Can Vitamin C Help with Hay Fever? A Natural Ally in Allergy Season

As the seasons shift and pollen counts rise, hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis can take a serious toll on your daily well-being. Sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and fatigue are all too common at this time of year. While many turn to antihistamines and nasal sprays, a natural and often overlooked remedy stands out - vitamin C.

Allergy seasons will vary depending on your location and specific allergies, but here’s a general breakdown:

Spring (March - May) Main allergens: Tree pollen

• Common culprits: oak, birch, cedar, maple
• Starts as early as late February in warmer regions
• Peaks in April

Summer (June - August) Main allergens: Grass pollen

• Common grasses
• Peaks from late May through July

Autumn (September–November) Main allergens: Weed pollen (especially ragweed)

• Ragweed can travel hundreds of miles
• Peaks in mid-September

Winter (December–February) Main allergens: Indoor triggers

• Dust mites, mold, pet dander (tiny, even microscopic flakes of skin shed by animals)
• Dry, heated indoor air can worsen symptoms

Backed by studies like The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Allergic Diseases, Vitamin C may provide both preventative and reactive relief. Here’s how it works:

1. Natural Antihistamine Properties - Reduces the body’s histamine level. May lead to milder symptoms like sneezing and congestion.
2. Anti-inflammatory - Reduces allergic inflammation. May reduce swelling in nasal passages, Improving breathing comfort.
3. Immune System Support - Strengthens immune response. May reduce allergic reactivity over time.

“Diet and nutrition play a crucial role in the prevention and management of allergic diseases.” This underscores the significance of nutritional interventions, such as Vitamin C supplementation, in supporting individuals with allergies.

References: Zhang P. The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Allergic Diseases. Nutrients. 2023 Aug 22;15(17):3683. doi: 10.3390/nu15173683.

A diet rich in Vitamin C is a great foundation. Include foods like:

• Oranges, kiwis
• Bell peppers
• Strawberries
• Brussels sprouts and broccoli

However, during allergy flare-ups, IV or IM therapy may offer faster relief, plus the world we live in can also have an impact on our food. 

"We’re living in a world filled with toxins. Our food isn’t as nutritionally rich as it once was. That’s why supplementation, especially IV (Intravenous) or IM (Intramuscular) delivery, can be a powerful tool to restore balance and build resilience." Dr. Michael Barnish, REVIV’s Director of Precision Health

IV and IM therapies bypass the digestive system, delivering nutrients directly into your bloodstream or muscle for quicker results. Here’s a quick rundown of some of REVIV’s Therapies that contain vitamin C.

REVIV’s Vitamin C Therapies

Megaboost IV drip includes:

• Vitamin C
• B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12)
• N-acetylcysteine
• Essential nutrients

Vitamin C IM Injection benefits:

• Immunity support
• Aids detoxification
• Reduction of tiredness and fatigue
• Increased iron absorption
• Ideal during allergy season

Other Therapies that contain vitamin C:

• Miniboost IV Drip - Lighter version of Megaboost, small but mighty!
• Vitaglow IV Therapy - Combines Vitamin C with glutathione and NAC for antioxidant support.
• Ultraviv IV Therapy - Formulated by our medical professionals the Ultraviv offers a special blend of vitamins and other ingredients to hydrate and support your recovery.
• Royal Flush - Combining the very best elements of the Ultraviv, Megaboost and Vitaglow, Royal Flush is our most comprehensive recovery infusion.
• HELIIX - Carefully designed by expert doctors and scientists, REVIV's premium IV infusion, HELIIX, delivers a curated combination of ingredients, including zinc, alpha-lipoic acid, glutathione, vitamin B12 and vitamin C.

1. Can vitamin C really help with hay fever symptoms? Vitamin C has natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and watery eyes. While it's not a cure, you could find it helpful as part of a way to help ease allergies.

2. How quickly can I expect relief from a vitamin C IV or IM therapy? Most people feel the effects within a few hours to a day after treatment, but this does depend on the person. IV and IM therapies deliver nutrients directly into your bloodstream or muscle, allowing for faster absorption and quicker symptom relief compared to oral supplements.

3. Is it safe to get high-dose vitamin C through IV or IM therapy? Therapies are subject to eligibility, availability, and a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Treatments will only be administered where deemed clinically appropriate and safe.

4. Should I start Vitamin C therapy before allergy season begins? Absolutely. Starting therapy in advance can help prime your immune system and could help reduce the intensity of allergy symptoms when pollen levels rise.

5. Can I still take vitamin C supplements or eat Vitamin C-rich foods alongside IV therapy? Yes. A balanced diet is always recommended. IV therapy can give you support and a fast absorption of vitamin C, while food and oral supplements can provide ongoing daily maintenance. Together, they can help keep your immune system strong throughout allergy seasons.

Whether you’re looking to support your immune system, help reduce fatigue, or try a natural alternative to antihistamines, Vitamin C is often an overlooked remedy, that could help support you in allergy seasons.

Book your consultation today and let our professionals match you with the right vitamin C therapy for your body and lifestyle. Sources: “The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Allergic Diseases, Vitamin C” Other studies: Li Q, Tang X, Huang L, et al. Anti-allergic effect of vitamin C through inhibiting degranulation and regulating TH1/TH2 cell polarization. J Sci Food Agric. 2024;104(10):5955–63. doi:10.1002/jsfa.13419.

Chang HH, Chen CS, Lin JY. High dose vitamin C supplementation increases the Th1/Th2 cytokine secretion ratio, but decreases eosinophilic infiltration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of ovalbumin-sensitized and challenged mice. J Agric Food Chem. 2009;57(21):10471–6. doi:10.1021/jf902403p.

*Ragweed is a wild plant native to North America but also found in parts of Europe and other temperate regions. It produces lightweight, airborne pollen that is highly allergenic meaning even a tiny amount can trigger symptoms in sensitive individuals.