Concerns›Immunity & allergies

Allergies & hay fever

Check what applies to you and the best-matched supplements move to the top.

Nothing checked yetDefault order, by strength of evidence.

Bottom line

For allergies & hay fever, start with Omega-3, Probiotics, Vitamin D. The first one to look at is Omega-3 — 1,000 mg for maintenance, 2,000–3,000 mg if skin or allergy symptoms are severe (EPA+DHA); Right after a meal. If you take 2+ capsules, split them across meals.

Supplements ranked for this concern

AWell researchedBSome evidenceCLimited evidence
#SupplementEvidenceWhenHow muchCaution
1 Omega-3
The most studied ingredient for allergies and eczema. It may help gradually calm an overreactive immune response.
A Right after a meal. If you take 2+ capsules, split them across meals. 1,000 mg for maintenance, 2,000–3,000 mg if skin or allergy symptoms are severe (EPA+DHA) It works slowly. If you take a blood thinner, talk to your doctor. Compare products
2 Probiotics
May steady gut immunity and reduce allergic reactions. A long-term study found one strain (HN001) cut eczema in children by more than half.
A Before breakfast works well. Consistency is what matters. 1 capsule of 5–10 billion CFU a day You usually need to take it steadily for a few months. If you get hives instead, stop right away. Compare products
3 Vitamin D
Studies suggest low levels go with more allergies and that topping up may gradually ease symptoms. It's one of the basic three, with omega-3 and probiotics.
B Right after breakfast or lunch Start at 4,000 IU for 3–6 months → maintain at 1,000–2,000 IU Keep your total from all products, including a multivitamin, at 4,000 IU a day or less. Compare products
4 Quercetin
Helps steady the mast cells that release histamine, so it's called a "natural antihistamine." Often used for hay fever and hives.
C After a meal works well. If you take 2+ capsules, split them. 250–1,000 mg a day, usually around 500 mg (an absorption-enhanced form like phytosome is suggested) If you take a blood thinner or have weak kidneys, talk to your doctor. Details
5 GLA (gamma-linolenic acid)
Many people report better skin when they add it for eczema that omega-3 alone didn't control.
C After meals, split between morning and evening Start with 2 capsules a day of evening primrose oil 1,300 mg (about 120 mg GLA) If you take blood thinners or immunosuppressants, talk to your doctor. Details
6 Beta-sitosterol
May help rebalance a lopsided immune response. Add it for long-standing allergies or eczema when the basic three aren't enough.
C On an empty stomach for immune support 100 mg–1 g. Start low and work up. Don't take it during pregnancy. If you're being treated for an autoimmune disease, talk to your doctor. Details
7 Bromelain
An enzyme that may reduce inflammation and swelling. There's some human research for sinusitis, and it's used with quercetin for allergies.
B On an empty stomach (2+ hours after a meal) 500 mg (about 1,200 GDU) per dose, 2–3 times a day If you take a blood thinner or aspirin, talk to your doctor. Details
8 Beta-glucan
May help normalize an overreactive immune system. Used as extra support for hay fever or hives that return every year.
C Every day, steadily. Timing doesn't matter much. As directed on the label If you take immunosuppressants, talk to your doctor. Details

Medications to watch out for

If you take any medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) and aspirinOmega-3 · Quercetin · GLA · BromelainMay raise bleeding risk. Talk to your doctor.
ImmunosuppressantsProbiotics · Beta-glucan · Beta-sitosterol · GLAThese act on the immune system and may clash with the drug. Talk to your doctor first.
AntibioticsProbioticsAntibiotics weaken probiotics. Take them at least 2 hours apart.
Phenothiazine psychiatric drugs (such as chlorpromazine)GLASome sources say it may raise seizure risk. If you take one, be sure to talk to your doctor.

Before supplements: daily habits

  1. 01For allergies with a badly stuffy nose, a steroid nasal spray is the first-line medicine. Use supplements as long-term support.
  2. 02Allergy supplements take weeks to months of steady use to make a difference. Add one at a time, not several at once.
  3. 03Fiber (such as inulin) feeds the good bacteria in your gut, which can also support gut immunity.
  4. 04Wash your bedding often and keep indoor humidity at 40–60%.
  5. 05If you have trouble breathing or your lips or eyes swell, get medical care right away.

Product comparison

ProductFormPer servingCountCost per day
Burp Less Ultra Omega-3 from Fish Oil 1400 mgBest value
Nature Made
EE (ethyl ester), enteric-coated935 mg90 Low Amazon →
Triple Strength Omega-3 950 mg
Solgar
EE (ethyl ester)882 mg100 Low Amazon →
Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil 2400 mg, Lemon
Nature's Branch
Form not listed, lemon flavor1440 mg180 Low Amazon →
Extra-Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil 1000 mg + Vitamin E, Lemon
NatureWise
EE (ethyl ester), lemon flavor1000 mg60 Low Amazon →
Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil 1250 mg (Wild Alaska Pollock)
Sports Research
rTG (re-esterified triglyceride)950 mg90 Average Amazon →
Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil 2000 mg
Dr. Tobias
Form not listed, enteric-coated1400 mg180 Average Amazon →
Burp Less Omega-3 Fish Oil 1400 mg Minis
Nature Made
EE (ethyl ester), mini softgels930 mg60 Average Amazon →
Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil 3000 mg, Lemon
BioSchwartz
Form not listed, lemon flavor2100 mg90 Average Amazon →

Compare all Omega-3 products →

Cost per day is relative — compared with other products of the same supplement. Check Amazon for the current price. Some links are affiliate links.

Related concerns