In the news: Vitamin D for Spring Allergies? Tai Chi and Walking for Memory Decline

Vitamin D Possibly Helpful in Spring Allergies?

Allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever, is an allergic response to specific allergens. Pollen is the most common allergen in seasonal allergic rhinitis with symptoms occurring as the seasons change.

Is there a role for vitamin in taming allergic rhinitis, and if so, who would benefit?

In an earlier study(1) in adults with allergic rhinitis who were vitamin D deficient, taking high dose vitamin D supplements for 8 weeks (along with an antihistamine) improved symptoms overall. Symptoms were less severe with vitamin D supplementation compared with those taking a placebo plus the antihistamine medication.

A more recent review(2) looking at four clinical trials conducted in children ages 5-15 years, found that taking vitamin D 800 IU or 1,000 IU daily for 1-6 months reduces symptoms of allergic rhinitis such as nasal congestion and runny nose versus children getting a placebo or no supplemental vitamin D. However, it isn’t clear whether the children participating had low levels of vitamin D to begin with.

One of the main questions regarding vitamin D is whether supplemental amounts will benefit people who already have sufficient blood levels of the vitamin. There is also debate as to what constitutes “sufficient” levels.

For example, research suggests that vitamin D may lower the risk of developing diabetes in people with prediabetes and low vitamin D. Yet vitamin D doesn’t seem to benefit those with ample vitamin D blood levels.

With some conditions, like psoriasis for instance, low vitamin D levels are common. However, it’s still not clear whether topical and/or oral vitamin D vitamin D may be helpful.

When it comes to seasonal allergies, probably the best idea is to check with your doctor and make sure you’re maintaining healthy levels of this vitamin.

Tai Chi or Walking for Memory Decline?

Evidence suggests that regular exercise seems to improve at least some measures of cognitive function in people with with age-related cognitive decline or mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Recently Chinese researchers aimed to confirm the benefits of consistent activity in 280 plus people 60 years and older with MCI and type 2 diabetes(3). They also compared two types of supervised activities that were carried out for an hour a day, three times weekly, for five months.

People were divided into three groups: one that engaged in regular walking, and one that practiced tai chi. The third group which didn’t participate in regular activity, acted as a control. After five months, the two activity groups were encouraged to keep exercising for an additional three months.

After eight months, both exercise groups showed modest, but significant improvement in cognition compared to the control group. The greatest improvements, however, were among those who performed tai chi. Participants in the tai chi group had an average increase of 3.29 points on a cognitive assessment scale, compared to 2.32 points in the walking group, and 1.43 points in the control group.

Those in the tai chi group also had a modest reduction in fasting blood sugar levels versus the walkers and controls.

While the slow, mindful movements of tai chi seem to be a little better at improving the decline in memory and thinking that happen with MCI, the important point is to choose an activity that suits you. And stick with it.

References

1. Bakhshaee M, et al. Therapeutic effect of vitamin D supplementation on allergic rhinitis. Otorhinolaryngol 276:2797-2801, 2019.
2. Li Q, Zhou Q, Zhang G, et al. Vitamin D supplementation and allergic diseases during ch ildhood: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients 2022;14(19):3947
3. Chen Y, et al. Effects of Tai Chi Chuan on Cognitive Function in Adults 60 Years or Older With Type 2 Diabetes and Mild Cognitive Impairment in China: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 6(4):e237004, 2023.