Vitamin A, particularly in its active form retinoic acid, has shown promise in some studies regarding its effects on allergies. Research indicates that retinoic acid can promote the development of regulatory T cells, which help suppress excessive immune responses that often lead to allergies, including asthma. Higher levels of retinoic acid have been associated with improved management of allergic conditions, suggesting that bolstering these levels may offer therapeutic benefits for those suffering from such ailments [1]. Additionally, specific experiments have shown that retinoic acid can reduce allergic responses by interfering with how allergens, like the mould allergen Alt a 1, interact with the immune system and IgE antibodies responsible for triggering allergic reactions [2].
However, while there is potential, other studies caution against over-reliance on vitamin A as a treatment for allergies. Some findings suggest that although vitamin A may be linked to modulating immune responses, it does not consistently demonstrate effectiveness against various allergic reactions, and high intake might even increase the risk of allergic conditions like atopy [3]. Ultimately, while vitamin A products, especially retinoic acid, hold some promise for allergy management, more comprehensive research is needed to clarify their efficacy and practical applications in treating allergic diseases.