleanup in the home setting, which can be found at www.cdc.gov/health/mold.html or by calling 800-438-4318 1.
- Individuals can usually clean up mold-contaminated areas less than 10 ft2.
- If there has been extensive water damage, mold growth covers more than 10 ft2, the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is involved, or the water and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or flood water, consider hiring a professional and consulting the EPA guide “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings” 1.
Detoxification and Supporting VEGF Production
For detoxification, consider a binder protocol using activated charcoal (1-2 grams twice daily), bentonite clay (1/2-1 teaspoon in water daily), or prescription cholestyramine (4 grams twice daily) to help remove mycotoxins from your system, as these methods can aid in the elimination of toxins that may be contributing to low VEGF levels.
- Support liver function with supplements like glutathione (250-500mg daily), NAC (600mg twice daily), and milk thistle (150mg standardized extract three times daily) 1.
- To directly boost VEGF levels, incorporate regular moderate exercise (30 minutes daily), intermittent hypoxia training if available, and nutrients that support VEGF production including vitamin D3 (2000-5000 IU daily), zinc (15-30mg daily), and omega-3 fatty acids (1-2g EPA/DHA daily) 1.
- Antioxidant-rich foods and supplements like resveratrol (100-250mg daily) and curcumin (500-1000mg with black pepper extract daily) may also help restore normal VEGF signaling pathways. A functional medicine doctor can provide personalized guidance and monitor your progress with appropriate testing, taking into account the individual's specific situation and the potential health effects of mold exposure, as highlighted in the Pediatrics study 1.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Low VEGF Levels in Mold Toxicity
There are no direct research papers that discuss treatment options for low Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) levels in the context of mold toxicity.
Related Research on Mold Toxicity
- Studies have investigated the relationship between mold exposure and various health conditions, including respiratory problems and non-respiratory conditions 2, 3.
- Some research suggests that mold exposure can cause allergies, asthma, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, but the concept of "toxic mold syndrome" has been disputed 4, 5.
- The role of mycotoxins in mold toxicity is also a topic of debate, with some studies finding no evidence to support their involvement in disease causation 4.
VEGF and Cardiovascular Toxicity
- Research has explored the relationship between VEGF and cardiovascular toxicity, particularly in the context of anti-VEGF/VEGFR agents used in cancer therapy 6.
- Cardiovascular toxicity is a significant risk associated with these agents, and guidelines are being developed for prevention, monitoring, and treatment 6.
Limitations
- There is a lack of research specifically addressing low VEGF levels in the context of mold toxicity, making it difficult to provide evidence-based treatment options.