Supplements for Seasonal Allergies

According to CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, more than 67.4 million adults in the U.S. suffer from seasonal allergies—that’s more than one in four adults. White, non-Hispanic adults are most susceptible to seasonal allergies (28.4%)—15.5% more likely than African Americans, 33.8% more likely than Hispanic and 40% more likely than Asian adults. Over-the-counter medications for the treatment of allergies, sinus problems and colds are a $1.2 billion business in the U.S.
Allergies and the Immune System
Seasonal allergies—also known as allergic rhinitis and hay fever—are immune system responses to substances in the environment such as pollen from grass, trees and weeds, mold and animal dander. With seasonal allergies, the immune system detects allergens—the harmful airborne substances—setting off a chemical reaction and producing antibodies to protect against the allergens. The immune system then releases histamines into the bloodstream, triggering common allergy symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, congestion and itchy eyes.
Common allergy symptoms often lead to reduced quality of life—even if just for a short period of time—making it difficult to sleep, potentially leading to fatigue. Individuals with asthma may experience even more uncomfortable symptoms during allergy season, such as coughing and wheezing.
The connection between allergies and the immune system can create a counteractive relationship in the body. Allergies may make you more susceptible to certain infections and viruses, such as sinus infections or sinusitis. And conversely, some viruses can overstimulate the immune system, making you more susceptible to allergies.

Quercetin Complex Supplement
Quercetin, stinging nettles, the digestive enzyme bromelain, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, and vitamin C physician formulated to support inhibited histamine response, respiratory, and healthy immune function.†
$36.48 Add to cartReducing Exposure to Allergens
Reducing exposure to airborne substances that trigger seasonal allergies is the first line of defense against their symptoms. Changes you can make in and around your home to help avoid allergies by minimizing exposure to allergens include:
- Use a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, which removes 99.9% of dust, pollen and pet dander particles.
- Keep windows and doors shut at home and in your car.
- Wear a mask when mowing the lawn or doing other outdoor chores.
- Monitor pollen counts and avoid being outside when they are high.
- Shower before going to bed to wash off any allergens.
- Wash bedding once a week in hot water.
Finding Relief from Allergy Symptoms
Many allergy sufferers turn to over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms. Most are types of antihistamines administered in pill or nasal spray form. These medications can have unwanted side effects, including drowsiness, dry mouth and nose, elevated heartbeat, headache and nausea.
Supplements for Seasonal Allergies
In the search for treatments with fewer side effects, better symptom relief and preventive benefits, many people choose vitamins and nutritional supplements for their seasonal allergies. Following is information on some common supplements for seasonal allergies and their effectiveness.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a natural flavonoid with anti-inflammatory, antihistamine and anti-oxidative properties. It is commonly found in herbs, vegetables and fruits, including apples, broccoli, kale, capers, onions, tea, dark-colored grapes, blueberries, blackberries and dark cherries. Quercetin helps block the release of histamines, which trigger the uncomfortable symptoms of allergies.

Natural Vitamin C Supplement
Natural Vitamin C Supplement contains 850 mg of vitamin C (as calcium and magnesium ascorbates), plus citrus bioflavonoids to support cells, immune health, and healing.†
$29.98 Add to cartA four-week study on the effects of daily quercetin supplementation—the Quercetin Phytosome® formulation in this case—among adults with seasonal allergy symptoms showed significant improvements in eye itching, sneezing, nasal discharge and sleep disorder. A similar study involving individuals with mild to moderate asthmatic attacks and hay fever produced similar results with a significant reduction in symptom discomfort.
Cooper Complete Quercetin Complex is formulated with the following ingredients—each may provide important benefits to the immune system as a supplement for seasonal allergies to help reduce their symptoms:
- 400 mg quercetin dihydrate
- 300 mg vitamin C
- 100 mg bromelain
- 400 mg stinging nettle
- 50 mg N-acetyl-L-cysteine USP
(Bonus: Learn more about the health benefits of quercetin supplements.)
Vitamin C
A natural antioxidant found primarily in fruits and vegetables, vitamin C is well known for its support of a healthy immune system. While over-the-counter medications act to block the effects of histamine in the body, vitamin C acts to reduce the production of histamines in the body. A pair of studies—one lasting eight weeks and the second a long-term study conducted over 18 months—showed significant improvement in the symptoms of seasonal allergies after vitamin C supplementation. A third small study found vitamin C supplementation reduced histamine levels by 38%.
Cooper Complete Natural Vitamin C contains 850 mg of vitamin C, plus citrus bioflavonoids to support immune health.
Learn about the additional health benefits of vitamin C supplements.
Bromelain
A natural enzyme found in the pineapple plant, bromelain is known for reducing pain and swelling, especially in the sinuses, gums and other parts of the body following injury. Research has shown that bromelain can help reduce nasal swelling, minimize congestion, and increase ease of breathing. A systematic review of several analyses also found that bromelain may be effective against sinusitis—inflammation of the sinuses—a common symptom of seasonal allergies.
Cooper Complete Quercetin Complex contains 100 mg of bromelain.

Zinc Supplement 25 mg
This Zinc Supplement is comprised of zinc gluconate and zinc citrate for optimal absorption. Zinc is important for muscle function, healthy aging, skin and immune health.
$20.48 Add to cartStinging Nettle
A staple in herbal medicine for hundreds of years, stinging nettle—Urtica dioica, from the Latin word uro, meaning “to burn”—is commonly used to treat a wide range of conditions, including muscle and joint pain, eczema, anemia, urinary tract infections and insect bites.
Stinging nettle’s effectiveness against allergies is supported by one study in people with allergies, suggesting it helped reduce sneezing and itching among allergy sufferers. In another study, 57% of allergy patients rated stinging nettle as effective in relieving symptoms and 48% said they were more effective than allergy medications they had used previously. Researchers believe its effectiveness may be due to stinging nettle’s ability to reduce the production of histamines in response to allergens.
Cooper Complete Quercetin Complex contains 400 mg of stinging nettle.
N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine
N-acetyl-L-cysteine—also known as NAC—is derived from the amino acid L-cysteine and undergoes a process known as acetylation, which allows it to be easily absorbed and used by the body. Research suggests NAC may help reduce allergy symptoms by blocking the release of histamines, which can help with sneezing and congestion.
Other studies show that NAC can help improve lung function, play an important role in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and support the immune system. As an antioxidant, NAC can also act as an expectorant, loosening the mucus in bronchial tubes often caused by allergies.
Cooper Complete Quercetin Complex contains 50 mg of N-acetyl-L-cysteine USP.
Zinc
Zinc is essential for proper immune response and vital to immune health due to its role in producing proteins and DNA while assisting with wound healing. Zinc is an essential micronutrient—meaning it is not stored in your body making it a necessary part of the diet—and can be found in foods such as read meat, poultry, seafood, nuts, chickpeas, mushrooms and spinach.
A number of studies link low serum levels of zinc with allergic disease and have been reported in patients with a variety these diseases, including atopic dermatitis, bronchial asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis. This is likely related to the enhancement of inflammatory activation associated with decreased zinc levels. In a contrary relationship, inflammatory conditions actually alter the intracellular homeostasis of zinc, often decreasing zinc levels. These findings imply there may be a vicious cycle between zinc deficiency and inflammatory conditions.

Advanced Daily Probiotic Supplement
Advanced Daily Probiotic supplement contains a proprietary blend of 4 strains and 35 billion CFU probiotics to support gut microflora and immune health.†
$46.98 Add to cartIn a small study of patients with persistent moderate to severe allergic rhinitis, individuals taking 40 mg per day of zinc for two weeks showed significant improvements in both total symptom and quality of life scores.
Cooper Complete Zinc contains 25 mg of zinc as zinc gluconate and zinc citrate in each daily one-tablet serving. (Cooper Complete Eye Health also contains 25 mg of zinc, while Cooper Complete multivitamins contain 15 mg of zinc per daily serving.)
Read about Dr. Cooper’s recommendations for immune health supplements.
Probiotics
Probiotics’ role in supporting a healthy immune system is well documented in scientific studies. While the specific strains determine their benefits, studies have shown that probiotics can affect both the prevention and treatment of allergies. Researchers have found that a probiotic containing both Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria—strains found in Cooper Complete Advanced Daily Probiotic—helped alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life during allergy season.
Foods rich in probiotics include fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh and miso, as are soft cheeses with rinds such as brie. Drinks such as kombucha and kefir are also good sources of probiotics.
Read more about the health benefits of probiotics.
Before adding new supplements for seasonal allergies to your daily regimen, consult your physician. They understand your health profile best, so talk with them about any underlying medical conditions you may have and which supplements are best for you.