Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate)
For the health condition: Allergies (respiratory)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin C (including sodium ascorbate) has some scientific rationale supporting its use in the context of respiratory allergies, although the evidence is modest. Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant and plays a role in modulating immune responses. Some studies suggest that oxidative stress contributes to allergic inflammation in conditions like allergic rhinitis and asthma. Vitamin C may help reduce histamine levels and inflammatory mediators, potentially alleviating some allergy symptoms.

Small clinical studies have found that vitamin C supplementation can decrease the severity of allergy symptoms, such as sneezing and nasal congestion. For example, a few trials have reported relief of allergic rhinitis symptoms with high-dose intravenous vitamin C, and some observational data suggest that individuals with higher vitamin C intake have fewer respiratory allergic symptoms. However, these studies often have methodological limitations, such as small sample sizes, lack of blinding, or use of intravenous rather than oral vitamin C.

Major guidelines and systematic reviews conclude that while vitamin C may have a theoretical benefit in reducing allergic inflammation, the current evidence is insufficient to recommend it as a primary or stand-alone treatment for respiratory allergies. More robust, large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed. In summary, there is weak but plausible scientific support for vitamin C's use in this context, mostly as an adjunct to standard therapies.

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