Folic Acid May Be Useful In Reducing Allergy and Asthma Symptoms

A new study out of Johns Hopkins Children’s Center has concluded that folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, may reduce the symptoms of allergies and asthma.  The researchers compared the blood levels of folate and respiratory and allergy symptoms.  Individuals with very low folate levels below eight nanograms per milliliter had a 40% higher risk for wheezing than those with higher folate levels above 18 nanograms per milliliter.  Those with low folate levels had a 31% higher risk of allergy symptoms and a 16% higher risk for asthma than those with higher folate levels.  These results suggest that folic acid may be used in the body to regulate immune response to allergens, and therefore reduce allergy and asthma symptoms. 

Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions (2009, April 30).  Folic Acid May Help Treat Allergies, Asthma.  ScienceDaily.  Retrieved April 30, 2009, from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430065452.htm