May 2, 2009 Folic acid, or vitamin B9, essential for red blood
cell health and long known to reduce the risk of spinal birth
defects, may also suppress allergic reactions and lessen the
severity of allergy and asthma symptoms, according to new
research from the Johns Hopkins Children's Center. In what is
believed to be the first study in humans examining the link
between blood levels of folate – the naturally occurring form of
folic acid — and allergies, the Hopkins scientists say results
add to mounting evidence that folate can help regulate
inflammation. Recent studies, including research from Hopkins,
have found a link between folate levels and inflammation-
mediated diseases, including heart disease. A report on the
Hopkins Children's findings appears online ahead of print in the
Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology. Cautioning that it's
far too soon to recommend folic acid supplements to prevent or
treat people with asthma and allergies, the researchers
emphasize that more research needs to be done to