A recent study in Japan indicates that B12 treatment helps in the growth and division of certain immune system cells.11 These cells function to prevent the immune system from over-reacting to allergens such as animals, mold, dust, and pollen. They are called suppressor cells or CD8+ lymphocytes. They “put the brakes on the immune system”. this medicationTM is a 21-day treatment of B12 lozenges sucked on twice daily. this medicationTM may help patients with hay fever by providing the patient’s suppressor cells with the sustained and elevated blood B12 level they need to grow and divide. It appears that by helping the immune system to become what it is genetically capable of becoming, this medicationTM turns at least some allergic people into non-allergic or moderately-allergic people.

Studies indicate that ingested oral cyanocobalamin tablets are ineffective in the treatment of allergic disease, perhaps because once ingested, they are directly metabolized in the liver. When B12 is delivered via injection or lozenge it passes throughout the bloodstream before arriving at the liver. It is during this first pass in its native form that it is believed to exert its therapeutic effect. CLINICAL RESEARCH: "The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes allergic rhinitis (hay fever), sinusitis, asthma,...conjunctivitis, urticaria, eczema, dermatitis (contact and atopic)...allergic and migraine headache...as diseases in which IgE-mediated allergy may be involved."1 In 1988, asthma and allergic rhinitis subjects were treated with B12. Total IgE, specific IgE and pulmonary lung functions were taken at days 45, 150 and 180 from baseline. Eight of the 9 subjects had reduced IgE. 2 In 1989 open label studies at two sites in Riverside County, CA in 1989. Sixteen of the 17 subjects had lowered IgE levels from Day 0 to Day 30.3

Genentech and Novartis are developing an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody for asthma and allergic rhinitis. In December 1999 they announced positive study results. This is evidence that reducing IgE results in a reduction of symptoms associated with IgE-mediated allergic disease.13 For people who find they cannot adequately avoid the allergens, the symptoms often can be controlled with medications. Effective medications that can be prescribed by a physician include antihistamines, topical nasal steroids, and cromolyn sodium - any of which can be used alone or in combination. Many effective antihistamines and decongestants also are available without a prescription. Click here for allergy medication online.