Does Vitamin C Help With Allergies?

In the thick of allergy season, allergy sufferers are always looking for ways to get relief from their troublesome symptoms. Those looking for solutions in the world of vitamins and supplements might be wondering, “Does Vitamin C help with allergies?”

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about how vitamin C helps with seasonal allergies, the other benefits of vitamin C, and the best ways to make sure you’re getting enough of this essential vitamin every day!

What is an Allergy?

An allergic reaction is our immune system’s natural response to foreign substances called allergens, like pollen, dust, or pet dander, entering our body. This immune response produces an increase in histamine production. Histamine is a chemical that is released into the bloodstream by white blood cells as they defend the body from allergens and attempt to flush them from our system. This flushing process results in what we commonly refer to as “allergy symptoms.” 

Allergy Symptoms

Allergy symptoms can range in type and severity for each individual. That being said, the most common symptoms of seasonal allergies include the following: 

• Red, itchy eyes
• Watery eyes
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Sneezing
• Itching or swelling
• Rash or hives
• Asthma
• Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Anaphylaxis (In severe cases)

Does Vitamin C Help With Allergies?

There have been small studies exploring whether or not vitamin C is effective in fighting allergy symptoms. 

In one such study, 71 participants experienced reduced allergy symptoms after being given high doses of vitamin C. Scientists attributed this to vitamin C’s inherent anti-inflammatory and natural antihistamine properties. 

While vitamin C is a natural antihistamine, it works differently from traditional, over-the-counter allergy medicines. Instead of blocking histamine receptors in the same way that traditional allergy medication does, vitamin C may actually lower the body’s overall histamine levels. Because vitamin C can reduce the amount of histamine in the blood, allergy symptoms may be less likely to manifest and, if they do, they may be less severe than normal. 

Benefits of Vitamin C

In addition to its potential benefits for allergy sufferers, vitamin C also offers many other benefits that support our overall health and wellness. 

Vitamin C can provide essential support for our immune health and plays an essential role in helping the body form collagen, absorb iron, heal wounds, and maintain bone, cartilage, and tooth health. 

This is why it is important to get adequate amounts of vitamin C in our daily diet. That isn’t always easy, which is why we’ve broken down some of the best sources of this essential nutrient below!

The Best Sources of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that it is not stored in the body for extended periods of time in the way that fat-soluble vitamins are. This is why you must actively attempt to get the recommended dose of vitamin C (75 – 90 mg) every single day. Luckily, vitamin C can be found in many of the foods we eat! Some of the most vitamin C-packed foods include: 

• Citrus Fruits
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Rose Hips
• Guava
• Cantaloupe 
• Bell Peppers
• Tomatoes
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Kale
• White Potatoes

Making these foods a normal part of your diet will help you maintain healthy levels of vitamin C and can help provide relief for uncomfortable allergy symptoms; however, consistently sticking to this nutrient-dense diet is easier said than done. This is why many physicians recommend taking a vitamin C supplement to help make up for any natural deficiencies or lapses in diet!

Remember, before adding a vitamin or supplement into your daily health routine, always speak with a physician to discuss what will work best for your personal health journey. 

Get Vitamin C Supplements From Uscriptives

For people suffering from allergy symptoms, and for those who just want to make sure they’re getting enough vitamin C every day, Uscriptives offers Vitamin C Gummies! These zero-side effect gummies offer 250 mg of vitamin C per serving and offer a fun, deliciously citrus way to make sure you’re getting the essential nutrients you need. Try it out for yourself and pick up a bottle here.