Vitamins that may be helpful
Content provided by: Healthnotes
Probiotics may be important in the control of food allergies because of their ability to improve digestion, by helping the intestinal tract control the absorption of food allergens and/or by changing immune system responses to foods.123 124 125 One group of researchers has reported using probiotics to successfully treat infants with food allergies in two trials: a double-blind trial using Lactobacillus GG bacteria in infant formula, and a preliminary trial giving the same bacteria to nursing mothers.126 Probiotics may also be important in non-allergy types of food intolerance caused by imbalances in the normal intestinal flora.127
Thymomodulin® is a special preparation of the thymus gland of calves. In a double-blind study of allergic children who had successfully completed an elimination diet, 120 mg per day of thymomodulin prevented allergic skin reactions to food and lowered blood levels of antibodies associated with those foods.128 These results confirmed similar findings in an earlier, controlled trial.129
According to one theory, allergies are triggered by partially undigested protein. Proteolytic enzymes may reduce allergy symptoms by further breaking down undigested protein to sizes that are too small to cause allergic reactions.130 Preliminary human evidence supports this theory.131 Hydrochloric acid secreted by the stomach also helps the digestion of protein, and preliminary research suggests that some people with allergies may not produce adequate amounts of stomach acid.132 133 134 However, no controlled trials have investigated the use of enzyme supplements to improve digestion as a treatment for food allergies.
Many of the effects of allergic reactions are caused by the release of histamine, which is the reason antihistamine medication is often used by allergy sufferers. Some natural substances, such as vitamin C135 136 and flavonoids,137 including quercetin,138 139 have demonstrated antihistamine effects in test tube, animal, and other preliminary studies. However, no research has investigated whether these substances can specifically reduce allergic reactions in humans.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.
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