{"id":200584,"date":"2025-02-24T12:00:43","date_gmt":"2025-02-24T11:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturdao.com\/mast-cells-nutraceuticals-and-allergies-nutritional-strategies-for-immune-regulation\/"},"modified":"2025-03-07T12:00:31","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T11:00:31","slug":"mast-cells-nutraceuticals-and-allergies-nutritional-strategies-for-immune-regulation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturdao.com\/en\/mast-cells-nutraceuticals-and-allergies-nutritional-strategies-for-immune-regulation\/","title":{"rendered":"Mast Cells, Nutraceuticals, and Allergies: Nutritional Strategies for Immune Regulation"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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More than 30% of the world’s population suffers from some type of allergic disease, and this number continues to rise. The most common allergies include those caused by pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and certain foods.<\/p>\n

The high prevalence of these diseases is due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although some people have a genetic predisposition to develop allergies, the environment also plays an important role. Exposure to pollutants, changes in diet, and modern lifestyle can alter the immune system’s response, causing exaggerated reactions to substances that shouldn’t pose a threat.<\/p>\n

What is the relationship between mast cells and allergies?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Allergies<\/strong> are exaggerated immune system reactions to harmless substances, known as allergens. Some of the most common allergens include pollen, dust mites, animal hair, and certain foods like peanuts or shellfish.<\/p>\n

Imagine the immune system as a security team for a building. Its job is to protect the body from real threats, such as viruses and bacteria. However, in allergic individuals, this team gets confused and overreacts to harmless substances.<\/p>\n

This disproportionate response is what we call an allergic reaction<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

When an allergic person comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system activates mast cells<\/strong>, triggering symptoms such as:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Sneezing and nasal discharge<\/li>\n
  • Itchy skin or hives<\/li>\n
  • Swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing<\/li>\n
  • Red and watery eyes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    The term allergy<\/em> was introduced in the 20th century by scientist Clemens von Pirquet, who observed that the immune system can protect, but also cause hypersensitivity.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Mast cells are immune system cells responsible for detecting potential threats. They are found in large amounts in:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Skin (causing itching or hives).<\/li>\n
    • Lungs (causing respiratory symptoms).<\/li>\n
    • Intestines (triggering reactions to certain foods).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      These cells contain chemical substances, notably histamine<\/strong>, which is the main cause of allergic symptoms.<\/p>\n

      How are mast cells activated?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      IgE-dependent activation (Immunoglobulin E)<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n

      This is the most common mechanism in allergies:<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Sensitization:<\/strong> the first time an allergic person comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system produces specific IgE antibodies.<\/li>\n
      2. Binding to mast cells:<\/strong> IgE binds to Fc\u03b5RI<\/strong> receptors on the mast cells’ membranes, preparing them for future reactions.<\/li>\n
      3. Histamine release:<\/strong> the allergen activates the mast cells, which release histamine and other inflammatory mediators.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        This activation causes itching, swelling, redness, nasal congestion, and difficulty breathing.<\/strong><\/p>\n

        IgE-independent activation<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n

        Mast cells can also be activated without IgE in response to:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Chemicals and medications:<\/strong> some drugs can activate mast cells without IgE, causing pseudo-allergies.<\/li>\n
        • Pattern recognition receptors (TLR):<\/strong> these detect pathogens and activate mast cells as part of immune defense.<\/li>\n
        • Pro-inflammatory cytokines:<\/strong> molecules such as IL-33, TSLP, and IFN-\u03b3<\/strong> can stimulate histamine release and other pro-inflammatory substances.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          What happens when mast cells are activated?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

          They release a large amount of inflammatory substances, causing allergic and inflammatory symptoms.<\/p>\n

          Among the most important mediators are:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • Histamine:<\/strong> responsible for inflammation, redness, itching, and increased vascular permeability.<\/li>\n
          • Proteases (tryptase, chymase):<\/strong> enzymes that contribute to inflammation and tissue remodeling.<\/li>\n
          • Eicosanoids (prostaglandins and leukotrienes):<\/strong> substances derived from fatty acids that amplify inflammation.<\/li>\n
          • Cytokines and chemokines:<\/strong> chemical messengers that regulate immune responses and attract other inflammatory cells.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Nutraceuticals and their impact on mast cells<\/strong><\/h2>\n

            The term nutraceutical<\/em> was coined in 1989 by Stephen DeFelice, combining nutrition and pharmacy. It is defined as:<\/p>\n

            \u201cA food or part of a food that provides medical or health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of diseases\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

            How can they influence mast cells?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

            Nutraceuticals not only provide nutrition but can also help manage diseases, including regulating mast cell activation in allergic reactions. They are foods containing bioactive compounds that can modulate mast cell activation and reduce inflammation.<\/p>\n

            \"Mast<\/p>\n

            Figure:<\/strong> various dietary compounds that may influence mast cell activation, reducing inflammation. Sina Kaag (2023)<\/p>\n

            Lipids<\/strong><\/h3>\n

            Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

            These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and can modulate mast cell activation, reducing histamine and cytokine production.<\/p>\n

            Foods rich in PUFAs:<\/strong><\/p>\n

              \n
            • Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA):<\/strong> chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, soybeans, canola oil.<\/li>\n
            • Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA):<\/strong> fatty fish (salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, herring).<\/li>\n
            • Arachidonic acid (AA):<\/strong> organic red meat, eggs, shellfish.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

              SCFAs have a beneficial effect on the gut microbiota, helping regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation.<\/p>\n

              Foods that promote SCFA production:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                \n
              • Butyrate:<\/strong> butter, ghee, aged cheese, fermented products (kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, miso, kombucha).<\/li>\n
              • Acetate:<\/strong> apple cider vinegar.<\/li>\n
              • Propionate:<\/strong> emmental cheese.<\/li>\n
              • Foods rich in resistant starch (promoting SCFA production): legumes, green bananas, potatoes, rice, and cereals cooked and then cooled for 12 to 24 hours.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                Vitamins<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                Fat-soluble vitamins, like vitamin D, play an important role in regulating the immune system, helping control mast cell activation.<\/p>\n

                Foods rich in vitamin D:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Bluefish:<\/strong> salmon, tuna, sardines.<\/li>\n
                • Eggs.<\/li>\n
                • Sun-exposed mushrooms.<\/li>\n
                • Responsible sun exposure (essential for synthesizing vitamin D through the skin).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  Amino acids<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                  Some non-essential amino acids can modulate inflammation and mast cell activity.<\/p>\n

                  Foods rich in immunomodulatory amino acids:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • Arginine:<\/strong> lean meats, fish, dairy, nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts), legumes (chickpeas and lentils).<\/li>\n
                  • Glutamine:<\/strong> meats, fish, eggs, dairy, spinach, parsley, beets, cabbage, beans.<\/li>\n
                  • Glycine:<\/strong> organic bone broth, gelatin, chicken, fish, spinach, kale, pumpkin seeds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    Carotenoids (plant pigments with antioxidant properties)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                    Carotenoids help regulate the immune response and have anti-inflammatory effects on mast cells.<\/p>\n

                    Foods rich in carotenoids:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • Fucoxanthin:<\/strong> seaweed (wakame, nori).<\/li>\n
                    • Astaxanthin:<\/strong> salmon, trout, shrimp, lobsters, crabs.<\/li>\n
                    • Lycopene:<\/strong> tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, red peppers, guava.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      Spices with anti-inflammatory properties<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                      Some spices can block mast cell activation and reduce histamine and cytokine release.<\/p>\n

                      Foods rich in these compounds:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • Turmeric:<\/strong> curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin.<\/li>\n
                      • Cinnamon:<\/strong> cinnamaldehyde.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        Phenolic compounds (bioactive plant molecules with immunomodulatory effects)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                        Flavonoids:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                        These are powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, reducing histamine release and mast cell activation.<\/p>\n

                        Foods rich in flavonoids:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • Kaempferol:<\/strong> broccoli, spinach, kale, apples, grapes.<\/li>\n
                        • Quercetin:<\/strong> onions, apples, grapes, green tea, berries, capers.<\/li>\n
                        • Luteolin:<\/strong> parsley, celery, green peppers, chamomile.<\/li>\n
                        • Myricetin:<\/strong> black tea, spinach, blueberries, grapes, blackberries.<\/li>\n
                        • Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG):<\/strong> green tea.<\/li>\n
                        • Hesperetin:<\/strong> citrus fruits (orange, lemon, grapefruit, mandarin).<\/li>\n
                        • Naringenin:<\/strong> grapefruit, orange, tomato, parsley.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          Polymethoxyflavonoids<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                          These specialized flavonoids have a strong anti-inflammatory effect.<\/p>\n

                          Foods rich in polymethoxyflavonoids:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                            \n
                          • Nobiletin:<\/strong> citrus peel (oranges, mandarins, lemons).<\/li>\n
                          • Tangeretin:<\/strong> mandarins, oranges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                            Stilbenes<\/strong><\/h3>\n

                            These are powerful antioxidants with the ability to modulate inflammation.<\/p>\n

                            Foods rich in stilbenes:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • Resveratrol:<\/strong> grapes, peanuts, blackberries, pistachios.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                              Incorporating these foods into the diet can help reduce inflammation and improve control of allergic reactions by modulating mast cell activation. Except in individuals who have allergies to any of the mentioned foods.<\/em><\/p>\n

                              To obtain the same benefits without risk, alternative foods containing similar compounds but without allergenic potential can be sought.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

                              Although nutrition can play an important role in modulating the immune response, it is essential to adapt the diet to each person, especially those with food allergies.<\/p>\n

                              The goal is to take advantage of the beneficial effects of bioactive compounds without compromising the patient’s safety.<\/em><\/p>\n

                              Regulating mast cells through diet is an accessible and natural strategy that can be used as a complement to conventional treatments and supplementation.<\/p>\n

                              While studies have shown that certain compounds in supplement form have beneficial effects, it is important to highlight that these same compounds are found in some foods.<\/p>\n

                              Therefore, a diet rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids, essential fatty acids, and anti-inflammatory spices can help modulate mast cell responses and reduce inflammation.<\/strong><\/p>\n

                              The use of dietary components with immunomodulatory effects represents a promising alternative for the prevention and management of allergic diseases related to mast cells.<\/p>\n

                              If help is needed to personalize the diet, it is advisable to consult a dietitian or nutritionist specialized in psychoneuroimmunology.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

                              This approach is an opportunity for both future research and personalized nutrition strategies in managing allergic diseases and disorders related to mast cell activation.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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                              REFERENCES<\/strong><\/p>\n

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                              <\/del><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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                                \n
                              1. \n
                                  \n
                                1. Sina Kaag and Alex Lorentz. Effects of Dietary Components on Mast Cells: Possible Use as Nutraceuticals for Allergies? Cells 2023, 12, 2602.<\/li>\n
                                2. Roger, A.; Basagana, M.; Teniente-Serra, A.; Depreux, N.; Jurgens, Y.; Padro, C.; Miquel, S.; Elduque, C.; Martinez-Caceres, E.M.<\/li>\n
                                3. Immunotheraphy in Allergic Diseases. Curr. Pharm. Des. 2018, 24, 1174\u20131194.<\/li>\n
                                4. Shamji, M.H.; Boyle, R.J. Allergic diseases and novel targets in allergen immunotherapy. Clin. Exp. Allergy 2021, 51, 1526\u20131528.<\/li>\n
                                5. Poncet, P.; S\u00e9n\u00e9chal, H.; Charpin, D. Update on pollen-food allergy syndrome. Expert Rev. Clin. Immunol. 2020, 16, 561\u2013578.<\/li>\n
                                6. Pawankar, R., et al. Allergic diseases and their impact on public health.World Allergy Organization Journal, 2020.<\/li>\n
                                7. Martino, D., et al. Influence of diet on the epigenome and implications for human health. Nature Communications, 2016.<\/li>\n
                                8. Liu, X., et al. Effects of polyphenols on mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 2017.<\/li>\n
                                9. Gupta, S., et al. Curcumin: A natural anti-inflammatory agent. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 2013.<\/li>\n
                                10. Park, H.-H.; Lee, S.; Son, H.-Y.; Park, S.-B.; Kim, M.-S.; Choi, E.-J.; Singh, T.S.K.; Ha, J.-H.; Lee, M.-G.; Kim, J.-E.; et al. Flavonoids inhibit histamine release and expression of proinflammatory cytokines in mast cells. Arch. Pharm. Res. 2008, 31,1303\u20131311.<\/li>\n
                                11. Zeng,W.; Jin, L.; Zhang, F.; Zhang, C.; Liang,W. Naringenin as a potential immunomodulator in therapeutics. Res.2018, 135, 122\u2013126.<\/li>\n
                                12. Makuch, S.; Wi\u02dbecek, K.; Wo\u00b4zniak, M. The Immunomodulatory and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Curcumin on Immune Cell. Populations, Cytokines, and In Vivo Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Pharmaceuticals 2021, 14, 309.<\/li>\n
                                13. Vitte, J.; Vibhushan, S.; Bratti, M.; Montero-Hern\u00e1ndez, J.E.; Blank, U. Allergy, Anaphylaxis and Non-Allergic Hypersensitivity: IgE, Mast Cells and Beyond. Princ. Pract. 2022, 31, 501\u2013515.<\/li>\n
                                14. Dima, C.; Assadpour, E.; Dima, S.; Jafari, S.M. Bioavailability of nutraceuticals: Role of the food matrix, processing conditions, the gastrointestinal tract, and nanodelivery systems. Compr. Rev. Food Sci. Food Saf. 2020, 19, 954\u2013994.<\/li>\n
                                15. Zhao, J.-W.; Ping, J.-D.; Wang, Y.-F.; Liu, X.-N.; Li, N.; Hu, Z.-L.; Ming, L. Vitamin D suppress the production of vascular endothelial growth factor in mast cell by inhibiting PI3K\/Akt\/p38 MAPK\/HIF-1\u2000 pathway in chronic spontaneous urticaria.Clin. Immunol. 2020, 215, 108444.<\/li>\n
                                16. Park, B.-K.; Park, S.; Park, J.-B.; Park, M.C.; Min, T.S.; Jin, M. Omega-3 fatty acids suppress Th2-associated cytokine gene expressions and GATA transcription factors in mast cells. J. Nutr. Biochem. 2013, 24, 868\u2013876.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                  More than 30% of the world’s population suffers from some type of allergic disease, and this number continues to rise. The most common allergies include those caused by pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and certain foods. The high prevalence of these diseases is due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Although some people […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1097,"featured_media":200560,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-200584","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles-en"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t