Vitamin E effects on nasal symptoms and serum specific IgE levels in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis

Background: Studies have shown that vitamin E intake may reduce IgE production. Objective: To evaluate the effects of vitamin E supplementation on the severity of nasal symptoms and the serum levels of specific IgE in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis. Methods: Sixty-three patients (mean +/- SD age, 12 +/- 2.4 years) with a history of perennial allergic rhinitis participated in this study. None of the patients had evidence of acute infectious disease or used tobacco, corticosteroids, antihistamines, or vitamins. Patients were randomized to receive either vitamin E (400 IU/d) or placebo for 4 weeks, with loratadine-pseudoephedrine (0.2/0.5 mg/kg) during the first 2 weeks of treatment. The severity of nasal symptoms was evaluated using a validated questionnaire, which was administered weekly for 4 weeks. The serum concentrations of specific IgE to 5 common inhalant allergens and lipid peroxides were measured before treatment and at the end of the study. Results: Before, during, and after treatment, the symptom severity scores were similar in the 2 groups; within each group, a significant decrease was observed after the first week of follow-up (P <.05), with no further changes. Serum levels of specific IgE and lipid peroxides did not show any significant changes related to vitamin E intake within and between groups. Conclusions: In patients with perennial allergic rhinitis, vitamin E supplementation (400 IU/d) did not have any significant effects on nasal symptom severity or on serum concentrations of specific IgE to 5 common allergens.