Folic Acid and Allergies

Allergies are exaggerated immune responses to otherwise harmless environmental triggers such as pollen, mold, chemicals and certain foods. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, about 40 to 50 million Americans are affected by allergic diseases, and more than half of all Americans test positive to at least one allergen. Your doctor may prescribe antihistamine and corticosteroid medications to help manage the condition. Natural supplements such as folic acid may also help treat and prevent allergic reactions. However, do not use them without asking a doctor.

What Is Folic Acid?

Folic acid, or folate, is a component of the water-soluble vitamin B complex. It plays an important role in the formation of new cells, and in the metabolism of amino acids and nucleic acids in the cells and tissues. The Linus Pauling Institute recommends 65 to 500 mcg of the vitamin per day, depending upon the age and overall condition of the patient. Fortified breakfast cereals, orange juice, spinach, asparagus, lentils and beans are good sources of folic acid. Natural and synthetic supplements of the vitamin are also available at most pharmacies.

Allergy Connection

The link between folic acid and allergies is not clearly understood. One study conducted by the John Hopkins Children's Center revealed that folic acid may suppress allergic reactions and reduce the severity of symptoms associated with it. Researchers reviewed the medical records of 8,000 patients between the ages of 2 and 85 years to establish a connection between folic acid levels and immune markers that lead to allergic reactions. The results of the study, released in April 2009, indicated that individuals with very low folate levels have a 40 percent higher risk of wheezing and 16 percent higher chance of asthma. The authors of the study, however, say that it is too early to recommend folic acid supplements to prevent or treat allergies.

Side Effects

No side effects have been associated with folic acid obtained from dietary sources. Folic acid supplements may, however, occasionally cause adverse reactions such as nausea, gastric disturbances, insomnia and confusion. Some individuals may be allergic to the supplements as well and may experience shortness of breath, swelling of face and skin rash.

Risk of Asthma

A study published in the December 2010 edition of the "American Journal of Epidemiology" reports that while the public health guidelines recommend 400 mcg of supplemental folic acid per day during the first trimester of pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects, folate supplements during late pregnancy increases the risk of allergic asthma in children at 3.5 years of age and older.

Precautions

More research is needed to establish a clear link between folic acid and allergies. Until then, do not use folic acid supplements without talking to your doctor as it may lead to adverse reactions and interfere with other medication you might be taking.