From the Guidelines
Probiotics are not recommended as a primary treatment for seasonal allergies, and instead, patients should follow the guidelines for pharmacologic treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis, which recommend monotherapy with an intranasal corticosteroid as the initial treatment for persons aged 12 years or older. For allergy relief, consider taking Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus acidophilus, or Bifidobacterium lactis strains, with a daily dose of at least 10 billion CFU (colony-forming units) throughout allergy season and ideally starting 2-3 months before symptoms typically begin. Look for high-quality supplements with multiple strains that include these beneficial bacteria, and take them consistently according to package directions, typically once daily with a meal. Refrigerated probiotics often maintain better viability. These beneficial bacteria work by balancing the gut microbiome, which houses about 70% of your immune system, potentially reducing the overreaction to allergens like pollen. They may decrease inflammatory cytokines and increase regulatory T-cells that help control allergic responses. While probiotics can complement traditional allergy treatments, they shouldn't replace antihistamines or other prescribed medications for severe allergies. Results vary between individuals, and it may take several weeks of consistent use to notice improvements in allergy symptoms, as noted in the guidelines developed by the Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters 1.
Some key points to consider when using probiotics for seasonal allergies include:
- Starting the probiotic regimen 2-3 months before allergy season to allow for optimal immune system modulation
- Choosing a high-quality supplement with multiple strains, including Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus acidophilus, or Bifidobacterium lactis
- Maintaining consistent dosing, typically once daily with a meal, to support immune system balance
- Being aware that probiotics are not a replacement for prescribed medications for severe allergies, but rather a complementary therapy.
It's essential to follow the guidelines for pharmacologic treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis, which recommend monotherapy with an intranasal corticosteroid as the initial treatment for persons aged 12 years or older, as stated in the guidelines 1.
From the Research
Probiotics for Seasonal Allergies
- Probiotics have been studied for their potential to improve symptoms of seasonal allergies, with some studies showing promising results 2, 3, 4.
- A 2017 study found that a combination of probiotics (Lactobacillus gasseri KS-13, Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1, and Bifidobacterium longum MM-2) improved rhinoconjunctivitis-specific quality of life in individuals with seasonal allergies 2.
- A 2022 study found that a probiotic formulation (NC-Seasonal-Biotic) reduced hay fever symptoms, such as runny nose and itchy eyes, and improved quality of life in adults with seasonal allergic rhinitis 3.
- Lactobacillus species have been shown to have anti-allergic effects in various studies, with administration resulting in nasal and ocular symptom relief and improvement of quality of life in children and adults suffering from rhinitis 4.
Mechanism of Action
- The exact mechanism by which probiotics improve seasonal allergy symptoms is still unclear, but it is thought to involve changes in the immune system, such as increased regulatory T cells and altered cytokine profiles 2, 4.
- Probiotics may also modulate the gut microbiome, leading to changes in immune function and allergy symptoms 3.
Comparison to Other Treatments
- Probiotics may be a useful adjunct to traditional treatments for seasonal allergies, such as antihistamines and corticosteroids 5, 6.
- Second-generation antihistamines, such as cetirizine and fexofenadine, have been shown to be effective in relieving symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, but may have side effects such as sedation 6.