TL;DR

  • A Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and nuts may reduce wheezing and rhinitis in children.

  • Carotenoids (plant pigments, some converted to vitamin A) are linked to fewer allergy symptoms.

  • Folate levels are inversely associated with IgE antibodies and allergy/asthma risk.

  • Margarine consumption is associated with more wheezing and rhinitis.

The rise in asthma and allergies has sparked interest in whether diet may help protect against these conditions. Research suggests that fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and certain nutrients may lower the risk of wheezing, rhinitis, and allergic symptoms.

Mediterranean Diet and Children’s Allergies

A study in Thorax (2007;62:677–683) looked at 690 children in rural Crete, ages 7–18, and their dietary patterns. Parents reported allergic and respiratory symptoms, and children were tested for common airborne allergens. Diet was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire based on 12 dietary items.

  • High fruit and vegetable intake was common — 80% of children ate fresh fruit and 68% ate fresh vegetables at least twice a day.

  • Grapes, oranges, apples, and fresh tomatoes did not reduce allergies directly but were linked to less wheezing and rhinitis.

  • Nut consumption was also associated with reduced wheezing.

  • Margarine consumption correlated with increased wheezing and allergic rhinitis.

These findings suggest that a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fresh produce and nuts, may help reduce respiratory symptoms even if it doesn’t eliminate allergic sensitization.

Antioxidants and Carotenoids

Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables may explain these benefits. Carotenoids are colorful plant compounds, some of which the body converts to vitamin A. A cross-sectional study in Public Health Nutrition (2006;9(4):472–479) examined 547 adults and found an inverse relationship between carotenoid levels and allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

Interestingly, blood levels of vitamin C and vitamin E did not show a clear connection to allergy symptoms in this study, suggesting carotenoids may play a unique role.

Folate and Allergy Risk

Folic acid (vitamin B9) is essential for brain and emotional health, appetite, stomach acid production, and liver function. It may also play a role in immune balance.

A study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2009;123(6):1253–1259.e2) analyzed data from the 2006 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, including 8,083 subjects aged 2 years and older.

  • Higher folate levels were associated with lower IgE antibody levels (a marker of allergic response).

  • People with low folate were more likely to report allergies, wheezing, or asthma.

This suggests that maintaining adequate folate levels may help reduce the likelihood of allergic symptoms.

FAQ

Q: Can diet really reduce allergy symptoms?
Yes. Studies suggest that children who eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts have lower rates of wheezing and rhinitis.

Q: What nutrients are most linked to allergy protection?
Carotenoids (plant pigments found in colorful fruits and vegetables) and folate (vitamin B9) appear especially important.

Q: Does vitamin C help with allergies?
In one study, vitamin C and vitamin E blood levels did not show a strong relationship with allergy symptoms, while carotenoids did.

Q: How does folate affect allergies?
Higher folate levels are linked to lower IgE antibodies, fewer allergies, and reduced asthma symptoms.