Written by: VP of R&D Fernando Swartz With Senior Director of R&D Brett West

Spring is finally here!

Days are becoming longer, trees and flowers are in bloom, birds are singing and the winter frost has finally broken. But for many, this means the start of the itchy eyes and runny nose allergy season.

Feeling those symptoms or more? You’re not alone. According to the National Health Interview Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that 18.9% of children and 25.7% of adults in the United States reported experiencing seasonal allergies (CDC, 2023).

What Is an Allergic Response?

An allergic response occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance, such as tree pollen, as a threat. This triggers the release of antibodies known as IgE (short for immunoglobin E), which bind to the allergen in an attempt to protect the body. Upon subsequent encounters with the allergen, these IgE antibodies signal the immune system to release histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream (Li, 2021). This cascade of chemicals leads to allergy symptoms, including nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes and skin reactions, collectively known as an allergic reaction.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis — also known as pollinosis, hay fever or nasal allergies — primarily affects the nose and eyes. Symptoms typically arise after inhaling airborne allergens such as dust, dander or pollen. When pollen triggers these symptoms, it’s often referred to as “hay fever.”  

Various plants produce pollen that can induce symptoms like watery eyes, sneezing and nasal congestion. These symptoms may occur seasonally or persist year-round. However, certain blooming trees are often the primary culprits.

How to Prevent Pollen Allergies

The best way to prevent pollen allergies is to avoid the allergen, which is difficult to do. However, you may still be able to minimize your exposure to pollen by:

• Using a Puritii™ Multi-Effect Air Purifier in your home or office
• Keeping doors and windows closed when pollen counts are high
• Minimizing time spent outdoors or staying indoors on dry, windy days
• Wearing a dust musk on high pollen count days

Pro Tip: To find the pollen counts for your area, you can check your local weather reports.

Supporting Your Immune System by Supplementation

Research shows that ingredients such as noni juice, vitamin C, quercetin and hesperidin can help support your body’s immune system during allergen seasons.

Noni

In one study, drinking noni juice reduced the severity of allergen-induced airway inflammation by decreasing the number of inflammatory cells in the lower respiratory tract, such as the lungs and bronchial tubes (Dussossoy et al., 2016).

In another study, an extract from Partner.Co’s supply of Tahitian noni fruit was tested against known allergens to see if it could reduce immediate and late-phase hypersensitivity reactions. When the noni was ingested, it appeared to reduce mast cell degranulation (the release of inflammatory compounds in the body) and the release of histamine. This resulted in a reduction of allergen-induced swelling (Murata et al., 2014).

From these studies, we learned that noni juice may help reduce the severity of allergy symptoms by limiting the reactions that lead to the release of histamine and other inflammatory compounds and controlling the immune response of hypertensive individuals. 

Vitamin C

It has been shown that supplementing with at least two grams per day of vitamin C prevents the release of histamine from white blood cells (Bucca et al., 1990).

The results from one study, the administration of vitamin C improved the symptoms of allergic rhinitis such as sneezing, lacrimation (watery eyes), itching and malaise (Munjal 2020).

In another study taking 2000 mg per day, along with moderate exercise, such as running or walking for 30 minutes per session, three times a week for eight weeks, caused a significant reduction in nasal congestion, sneezing, nasal itching and runny nose (Tongtako et al. 2018).

Quercetin

Quercetin belongs to a polyphenol flavonoids subgroup known as flavonols (natural compounds found in fruits, vegetables or plants). Quercetin has anti-allergic properties characterized by stimulation of the immune system, inhibition of histamine release and decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines (proteins that have a controlling influence — modulate — of inflammation).

It restrains antigen-specific IgE antibody formation, therefore reducing the release of chemicals such as histamine, which can help reduce allergic symptoms.

Looking to fight the good fight against allergies this season? Partner.Co can help. Make sure you stock up on the following to ramp up your defenses and take on pollen with confidence!

References

• Bucca C, Rolla G, Oliva A, Farina Effect of vitamin C on histamine bronchial responsiveness of patients with allergic rhinitis. Ann Allergy. 1990 65(4):311–314.
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC). NCHS Data Brief, No. 459. Diagnosed Allergic Conditions in Children Aged 0–17 Years: United States, 2021. 2023. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db459.pdf 
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC). NCHS Data Brief, No. 460. Diagnosed Allergic Conditions in Adults: United States, 2021.  2023. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db460.pdf. 
• Dussossoy E., Bichon, F., Bony E., Portet K., Brat, P. Vaillant F., et al. Pulmonary anti-inflammatory effects and spasmolytic properties of Costa Rican noni juice (Morinda citrifolia L.), Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2016. 192:264-272.
• Jafarinia M., Sadat Hosseini M. Kasiri N., et al. Quercetin with the potential effect on allergic diseases. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2020.16:36.
• Li J. Allergies and asthma: They often occur together. Mayo clinic. 2021.
• Mlcek J., Jurikova T., Skrovankova S., Sochor J. Quercetin and Its Anti-Allergic Immune Response. Molecules. 2016. 21(5):623.
• Munjal M., Khurana A.S., Bajwa N., Munjal S., Dhawan N. et al. Study of vitamin C therapy in allergic rhinitis. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2020. (6):1951–1955.
• Murata K., Abe Y., Futamura-Masudaa M., Uwaya A., Isami F., Matsuda H. Activation of cell-mediated immunity by Morinda citrifolia fruit extract and its constituents. Nat Prod Commun. 2014. (4):445-50
• Tongtako W, Klaewsongkram J, Mickleborough TD, Suksom D. Effects of aerobic exercise and vitamin C supplementation on rhinitis symptoms in allergic rhinitis patients. Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol. 2018. 36(4):222–231.