Previously I have written about folic acid and the prevention of birth defects and also the necessity of this vitamin for heart health. A newly published study (1) has found that this essential B vitamin may also suppress allergic reactions and reduce the severity of allergy symptoms and asthma symptoms. The research was conducted by the Johns Hopkins Children’s Centre.
The Johns Hopkins Children’s Centre is Maryland’s largest paediatric hospital (USA). Hopkins Children’s offers the best care available in modern paediatric medicine and U.S. News & World Report ranks Hopkins Children’s among the top four children’s hospitals in the USA.
The scientists believe that this is the first human study to look at the link between the levels of folate in the blood and allergy. Folate is the naturally occurring form of folic acid. Previous evidence exists to show that folate can help regulate inflammation which is a big factor in allergy. For more information on eating to help prevent and reduce allergy symptoms please read my previous posts on asthma and hay fever these are full of general tips, advice and supplement ideas.
In this current study(1) the researchers from the Johns Hopkins Children’s Centre reviewed the medical records of over 8,000 people aged 2-85. The researchers looked at the effect of folate levels on allergic symptoms and on the levels of specific immune system markers, IgE antibodies, which tend to rise in response to an allergen (allergic trigger).
It was found that individuals with the highest levels of folate had the lowest levels of IgE antibodies in their blood. These people also reported fewer allergies and allergic symptoms, less wheezing and had a lower likelihood of having asthma. In a press release (2) the scientists said: “Our findings are a clear indication that folic acid may indeed help regulate immune response to allergens, and may reduce allergy and asthma symptoms,” They also say “But we still need to figure out the exact mechanism behind it, and to do so we need studies that follow people receiving treatment with folic acid, before we even consider supplementation with folic acid to treat or prevent allergies and asthma.”
Specific findings of the study (2):
*People with the lowest folate levels (below 8 nanograms per milliliter) had 40% higher risk of wheezing than people with the highest folate levels (above 18 ng/ml).
*People with the lowest folate levels had a 30% higher risk than those with the highest folate levels of having elevated IgE antibodies, markers of allergy predisposition.
*Those with the lowest folate levels had 31% higher risk of atopy (allergic symptoms) than people with the highest folate levels.
*Those with lowest folate levels had 16% higher risk of having asthma than people with the highest folate levels.
*The Hopkins team is planning a study comparing the effects of folic acid and placebo in people with allergies and asthma.
Many cereals and grain products are already fortified with folate, and folate is found naturally in green, leafy vegetables, beans and nuts. As mentioned in the posts on asthma and hay fever an overall healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, omega 3 fats from oily fish and nuts/seeds (especially walnuts and flaxseeds), unprocessed wholegrains and unprocessed meats will go far in nourishing the body, keeping inflammation low, and helping it to deal effectively with potential allergic triggers. Please do read the previous posts for more information on specific important nutrients to help prevent and treat allergyies.
(1)Matsui EC and Matsui W. 2009. Higher serum folate levels are associated with a lower risk of atopy and wheeze. published online 01 May 2009. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2009.03.007.
(2) Press release, Folic Acid May Help Treat Allergies, Asthma
Written by Ani Kowal
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