BALTIMORE, May 1, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Folic acid, known to reduce the risk
of spinal birth defects, may also suppress allergic reactions, U.S. researchers
said.
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center in Baltimore and colleagues
said that they have found a link between folate levels and inflammation-mediated
diseases, including heart disease.
The researcher reviewed the medical records of more than 8,000 people ages 2-85
to track the effect of folate levels on respiratory and allergic symptoms and on
levels of IgE antibodies -- immune system markers that rise in response to an
allergen.
The study, published online ahead of print in the Journal of Allergy & Clinical
Immunology, found people with higher blood levels of folate had fewer IgE
antibodies, fewer reported allergies, less wheezing and lower likelihood of
asthma.
"Our findings are a clear indication that folic acid may indeed help regulate
immune response to allergens, and may reduce allergy and asthma symptoms," lead
investigator Dr. Elizabeth Matsui said in a statement.
"But we still need to figure out the exact mechanism behind it, and to do so we
need studies that follow people receiving treatment with folic acid, before we
even consider supplementation with folic acid to treat or prevent allergies and
asthma."
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Copyright 2009 by United Press International