Vitamin D has many health benefits; it has the ability to fight off infections, curb inflammation and provide relief to allergy sufferers. With that, vitamin D could be considered a “super-nutrient”, especially since researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may have found an additional health benefit: weight loss.
The team at Allergy & Environmental Center, LLC believes strongly in investigating the health of every patient before suggesting a treatment plan. Therefore, you should consult a professional at The Allergy & Environmental Center, LLC prior to introducing nutritional supplements like vitamin D into your allergy-treatment routine.
A double-blinded trial conducted by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle included 218 overweight and/or obese postmenopausal women who had low serum vitamin D levels (less than 20ng/mL). Women were assigned to a twelve-month reduced calorie diet, 225-minute per week exercise program, and either a daily placebo or 2,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D3. Body measurements and serum levels were taken before, during and after the study.
The results indicated women who had higher levels of vitamin D saw a significant decrease in inflammation. Additionally, women with higher levels of this vitamin lost about 8.5 kilograms (18.73 lbs.).
As mentioned previously, vitamin D also has a powerful impact on the body’s ability to fight off infections, especially allergy-related ones. Hives for example, usually occurs from a germ called helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). H. pylori may come into contact with your immune system through tainted water, spoiled food or by a human’s touch. H. pylori causes inflammation and 70 percent of most hives cases.
Vitamin D helps fight off dangerous H. pylori bacteria and reduces inflammation associated with hives.
Certain foods like mushrooms, eggs, wild salmon and other fatty fishes are equipped with high levels of vitamin D. If you are interested in taking vitamin D to supplement The Allergy & Environmental Treatment Center, LLC therapies, please consult Dr. Liszewski.
Providing the most comprehensive testing, diagnosis, and treatment of allergy diseases, The Allergy & Environmental Treatment Center, LLC is the leading allergy clinic in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area. If you suffer from environmental, food, or chemical allergies, don’t wait any longer and call us now at (480) 634-2985!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
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FAQs
Can vitamin D fix allergies? ›
Vitamin D has many health benefits; it has the ability to fight off infections, curb inflammation and provide relief to allergy sufferers.
What does vitamin D do for allergies? ›Allergies and Vitamin D
Furthermore, research shows that vitamin D can activate certain regulatory immune system cells that prevent the release of chemicals that cause and worsen allergic diseases. 1 So a deficiency in vitamin D may inhibit this regulatory mechanism, which may worsen or trigger allergic disease.
Serious side effects of Vitamin D3
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Higher levels of cord blood 25(OH)D were also associated with decreased odds of having at least one positive skin prick test (OR=0.77, 95% CI 0.62, 0.94) and being sensitized to at least one aeroallergen (OR=0.74, 95% CI 0.58, 0.94).
What are the signs you need vitamin D? ›- Fatigue.
- Not sleeping well.
- Bone pain or achiness.
- Depression or feelings of sadness.
- Hair loss.
- Muscle weakness.
- Loss of appetite.
- Getting sick more easily.
Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine by reducing the amount of histamine your body produces in response to an allergen. It might help reduce mild symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and watery eyes due to allergic rhinitis.
How does vitamin D make you feel better? ›Vitamin D keeps your immune system strong and can help regulate insulin levels. It keeps your energy levels up and enhances your mood, too.
What does vitamin D do for inflammation? ›Inflammation is causally related to oncogenesis. It is widely thought that vitamin D plays an important role in the modulation of the inflammation system by regulating the production of inflammatory cytokines and immune cells, which are crucial for the pathogenesis of many immune-related diseases.
What deficiency causes allergies? ›If you suffer from asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema, seasonal allergies, persistent cough or even anaphylaxis, vitamin D deficiency could be related. Additionally, vitamin D has proven to activate immune system responses that may prevent the release of chemicals that cause and make allergy symptoms worse.
Why do I feel weird after taking vitamin D? ›Taking vitamin D can increase levels of calcium in the blood, and too much calcium can cause side effects. If you take large doses of vitamin D, you may experience stomach pain, loss of appetite, constipation, or diarrhea as a result of elevated calcium levels.
How long does it take for vitamin D to work? ›
How Long Does It Take for Vitamin D to Work? If you have a vitamin D deficiency, you may notice improvements within 4-6 weeks of consistent supplementation. However, that timeframe can vary depending on what your baseline vitamin D levels are.
What is the difference between vitamin D and vitamin D3? ›There are quite a few differences between vitamin D and vitamin D3, but the main difference between them is that vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates calcium and phosphorous levels in the body, whereas the vitamin D3 is the natural form of vitamin D produced by the body from sunlight.
Can vitamin D deficiency cause allergies? ›Research using direct measures of vitamin D from blood samples have also shown an association between low vitamin D and increased risk of allergic sensitization in children and adolescents [9] and food allergy in infants [11].
Can low vitamin D make allergies worse? ›A low level of vitamin D at age 6 was associated with increased allergies and asthma at age 14 in one study from Australia and serum 25OHD levels in children of both ages were negatively associated with concurrent allergic phenotypes in males [134].
Why would a doctor test vitamin D? ›A vitamin D test is used to screen for low levels of vitamin D in your blood so you can treat it with supplements before it causes health problems. If you have a known bone disorder or a problem absorbing calcium, a vitamin D test may be used to see if a lack of vitamin D is causing your condition.
Can vitamin D help with weight loss? ›Besides boosting mood and promoting calcium absorption, recent studies have shown that vitamin D may also aid in weight loss. For people with extra belly fat, a vitamin D supplement may be beneficial.
Does vitamin D affect sleep? ›Growing evidence has demonstrated that vitamin D has a role in sleep regulation [12]. Specifically, vitamin D deficiency (VDD) can increase risk of sleep disorders and is associated with sleep difficulties, shorter sleep duration, and nocturnal awakenings in children and adults [13,14,15].
What deficiency causes weight gain? ›Vitamin D deficiency is linked to many disease processes. It also plays a role in weight gain. If you're struggling with weight loss, there's a very good chance you're also struggling to store adequate amounts of vitamin D in your body.
How do you get rid of allergies forever naturally? ›There is currently no cure for allergies. However, there are OTC and prescription medications that may relieve symptoms. Avoiding allergy triggers or reducing contact with them can help prevent allergic reactions. Over time, immunotherapy may reduce the severity of allergic reactions.
What are the best supplements to stop allergies? ›People use many other supplements to treat allergies, including echinacea, grape seed extract, pycnogenol (pine bark extract), vitamin C, EPA, honey, cat's claw, albizzia (Albizzia lebbeck), baical skullcup (Scutellaria baicalensis),goldenseal, and spirulina.
Which fruit is good for allergy? ›
...
While Vitamin-C is the best to minimize symptoms, here's a list of specific fruits to try:
- Pineapple.
- Kiwi.
- Strawberries.
- Apples.
- Blueberries.
- Red Grapes.
- Watermelon.
Most people don't experience side effects with vitamin D, unless too much is taken. Some side effects of taking too much vitamin D include weakness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and others.
Will vitamin D give you energy? ›Vitamin D is vital for making our muscles work efficiently and boosting energy levels, new research from Newcastle University has shown.
Does vitamin D help with anxiety? ›Most studies have indicated that the main psychophysiological variables involved with vitamin D levels are depression and anxiety followed by mood, and an association has been observed between increased serum vitamin D levels and reduction in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and mood, and there is a heterogeneity of ...
What deficiency causes inflammation in the body? ›Vitamin D deficiency has a causative role in the systemic inflammation that commonly accompanies it, with inflammation declining, reflected by reductions in elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), as vitamin D levels increase to normal levels, new research shows.
What does inflammation in your body feel like? ›Acute inflammation is the short-term form of inflammation that occurs when you get an injury or contract an infection. It often shows up as redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the affected area.
How does vitamin D affect arthritis? ›Upping your vitamin D intake has been shown to help with symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential for building strong bones. Too little of this vital nutrient can lead to having thin, soft and brittle bones, known as osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children.
What autoimmune disease mimics allergies? ›Idiopathic Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
MCAS is a condition in which the patient experiences repeated episodes of the symptoms of anaphylaxis – allergic symptoms such as hives, swelling, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing and severe diarrhea. High levels of mast cell mediators are released during those episodes.
Allergy symptoms, which depend on the substance involved, can affect your airways, sinuses and nasal passages, skin, and digestive system. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. In some severe cases, allergies can trigger a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.
Why do I suddenly have allergies all the time? ›Adult-onset allergies can occur seemingly out of nowhere due to exposure to new allergens in the environment, family history and changes in the immune system. The most common food allergies in adults are peanuts, fish, shellfish such as shrimp, lobster and tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans and cashews).
Can vitamin D give me anxiety? ›
Vitamin D is not believed to affect anxiety directly. Though it may be correlated with higher anxiety levels, there are likely reasons beyond the vitamin itself - reasons that will be discussed later in this article. Historically, seeing the sun was often a cause for celebration and happiness.
Can vitamin D affect mood? ›1, it can be concluded that, in most studies, vitamin D supplementation was not effective in influencing mood and/or depressive symptoms.
Does vitamin D make you feel awake? ›Vitamin D is non-drowsy, but it won't keep you awake, either. However, one study has suggested that taking an adequate amount of vitamin D can help you sleep better at night.
When should I take vitamin D morning or night? ›While the best timing has not been established, scientific data to confirm anecdotal reports that supplementing at night may interfere with sleep is unavailable. Current research suggests you can fit vitamin D into your routine whenever you prefer.
Why does vitamin D make me sleepy? ›You'll be sleepy the next day. Several studies even saw a dose-dependent relationship between vitamin D levels and sleep. [1,2] This adds to the evidence that there is a direct, linear relationship between vitamin D and sleep measures. This also means that improving your vitamin D by any amount will improve your sleep.
What deficiency causes weakness in legs? ›Muscle weakness due to vitamin D deficiency is predominantly of the proximal muscle groups and is manifested by a feeling of heaviness in the legs, tiring easily, and difficulty in mounting stairs and rising from a chair; the deficiency is reversible with supplementation (15–18).
What is vitamin D good for hair? ›One role vitamin D plays is stimulating new and old hair follicles. When there isn't enough vitamin D in your system, new hair growth can be stunted. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to alopecia, the autoimmune condition that causes bald patches on the scalp and other areas of the body.
Why do doctors prescribe vitamin D instead of D3? ›Vitamin D supplements are available as vitamin D2 (D2) and vitamin D3 (D3). Both versions can be used to treat vitamin D deficiency, but D3 seems to be more effective than D2. Vitamin D2 is still prescribed to people with low vitamin D levels, because it's more readily available in higher doses.
What type of vitamin D is best? ›Choosing the Best Vitamin D Supplement for Your Health
If you choose to go the supplement route, Clifford recommends taking around 400 to 800 IU of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) per day. “Vitamin D3 is the form that is already stored in the body, so some studies have found it to be more effective,” Clifford says.
Medical conditions that can cause vitamin D deficiency include: Cystic fibrosis, Crohn's disease and celiac disease: These conditions can prevent your intestines from adequately absorbing enough vitamin D through supplements, especially if the condition is untreated.
What illnesses can be caused by lack of vitamin D? ›
In children, it can cause rickets. Rickets is a rare disease that causes the bones to become soft and bend. African American infants and children are at higher risk of getting rickets. In adults, severe vitamin D deficiency leads to osteomalacia.
Can vitamin D deficiency cause you to get sick more? ›If you often become sick, especially with colds or the flu, low vitamin D levels may be a contributing factor. Several large observational studies have shown a link between a deficiency and respiratory tract infections such as colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia ( 7 , 8 ).
Can low vitamin D cause inflammation in the body? ›According to 2021 research, vitamin D has been shown to have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, and deficiencies in this nutrient may contribute to chronic inflammation.
What does vitamin D have to do with allergies? ›Allergies and Vitamin D
Furthermore, research shows that vitamin D can activate certain regulatory immune system cells that prevent the release of chemicals that cause and worsen allergic diseases. 1 So a deficiency in vitamin D may inhibit this regulatory mechanism, which may worsen or trigger allergic disease.
Vitamin D testing is unproven and not medically necessary for routine preventive screening due to insufficient evidence of efficacy.
Is a vitamin D test worth it? ›Even if you are at risk for other diseases, like diabetes and heart disease, a vitamin D test isn't usually helpful. The test results are unlikely to change the advice from your doctor. It is much more important for you to make lifestyle changes first—to stop smoking, aim for a healthy weight and be physically active.
Can Low Vit D cause allergies? ›[1] Several studies have reported that Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased incidence of asthma and allergy symptoms.
Is vitamin D good for histamine? ›Vitamin D. Vitamin D has been shown to stabilize mast cells and act as an anti-inflammatory. Research has found that taking vitamin D in conjunction with antihistamines and corticosteroids may also improve chronic hives.
Does vitamin D help with sinus? ›Vitamin D assists in healthy immune system functioning. It makes sense that a deficiency could contribute to a greater susceptibility to cold and flu viruses. In addition, viral sinus infections that are complication linked to cold and flu might be easier prevented with appropriate levels of Vitamin D.
Does vitamin D help with asthma and allergies? ›In the adult population, supplementing vitamin D may lead to a statistically significant reduction of asthma exacerbation rates in asthmatic patients with low levels of vitamin D.
What skin problems does vitamin D deficiency cause? ›
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with the risk of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, and several clinical/observational studies have suggested the beneficial effect of vitamin D in the therapy of these 2 inflammatory skin disorders.
Does vitamin D reduce inflammation? ›It has been confirmed that vitamin D has potent anti-inflammatory properties. It contributes to reduction in pro-inflammatory mediators and an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines. There is also evidence that vitamin D could decrease C-reactive protein (CRP) and affect selected haematological indices.
What medications to avoid with mast cell activation disorder? ›Avoid drugs that can trigger mast cell release - narcotics, muscle relaxants, certain antibiotics, anti-seizure, local anesthetics, IV dye, and certain blood pressure medicines such as ACE inhibitors and beta-adrenoceptor antagonists.
Does vitamin D help with itching? ›Vitamin D. Studies have concluded that people who suffer from eczema and other similar skin conditions tend to have lower levels of vitamin D than the rest of the population. Taking a vitamin D supplement therefore increases your levels, helping to reduce the severity of itchy skin.
Can vitamin D deficiency cause sinus issues? ›Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased human sinonasal fibroblast proliferation in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps - PMC. The .
Can vitamin D deficiency cause sinusitis? ›Clinical studies suggest that chronic or serious sinusitis might be associated with vitamin D deficiency, a medical team at Taichung's Cheng Ching Hospital said. Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses, and is also known as a sinus infection or rhinosinusitis.
What deficiencies cause sinus problems? ›Get adequate vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to more frequent viral upper respiratory illnesses, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps and asthma.
Although the precise connection between vitamin D status and lung function is not clear at this point, it is postulated that vitamin D may improve lung function through its action on regulating inflammation ,inducing antimicrobial peptides , and/or its action on muscles .
Does vitamin D Help Breathing? ›It is well known that vitamin D plays an important role in bone health and the immune system, however, evidence is emerging, which shows that vitamin D levels are associated with better lung function, suggesting it plays an important role in maintaining good respiratory health.
Can you take vitamin D with allergy meds? ›No interactions were found between Benadryl Allergy and Vitamin D3. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.