When spring is charming: New approaches to pollen allergy
Why the mucosal barrier is so important
Allergy season
The first warming rays of sunshine, the trees in blossom and the birds singing – for many people spring is the most beautiful season of the year. For millions of people, however, it marks the beginning of a trying time: a runny nose, itchy eyes and a constant urge to sneeze. Hay fever, known medically as
seasonal allergic rhinitis, is the most common form of allergy in
Germany.
But what exactly happens in the body when pollen is in the air? And besides the classic medicines, are there new, natural ways to support the immune system? Research shows that the health of our mucous membranes and the regulation of inflammation play a central role. This article looks at the background to pollen allergy and gives an overview of promising vitamins such as A and D3 as well as micronutrients such as beta-glucans, coenzyme Q10, zinc and Curcuma.
1. The silent guardians: why the mucosal barrier is so important
To understand why the body suddenly reacts with a defensive response to harmless pollen, we have to look at the first line of defence: the mucosal barriers. The nose, bronchi, eyes and also the gut are covered with a moist mucous membrane that serves as a physical and immunological barrier and as an active immune regulator. In healthy people these mucous membranes reliably keep out invading particles such as pollen. In people with allergies, however, this barrier is often weakened.[i] Factors such as air pollution, particulate matter, ozone or chemical irritants from the environment (for example chlorine in swimming pools) can damage the epithelium and make it more permeable. This disturbance of the mucosal barrier makes it easier for pollen allergens to penetrate into deeper tissue layers and to come into contact with the cells of the immune system. Once the barrier is permeable, sensitisation occurs: the immune system wrongly classifies the pollen as dangerous and forms specific IgE antibodies. These dock onto mast cells. On renewed contact there is an explosive release of histamine and other inflammatory messengers, which triggers the typical symptoms such as bouts of sneezing and itching.
[i] S. Oeder et al. (2015). Pollen-derived nonallergenic substances enhance Th2-Induced Ig Eproduction in B cells. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/all.12707
2. More than just histamine: the role of inflammation and oxidative stress
The allergic reaction is a complex inflammatory cascade. In addition to histamine, inflammatory mediators such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins are increasingly formed, which further intensify the symptoms.
A decisive but often overlooked role is played here by oxidative stress. The permanent immune reaction and environmental influences create a surplus of free radicals in the body. These aggressive molecules attack the cells and additionally intensify the inflammation. Tobacco smoke, for example, a known risk factor for allergies, promotes exactly this oxidative stress.
The body does have its own protective mechanisms to neutralise oxidative stress, but with a chronic allergy these reserves are often exhausted. This is where strategic support with specific micronutrients comes in.
3. The power of micronutrients: new hope from research
The good news is that we can support the immune system and the barrier function
with a targeted supply of nutrients.
Beta-glucans – the immunomodulators
One of the most exciting pieces of news comes from the Paul Ehrlich Institute. In a
recent study from 2025, a research team at the institute was able to
show that β-glucans – natural sugar compounds from yeasts, fungi and
cereals – have promising properties for the treatment of allergies.
A research group led by PD Dr Stefan Schülke, head of the
allergology research department of the Paul Ehrlich Institute, tested six different β-glucans in a
study for their influence on the immune system. In
the experiments it was possible to reduce the
production of inflammatory markers and to suppress allergy-related immune responses. The two β-glucan variants zymosan and β-1,3-glucan in particular showed the potential to be used as adjuvants in allergen-specific immunotherapy (hyposensitisation) in order to restore the body's tolerance towards allergens.
Coenzyme Q10 – cell protection
Coenzyme Q10 is known as an important component of the mitochondria, the
power plants of our cells. But it can do much more. A study published in
2021 investigated the effect of coenzyme Q10 in allergic
rhinitis and asthma.
The results are remarkable: treatment with Q10 increased the expression of the transcription factor Nrf2. Nrf2 is the "master regulator" of our body's own defence against oxidative stress. It activates antioxidant genes and the vital antioxidant glutathione. Through this mechanism coenzyme Q10 inhibited inflammation, oxidative stress and the production of Th2 cytokines (certain immune messengers that play a leading role in allergies). The researchers concluded that Q10 can help to attenuate allergic inflammatory reactions.
Vitamin A and D3 – the barrier builders
Vitamin A is the classic for mucosal health. It is essential for the
regeneration and maintenance of epithelial cells, of which our mucosal barrier consists. An adequate supply of vitamin A helps
to make the barrier tighter and more resistant to invading pollen.
Vitamin D3, on the other hand, is an important modulator of the immune system. It can help to curb excessive immune reactions and to promote the formation of regulatory T cells, which are decisive for developing tolerance towards allergens. A lack of vitamin D is associated with an increased
risk of allergy.
Together these vitamins help to maintain the first line of defence against allergens such as pollen, and also against pathogens such as viruses.
Conclusion: a holistic view of allergy
Pollen allergy is more than just a troublesome reaction to early-flowering plants. It is
the expression of a complex interplay of a disturbed mucosal barrier,
chronic inflammation and increased oxidative stress.
While anti-allergic medicines such as antihistamines relieve the acute symptoms, supporting the body with selected micronutrients offers a holistic approach. Beta-glucans, coenzyme Q10, vitamins A and D3 as well as Curcuma and zinc can help to modulate the immune system, to strengthen the defences of the mucous membranes and to counter the imbalance caused by
oxidative stress. If you have acute problems, speak to your doctor
or pharmacist to find a strategy tailored to you personally for a
spring free of complaints. Whether as a precaution or alongside
medical treatment that is already under way, taking the micronutrients mentioned can be a sensible form of support.
[1]S. Oeder et al. (2015). Pollen-derived
nonallergenic substances enhance Th2-induced IgE production in B cells.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/all.12707
[2] Paul-Ehrlich-Institut. (2025). Research:
β-glucans promising adjuvants for allergy treatment.
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