There are several uses of Vitamin C for your body, however, it is best known for supporting your immune system. Allergy season is upon us and we have heard several people wonder if VitC can help such conditions as allergies are after all, immune reactions to substances in your environment.
There is little evidence that VitC may help with some allergies. Firstly, it acts as a natural antihistamine and antioxidant. Studies show it may decrease inflammation, swelling, and related symptoms that happen at the site of an allergic reaction. Symptoms of allergies come up when your immune system reacts to an allergen.
Common allergens include pollen, pet dander, and proteins in certain foods. When exposed, mast cells in your immune system are activated and release histamine to help block the invader. Widely known allergy symptoms are runny nose, sneezing, red or watery eyes, itching, rash, asthma, vomiting, or swelling.
Vitamin C acts differently from antihistamine medications. It reduces the amount of antihistamine you produce rather than blocking antihistamine receptors. Research suggests histamine levels may reduce by about 38 per cent after a person takes 2 grams of Vitamin C. However, a higher dose through an IV may be more effective.
A study conducted over 89 people with allergies or infectious diseases showed that those who received a 7.5 gram IV of Vitamin C had about 50 per cent less histamine in their blood. It found that people who had allergies benefited from a greater reduction in histamine than those with infectious diseases.
Vitamin C seems to reduce upper respiratory symptoms that seasonal or environmental allergies cause. Its properties may help reduce allergic rhinitis, sinus congestion, and asthma. However, there is no evidence it can prevent these or treat them as effectively as medication.
