HIVES

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Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: In theory, high amounts of vitamin C might help people with hives by lowering histamine levels.12 Amounts of at least 2,000 mg daily appear necessary to produce these effects.13 No research trials have yet explored the clinical effects of vitamin C supplementation in people with hives.

Vitamin B12 has been reported to reduce the severity of acute hives as well as to reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks in chronic cases.14 15 The amount used in these reported case studies was 1,000 mcg by injection per week. Whether taking B12 supplements orally would have these effects remains unknown. On rare occasions, vitamin B12 injections cause hives in susceptible people.16 Whether such reactions are actually triggered by exposure to large amounts of vitamin B12 or to preservatives and other substances found in most vitamin B12 injections remains unclear.

According to preliminary studies from many years ago, lack of hydrochloric acid (HCl) secretion by the stomach was associated with chronic hives, presumably as a result of increasing the likelihood of developing food allergies. In one such study, 31% were diagnosed as having achlorhydria (no gastric acid output), and 53% were shown to be hypochlorhydric (having low gastric acid output).17 In a related study, treatment with an HCl supplement and a vitamin B-complex supplement helped to treat people with hives.18 Betaine HCl is the most common hydrochloric acid-containing supplement; it comes in tablets or capsules measured in grains or milligrams. One or more tablets or capsules, each containing 5–10 grains (325–650 mg) are typically taken with a meal that contains protein. Diagnosis of a deficiency of HCl and supplementation with HCl should be supervised by a doctor.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.


Herbs that may be helpful: Two components of green tea, the polyphenols epigallocatechin (EGC) and epicatechin gallate (ECG),19 are reported to have an antihistamine effect. Some doctors recommend approximately 3 cups of green tea per day or about 3 grams of soluble components providing roughly 240 to 320 mg of polyphenols, although no human trials have studied the effects of green tea in people with hives.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Refer to the individual herb for information about any side effects or interactions