Looking for a more natural approach to allergies? You’ve come to the right place.
In today’s article, we will be discussing the best Vitamin B complex for allergies.
While there are plenty of nutrients recommended for allergies like magnesium and even turmeric to fight inflammation associated with allergies, today’s focus will be B complex.
Table of contents
Why do B Vitamins Help with Allergies?
The relationship between B Vitamins and allergies is quite fascinating. But first, before digging into the “why” behind it all, I want to briefly touch upon the concept of methylation.
Here is my best attempt to explain methylation without boring you to tears:
Methylation is a fancy term for the act of adding a methyl group. Adding a methyl group is a chemical process occurring in our body that is necessary for the following:
- Metabolism of neurotransmitters and hormones.
- Control of gene activity without direct changes in DNA sequence.
- Producing the active form of folate (B9) known as methylfolate.
There is a gene, known as MTHFR, that controls our body’s ability to methylate through means of creating a special enzyme. MTHFR stands for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and the enzyme produced by this gene is known as methyfolate.
Methylfolate is the ACTIVE form of B9, meaning that it is already broken down and ready for your body to use in order to support your immune system and provide energy to all your cells.
Therefore, when there is a mutation in your MTHFR gene, you may be more susceptible to allergies.
It is absolutely wild how many people are led to believe that allergies are a result of “bad luck” when in actuality, allergies result from epigenetic changes in our immune cells.
Those of us dealing with MTHFR gene mutations do not methylate very well, which then changes our epigenetic markers and puts us at risk for folate deficiency. Folate deficiency, combined with other issues like a toxic environment, reduces our number of regulatory T cells. A lower number of regulatory T cells increases our risk for issues like allergies, autoimmunity, food sensitivities, and asthma.[1]
For those of you who are not new to this game and are already aware that you have an MTHFR mutation, be careful with the supplementation of folic acid.
Why? You are more susceptible to the harmful effects that accompany unmetabolized folic acid.
Since this form of folic acid (B9) is not already broken down for you, it can “float around” in your system and further inhibit MTHFR gene function.
Wondering how to counteract this issue?
Be sure to keep reading because we have a list of the best vitamin B complexes for allergies below. Most importantly, this list includes supplements that contain methylated B vitamins. In other words, the vitamins are already broken down for your body to use and can bypass the MTHFR genetic variance.
Can lack of B12 cause allergies?
A lack of B12, or, in other words, a vitamin B12 deficiency, can potentially cause allergies. Seems strange at first thought, but when we think back to basic gut function, it makes sense.
Research tells us that the human intestinal microbiome is involved in the metabolism and production of B vitamins and other methyl-donor nutrients.[2]
So, when our intestinal microbiome, or balance of bacteria, is off in our gut, we are unable to digest, absorb, and utilize B vitamins in the same fashion as when our gut is properly balanced.
Simply put, our gut needs to function optimally to make use of the B vitamins we ingest through food and supplementation.
So, a lack of B12 does not directly cause allergies. Still, compromised gut health will undoubtedly indirectly increase our risk for allergies and the severity of those allergies if we are already fighting the battle.
Not to mention, many of the symptoms associated with allergies i.e., nasal congestion, shortness of breath, hives, etc. – can lead to fatigue. B vitamins are one of the best energy sources as they help metabolize our food and plug it into our cells for fuel. Therefore, a vitamin B complex can help offset the decrease in energy that often comes with a consistent battle with allergies.
And hey, in case any of this sounds familiar, and you already happen to feel like a walking ball of inflammation and allergies, check out our post on the Top 10 Ways To Reduce Inflammation in the Body. as well as The Top 17 Foods that Cause Inflammation.
Which Vitamin B Helps with Allergies?
This is a bit of a loaded question because various forms of B vitamins can assist in fighting allergies. Here is a quick breakdown.
Folate, or Vitamin B9, found in dark leafy greens, beans, peanuts, liver, and sunflower seeds, is most famous for decreasing inflammation. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that individuals with higher blood levels of folate had fewer IgE antibodies, reported fewer allergies, less wheezing, and lower incidences of asthma.[3]
B2, otherwise known as Riboflavin, found in meat, eggs, milk, and cheese, plays a critical role in many of our body’s cellular processes. While definitive research is lacking, some studies show that B2 intake is associated with a lower prevalence of allergies.[4,5]
B6, or pyridoxine, is another water-soluble vitamin found in foods like beef liver, fruits, veggies, whole grains and fish. B6 plays a role in many biological functions and is arguably most famous for its role in homocysteine metabolism.
And again, while we wish the research was a little more detailed on this subject, there are a few studies revealing that asthmatic patients tend to have lower levels of B6 and also that supplementation of B6 among these individuals decreased the severity of their allergies.[6] Another study showed that those with adequate B6 intake were at a lower risk for allergies.[7]
Choline is a trimethylated water-soluble B vitamin. It is found primarily in soy, flax seeds, peanuts, lentils, cauliflower, and eggs.[8] While human studies are limited, the evidence that we do have suggests the relationship between tricholine citrate supplementation and the body’s allergic response is positive. Also, one study showed that choline was lower in asthmatic subjects.[9]
Some research studies suggest that choline supplementation suppresses the inflammatory response in allergic airway disease. In particular, some studies showed that using tricholine citrate in treating asthmatic subjects improved their asthma with decreased symptom scores, increased symptom-free days, and reduced rescue medication use.[10]
Additionally, people supplemented with high-dose choline were found to have improved lung function and decreased airway responsiveness.[11]
And how about this one: In a treatment trial of 76 patients with asthma, some participants were treated with choline and others with standard pharmacotherapy. Guess what? Choline supplementation resulted in improved quality of life, improved airway responsiveness, significantly reduced inflammatory markers, and decreased asthma medication use.[12]
In summary, a B complex for allergies is the answer. B complex vitamins provide a comprehensive approach to boosting the immune system and supporting function at the cellular level. Please keep reading to learn our favorite vitamin B complex for allergies.
Does B12 Help with Seasonal Allergies?
The B12 seasonal allergy relationship is actually pretty inconclusive. Some studies show there is no benefit to B12 supplementation.[13] Other evidence suggests that loading up on B12 might actually be counterintuitive to treating allergies.[14]
However, taking what we know about the basics, it makes sense that B12 would help.
Vitamin B12 not only supports a healthy nervous system but can also reduce inflammation in the body by blocking the release of histamine.
Remember, diamine oxidase (DAO) is the big enzyme involved in histamine metabolism. DAO ensures that your body maintains a steady level of histamine for various chemical reactions in the body. DAO needs B12, among various other vitamins and minerals to do its job.
So, in summary, does B12 help with seasonal allergies? Likely, yes, but we need a more muscular body of evidence before shouting it from the rooftops.
The Best Vitamin B Complex for Allergies
1. Ultra B Complex with PQQ by Pure Encapsulations
- The ultimate B complex for correction of low energy, B deficiencies, and allergy prevention.
Say hello to the big daddy of all B complex vitamins and my personal favorite, Ultra B Complex with PQQ by Pure Encapsulations. This is one of the only professional grade B complex vitamins on the market that addresses mitochondrial health while providing advanced antioxidant support. The PQQ, in particular, is a unique B vitamin-like cofactor that encourages the creation of new mitochondria.
In summary, this is the best B complex if you want to improve overall health, as this supplement can improve everything from brain function to nerve health, immune health, and energy. Your allergies are less likely to be as severe after a few months of supplementation.
Pro Tip: Be sure to take it with food or else you may feel nauseous.
Ultra B Complex with PQQ by Pure Encapsulations is available on Amazon. Still, a better option is to 👉purchase on Fullscript👈, which is over $25 less 🤯 when you create a Fullscript account (there is zero cost to you, but we may earn a commission which helps support our website). You will then receive 20% off all Fullscript orders for life, so after you create an account with our link, you can order any supplement you want for a substantial discount.
We prefer ordering from Fullscript because all supplements ship directly from temperature-controlled warehouses in temperature-controlled packaging. This is crucial, especially in the summer months, to maintain the potency and quality of your supplements. For this reason, we buy almost all our supplements, especially heat-sensitive supplements like the best glutathione or the best NAD supplement, directly from Fullscript.
If you want to save some money and purchase B Complex with PQQ by Pure Encapsulations on Fullscript, simply use our link to create your account. This link will take you directly to our favorite b complex supplements for allergies. Oh and FYI free shipping on orders over $49 too.🙂
2. Active B-Complex by Integrative Therapeutics
- A hypoallergenic formula containing the active forms of Vitamin B2, B6, B12, and folic acid.
Compared to most over-the-counter, junky versions of B complex vitamins, Active-B Complex is lightyears better. Most of our clients feel energized with zero gut issues after taking this supplement.
This is also a perfect option for those who already know that they do not methylate well. The Active-B Complex formula contains the active form of the most essential B vitamins, particularly Quatrefolic brand of L-Methylfolate. Since these vitamins are already in a broken down state, less work is required by your body for digestion and absorption.
P.S. Certainly not encouraging you to overindulge in alcohol, BUT, if you take 2 capsules of Active B-Complex and wash it down with an electrolyte rich beverage when you are hungover, you will be saved in approximately 25-30 minutes!!
You may purchase Active B-Complex by Integrative Therapeutics on Amazon. However, a better option for maintaining quality and saving money, is to 👉buy it through Fullscript👈, which is nearly $6 cheaper 🤯 when you use our affiliate link to create your Fullscript account.
3. Aller-B by Progressive Labs
- Completely free of binders and fillers that tend to cause a reaction in our most sensitive clients.
While this Vitamin B complex for allergies is not as widely known and not quite as powerful as the two listed above, Aller-B is perfect for the ultra-sensitive client experiencing multiple allergies.
Sometimes, when the immune system goes into hyperdrive, you may find yourself experiencing a histamine response from certain vitamins and even ingredients- not just the food itself.
Aller-B is free of the standard binders and fillers that are most likely to cause a reaction.
Check it out HERE on Fullscript for $6.00 less per bottle than your average store!
What Other Natural Remedies Help with Allergies?
Besides a quality b-complex, quercetin has been shown to help with allergies, support the immune system, support respiratory health, and fight mast cell syndrome. Consider using one of the best quercetin supplement options along with your B complex for a potent all-natural approach to managing allergies.
Are You Ready to Try a B Complex for Allergies?
Hopefully, by now you feel confident knowing the best Vitamin B complex for allergies. While there is a multitude of vitamins and minerals you can choose from, using Vitamin B complex for allergies will provide you a strong start.
What natural vitamin remedies have you tried? Were any of them worth repeating? Have you ever tried using an infrared sauna as a way to support your immune system? Interested in scheduling a complimentary 15 minute call to devise a personalized nutrition strategy with one of our dietitians? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
References:
1.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22363800/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4004707/
4.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15460903/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16766537/
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3984921/
7.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16766537/
8. https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(13)01700-4/pdf
9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23517038/
10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9357148/
11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9339609/
12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19897276/
13. https://www.jacionline.org/article/0021-8707(51)90059-7/fulltext
14. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18802477/
