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 nutritionassessment an anti-IgE nutritionassessment 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 nutritionassessment 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 nutritionassessment and decongestants also are available without a prescription. Click here for allergy medication online.

Antihistamines As the name indicates, an antihistamine counters the effects of histamine, which is released by the mast cells in the body''s tissues and contributes to allergy symptoms. For many years, antihistamines have proven useful nutritionassessment in relieving sneezing nutritionassessment and nutritionassessment and itching in the nose, throat, and eyes and in reducing nasal swelling and drainage. Many people who take antihistamines experience some distressing side effects: drowsiness and loss of alertness and coordination. nutritionassessment In children, such reactions can be misinterpreted as behavior problems. nutritionassessment During the last few years, however, antihistamines that cause fewer of these side effects have become available by prescription. These new nonsedating antihistamines are as effective as other antihistamines in preventing histamine-induced symptoms, but do so without causing sleepiness.