Can vitamin C help relieve the symptoms of allergies?

You’ve probably heard of taking vitamin C to fight colds and infections, but you may not know that it can also provide natural relief of allergy symptoms. Although the oral supplements are promising, the strongest research supports intravenous vitamin C infusions in high doses (IV) for allergies.

Jump at the main dishes to remember.

What research says

Studies on the effects of vitamin C on allergies symptoms have shown:

• This can reduce the symptoms of allergies. A 2018 study on 71 people with respiratory allergy symptoms revealed that receiving a regular infusion of vitamin C caused a “significant decrease” of the symptoms. Half of these people have stopped taking other allergies medication. In another study, vitamin C oral has helped to reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including sneezing and itching.
• This can reduce the amount of histamine in your blood. A study of 2013 of 89 people (including 19 with allergies) revealed that a dose of 7.5 grams (G) of vitamin C delivered by IV led to less histamine in the blood, especially in allergic people (compared to those with infectious disease). In an older and smaller study, 10 people who took 2 g of vitamin C by mouth have undergone a 38% reduction in blood in the blood.

What is vitamin C doing in the body?

Vitamin C draws attention to the fight against infection by stimulating the immune system. However, there is mixed evidence if it will really help you kick a cold faster. Here is what we know about what vitamin C does for the body:

• Has antioxidant advantages: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. It helps the body repair damage and reduce oxidative stress (an imbalance in the production of free radicals by the body and their neutralization by antioxidants).
• Lower inflammation: Reducing oxidative stress is the key to fighting allergies symptoms. It helps the immune system to operate and lowers inflammation, a common symptom of allergies. Thus, vitamin C can combat oxidative stress and inflammation that often occurs in people with chronic allergies.
• Acts as a natural antihistamine: Vitamin C also reduces the amount of histamine in the blood. Histamine is a chemical that the body releases in response to an allergen, causing symptoms like sneezing. Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergies, and vitamin C can be considered a natural antihistamine.

What allergies could they benefit from vitamin C?

Since vitamin C is fighting inflammation and histamine production – something that all allergies share – it is possible that vitamin C can offer protection or a natural remedy for a wide strip of allergies. However, research suggests that vitamin C can benefit people with hay fever (seasonal allergies) and rhinitis.

However, more research is needed before you know with certainty.

How much do you need an allergy support?

There is not yet a protocol to take vitamin C for allergies. If you fight allergies, however, the best thing to do is make sure that you get the recommended daily quantity of vitamin C:

• 14-18 years: 75 milligrams (MG) for men and 65 mg for women
• 19 and over: 90 mg for men and 70 mg for women

People who smoke are pregnant or breastfeeding need additional vitamin C.

It is easy for most people to obtain the recommended daily amount of vitamin C from their diet. For example, half a cup of red pepper or 3/4 cup of orange juice has the whole recommended daily portion.

Are there risks or side effects?

Vitamin C is generally considered safe. However, this can cause diarrhea, nausea and cramps if you take too much. In general, adults should not consume more than 2,000 mg (2 g) of vitamin C each day.

In addition, there are security risks for certain specific groups, in particular:

• People with kidney stones
• Post-menopausal women with diabetes
• People under chemotherapy or statins, as vitamin C could interact with their drugs

High doses of vitamin C delivered via IV for allergies should only be given under the supervision of a supplier.

Main to remember

• Vitamin C can reduce the symptoms of allergies by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body and lowering the amount of histamine in the blood. There is limited research on vitamin C and allergies, but existing studies show promising results.
• If you have allergies, make sure you get the recommended daily intake of 75 to 90 mg of vitamin C, but not exceeding the suggested daily maximum of 2,000 mg.
• Speak with your health care provider on the question of whether IV infusions with a higher dose of vitamin C could help your allergy symptoms.