Summary
Oxidative stress is an imbalance between antioxidants and free oxygen species, which is associated with systemic inflammation and cell damage. Antioxidants are believed to affect inflammatory pathways and may have benefits in the treatment of allergic diseases.
Background. Review the hypothesis about the advantages and disadvantages of antioxidants – vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, propolis and melatonin for the prevention and treatment of diseases.
Material and methods. When preparing the literature review, a search for publications in English was carried out in the MedLine (PubMed) database. 7505 literature sources were found, 7480 were rejected due to small study sample. 25 articles published in 2014–2024 were selected for the final review.
Results. Patients suffering from allergic diseases more often have a deficiency of vitamins: A, C, D and E, which is related to a more difficult course or control of allergic diseases. It is hypothesized that the effectiveness of high doses of antioxidants is often equivalent to medical treatment of mild allergic diseases – bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis. A higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids in childhood may protect against the development of allergic diseases later in life. A higher amount of polyphenols in the diet is associated with a lower prevalence of bronchial asthma and better control of the disease. Topically applied polyphenols: rosmarinic acid or curcumin may have advantages in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
Conclusions. Vitamins A, C, D and E, omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols: quercetin, resveratrol, rosmarinic acid, curcumin can reduce the symptoms of bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis and ease the course of these diseases.
