If you struggle with allergies or asthma, you know how they can disrupt your life—limiting your activities, tying you to medications, and making certain seasons a living nightmare. For some, these conditions aren’t just frustrating, they’re life-threatening. Springtime blooms, a simple outdoor stroll, or even a change in weather can feel like a trap, robbing you of the freedom to enjoy life.
But there’s hope! Emerging research suggests that significant relief isn’t just possible, it’s within reach. Science shows that natural solutions can help you regain control by activating your body’s own defence and immunity mechanisms.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), along with bioflavonoids and flavonoids, found in natural ingredients and supplements, are known for their antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds have shown the potential to ease allergy symptoms, relieve asthma discomfort, and even reduce the risk and severity of respiratory infections.
Let’s explore the latest scientific findings and discover natural, accessible solutions to support you during your springtime walks.
What Causes Allergies and Asthma?
Allergies & Asthma
Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to harmless substances in your environment, such as food, pollen, or pet dander. While the immune system typically protects you from infections and diseases, for those with allergies, it mistakes these substances as threats, triggering various symptoms.
When exposed to an allergen, your body releases antibodies that signal the production of histamine, a chemical responsible for initiating your body’s defence response. This process leads to symptoms such as:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Red, watery eyes
- Swelling
- Itching
- Rash
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Anaphylaxis (life-threatening swelling in the airways)
- Asthma
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic condition where the airways narrow, swell, and may produce excess mucus, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms include wheezing (especially during exhalation), coughing, and shortness of breath.
When effectively managed, asthma typically does not pose significant risks. However, respiratory infections can heighten airway inflammation and mucus production, increasing the likelihood of severe asthma attacks. For some, infections are a primary trigger for exacerbations, making them particularly vulnerable during illness. Although there’s no cure for asthma, its symptoms can be managed through medications and supportive measures like supplementation.
Can Vitamin C Help with Allergies and Asthma?
Vitamin C has been studied for its potential benefits in managing allergies and asthma due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-histamine properties.
In asthma, chronic inflammation in the airways causes breathing difficulties, wheezing, and coughing. Similarly, allergies like hay fever involve nasal inflammation, leading to sneezing, congestion, and watery eyes. Vitamin C’s anti-inflammatory properties can reduce both airway and nasal inflammation, offering relief for asthma and allergy sufferers. Research has shown that vitamin C helps reduce airway inflammation in asthma and alleviate nasal inflammation in allergic rhinitis, easing symptoms like congestion and sneezing.
How does Vitamin C Work?
Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine by reducing histamine production, which may help alleviate symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing, congestion, and watery eyes. It also supports lung health and may lower the risk of asthma attacks by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. A study found that a 7.5-gram intravenous dose of vitamin C reduced blood histamine levels by about 50%, highlighting its potential benefits for managing allergies and asthma.
If you’re looking to incorporate high-strength vitamin C into your routine, Novomins Vitamin C Gummies are a convenient option. Developed by nutritionists and scientists, they provide a powerful dose of vitamin C and even come in a kid-friendly formula for the little ones.
How Bioflavonoids and Flavonoids Enhance Vitamin C
Bioflavonoids, or flavonoids, are a group of powerful plant compounds found in the rinds of green citrus fruits, rose hips, black currants, and many other plant-based foods. These incredible compounds have antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and even anticarcinogenic properties, long trusted since ancient times.
What’s even more impressive is how they work hand-in-hand with vitamin C, not only slowing its breakdown but also improving its absorption. This partnership helps strengthen the immune system, fight infections, and support cellular repair, all while protecting your body from everyday toxins and stressors.
Taking a vitamin C supplement enriched with bioflavonoids is an excellent way to maximise its effectiveness and unlock its full benefits. Novomins formula, as mentioned above, goes a step further by not only including bioflavonoids and rose hip - a rich source of flavonoids, but also elderberry and selenium too—another two powerful ingredients packed with vitamin C that support the immune system. In addition, the formula includes Zinc to aid immune, hormonal and metabolic functions.
How Much Vitamin C Should You Take?
Kids’ Dosage
- Children 1–3 years: 15 mg
- Children 4–8 years: 25 mg
- Children 9–13 years: 45 mg
- Teens: Boys 14–18 years: 75 mg. Girls: 65 mg
Adult Dosage
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin C is 75 mg per day for women and 90 mg per day for men. Since your body doesn’t store vitamin C, there's little risk of toxicity, so it’s generally safe to take higher doses through supplements. Any extra vitamin C is just excreted in your urine. For allergic rhinitis, healthcare professionals often recommend a daily dose of 2,000 mg of vitamin C.
Just a note: Taking more than 2,000 mg can lead to diarrhoea (the most common side effect), and in some cases, nausea or vomiting. Your gastrointestinal tract (GI) can only absorb so much vitamin C, so any excess can have a laxative effect. But don’t worry, this isn’t harmful, it’s just your body signalling you’ve reached your limit.
What Foods or Supplements Should One Take?
Vitamin C cannot be stored in the body, so you need it in your diet every day. It can be found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
Good sources include:
- Citrus fruit, such as oranges and orange juice
- Peppers
- Strawberries
- Blackcurrants
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Potatoes
No time for meal prepping? Opt for a convenient and tasty solution instead. Novomins high-strength Vitamin C Gummies contain a powerful blend of 250 mg of vitamin C, elderberry, rosehip, selenium, zinc and vitamins B6 and B12 for added energy and vitality.
Final Thoughts:
Adding vitamin C to your routine could be an easy and natural way to help ease allergy and asthma symptoms. While it's not a cure-all, its natural antihistamine, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may provide valuable relief and support for respiratory health.
