A recent study in Japan indicates that B12 treatment helps in the growth and division of certain immune system cells.11 These cells function to prevent the immune system from over-reacting to allergens such as animals, mold, dust, and pollen. They are called suppressor cells or CD8+ lymphocytes. They “put the brakes on the immune system”. this medicationTM is a 21-day treatment of B12 lozenges sucked on twice daily. this medicationTM may help patients with hay fever by providing the patient’s suppressor cells with the sustained and elevated blood B12 level they need to grow and divide. It appears that by helping the immune system to become what it is genetically capable of becoming, this medicationTM turns at least some allergic people into non-allergic or moderately-allergic people.

In 1992 in El Paso, TX a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study of subjects (n=130) with allergic rhinitis in 1992-1993 was conducted. The average IgE level of the placebo treated subjects remained essentially flat, while the average IgE level for active treated subjects was reduced significantly from baseline to Day 30.7 In 1993 in El Paso, TX, valid subjects (n=66) returned a second set of symptom diaries which they had completed for days 365 to 395 (the same period, one year after the first set of symptom diaries). The active group had mean symptom scores showing statistically significant decreases from 1992 to 1993. The placebo group had increased symptoms in 1993. (The relevant pollen counts at the study site in 1993 were much higher than in 1992, leading to expectation of higher symptoms.)7

Genentech and Novartis are developing an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody for asthma and allergic rhinitis. In December 1999 they announced positive study results. This is evidence that reducing IgE results in a reduction of symptoms associated with IgE-mediated allergic disease.13 For people who find they cannot adequately avoid the allergens, the symptoms often can be controlled with medications. Effective medications that can be prescribed by a physician include antihistamines, topical nasal steroids, and cromolyn sodium - any of which can be used alone or in combination. Many effective antihistamines and decongestants also are available without a prescription. Click here for allergy medication online.