Is there a link between our allergies and iron deficiency?

Posted: 15th June 2022 | Posted by Costa

Is there a link between our allergies and iron deficiency?

Unfortunately, there is no ‘easy’ solution to solve allergies. There’s no magic pill to make them go away. Even antihistamines, which can be used for seasonal allergies, have their limits. But there’s a wealth of research going on to try to find the answer.

And one study coming out of Austria might just have one. Researchers across several institutes are looking into small dietary changes that could reduce the impacts of some allergic reactions. It all comes down to iron levels in the blood. Let’s take a look at what this study found and what it might mean for the future of allergies.

The study

Scientists at the Messerli Research Institute of MedUni Vienna, Vetmeduni Vienna, and the University of Vienna conducted a trial to see how targeted dietary measures could reduce symptoms. In a placebo-controlled study, they gave participants a specifically developed lozenge. This was based on the whey protein beta-lactoglobulin from cows, which acts as a carrier for numerous micronutrients.

But what about the iron? Well, it isn’t technically an iron supplement because there’s so little of it in the lozenge. Instead, what makes it effective is that the micronutrients are in a suitable form to be carried by the whey protein to the immune cells.

The researchers found that people who took the lozenge had significantly reduced symptoms in their birch and grass pollen allergies. And, after six months with it, there was a noticeable improvement in iron levels in monocytes and red blood cell parameters.

What does this mean?

It’s still early days for this research, so don’t expect to see the lozenges on store shelves just yet. And, as you might have already realised, it isn’t a ‘cure’ for allergies. Nor has it been tested with more severe reactions.

But it does represent a new way to treat allergies by simply changing parts of our diet. And using the lozenge could present a universal way of treating allergies. It’s a lively field of research, and isn’t the only study into the link between iron and allergies. Here’s one exploring the link and another with a similar purpose.

As long as people are suffering from allergies, there will be research trying to help them. But until the day comes that they find a solution, you’ll have to be careful with your reactions. Don’t forget to take care of yourself and talk with an allergy specialist if you ever have any concerns.

If you have any questions about your allergies, get in touch with one of our allergists today. You can register as a new patient here, or call us on 02031 433 449.