Nutritional Supplements in allergy
Anti-oxidants prevent damage to body tissues caused by free radicals which are very reactive small chemicals entities produced during biochemical reactions in the body tissues. These free radicals cause damage to cells by a process known as oxidation. In allergic diseases and asthma, damage-causing free radicals are produced in large amounts during the inflammation process in the affected tissues. As a consequence natural anti-oxidants present in the tissues are unable to cope to rapidly remove the excessive production of active radicals. Hence, the extra free radicals inflict more damage to the tissues and worsen the symptoms of allergy and asthma. Therefore, there is a need to supplement protective anti-oxidants in the body tissues of allergy sufferers. Moreover, allergic reactions can be down-regulated to a certain extent by maintaining high levels of anti-oxidants in the tissue. Since fruits and vegetables possess high levels of anti-oxidants their regular intake is desirable (as long as one is not allergic to the fruits) and intake of supplements may not be needed. However, the following supplements have been scientifically proven to aid in suppressing the impact of the allergic symptoms if taken regularly.

 

Coenzyme Q10 is one of the few anti-oxidants that can penetrate the mitochondrial membrane. It should be taken at doses of 30 to 60 mg daily. Another anti-oxidant, Vitamin E particularly a mixture of natural tocotrienols and tocopherols are effective free radical fighters at the cell membrane level. An effective daily dose of Vitamin E is 400 International Units obtained from a natural source. In contrast, synthetic forms (often presented as d/l tocopherol) are of little benefit since they are metabolized (broken down) and excreted in the urine. The intake of the natural Vitamin E is desirable.

Vitamin C (or ascorbic acid) is a potent anti-oxidant and can also act as natural mild anti-histamine. Persons with allergy should take 2000 mg daily divided into two doses consumed in the morning and evening. Most fruits and vegetables are rich in Vitamin C. Over the counter Vitamin C are beneficial but less bio-effective than naturally derived vitamins through foods.

Polyphenols are a diverse class of compounds found naturally in citrus fruits, grapes, olives, tea leaves, pigmented vegetables, dark berries, whole grains and nuts. The polyphenols are powerful anti-oxidants but possess several other pharmacological properties, such as, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-hemorrhagic and vasodilatory. The diet should include polyphenols through regular intake of foods rich in these compounds or through supplements (e.g. grape seed-skin extract 100 mg).

Other potent anti-oxidants, such as, N-acetyl-cysteine (600 mg daily) and alpha-lipoic acid (250 mg twice daily) should be included as supplements in the diet. N-acetyl-cysteine is a precursor for glutathione and the intake of N-acetyl-cysteine will naturally raise glutathione levels in the body. Other anti-oxidants may also be incorporated into the diet to suppress the anti-inflammatory effects of allergy and asthma.

A daily intake of 500 mg Magnesium combined with 900 mg Calcium in soluble form is desirable. The Magnesium and Calcium has a beneficial effect in asthma and allergy. These elements should not be taken at the same time with essential fatty acids since they tend to interfere in the absorption of the fatty acids.

Essential fatty acids (Omega-6 and Omega-3 in optimum ratio of 1:2 respectively) have an anti-inflammatory effect and allergy suffers will benefit from their intake. The most potent anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid is gamma-linolenic acid which can be obtained from evening primrose, black currant seed or borage oils with a suggested dosage of 750 mg daily. This must be balanced with 1500 mg of omega-3 essential fatty acids found in oils from flaxseed oil, deep-sea fish oil or perilla oil. The essential fatty acid oil supplementation should be taken with meals.