Selected Helpful Supplements for MCAS

Helpful supplements for MCAS

Here is a list of common supplements that are helpful in treating MCAS. This post does not constitute medical advice. Check with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.

• Quercetin  – 2000 mg daily, dose divided
• Green tea (EGCG, L-Theanine) – 2 to 3 cups daily. Supplement with 500 mg (175 mg of ECGC) twice daily
• Curcumin – 1 to 4 g daily, dose divided
• Chamomile tea (Apigenin, luteolin) – 1 to 2 cups before bed
• Resveratrol – 20 mg twice daily
• Diamine oxidase enzymes (DAO) – 2 capsules with each meal
• Vitamin C – may need a non-citrus source such as rose hips – 1 to 3 g daily

Here is why supplements can be helpful for MCAS

The following information about supplements comes in part from Mast Attack.

Mineral supplements for MCAS

• Mast cell patients are often vitamin or mineral deficient.
• Iron deficiency is extremely common for those with MCAS. This is likely due to anemia of chronic inflammation. Basically, if your body is inflamed long enough, your body hoards the iron and stops moving it from your GI tract into your bloodstream where it can be used. Iron supplements are pretty harsh so patients don’t always tolerate oral supplements. IV iron sucrose is an option if your iron is low enough.
• Many mast cell patients are also magnesium deficient. The exact cause of this is unknown.

Vitamin supplements for MCAS

• Vitamin D – many mast cell patients are vitamin D deficient. There is some evidence to suggest that vitamin D can decrease mast cell activation.
• Vitamine B12 – Vitamin B12 deficiency sometimes occurs in mast cell patients, especially those with mast cell activation syndrome. This can have some interplay with MTHFR mutations, which can affect the form of vitamin B12 best suited to your body.
• Vitamin C – Vitamin C decreases the amount of histamine released by mast cells. It is recommended by some prominent mast cell researchers and many patients respond well.

Mast cell mediator and stabilizer supplements for MCAS

The following supplements can decrease mast cell activation or block the action of mast cell mediators, assisting patients to manage symptoms, especially (source):

• Quercetin – 2000 mg daily, dose divided
• Green tea (EGCG, L-Theanine) – 2 to 3 cups daily. Supplement with 500 mg (175 mg of ECGC) twice daily
• Curcumin (Meriva is a common brand name) – 1 to 4 g daily, dose divided
• Chamomile tea (Apigenin, luteolin) – 1 to 2 cups before bed
• Resveratrol – 20 mg twice daily
• Diamine oxidase enzymes (DAO) – 2 capsules with each meal
• Vitamin C – may need a non-citrus source such as rose hips – 1 to 3 g daily
• Luteolin – 100 mg twice daily

Anti-inflammatory supplements for MCAS

• Turmeric can be helpful in reducing inflammation. However, be aware that turmeric or curcumin can decrease prostaglandin production.
• CBD oil can also help with inflammation. However, marijuana derivatives can interact with medications like tricyclic antidepressants and cause dangerous tachycardia.
• Alpha lipoic acid is sometimes used for neurologic symptoms and neurological pain.

Histamine-blocking supplements for MCAS

• Holy Basil is a popular supplement in the mast cell community. It also decreases prostaglandin production. It can also block the histamine H2 receptor. While I often see people say that holy basil is as effective as an H2 blocker as H2 antihistamines like ranitidine or famotidine, I have never been able to find any evidence that this is true. But it does definitely have some ability to block the histamine H2 receptor.

Homeopathy for MCAS

I discuss homeopathy for MCAS in this post. My favorite form of homeopathy for MCAS is Energetix. Energetix homeopathic products are prepared according to the HPUS guidelines (Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States) and are formulated to effectively address a wide variety of modern concerns. The pleasant-tasting liquid form of Energetix remedies is easy to dose and use.

Energetix makes three types of homeopathic remedies: Paths, Tones, and Chords.

• Paths – Product names ending in “Path” are for symptoms of weakness or imbalance in systems, organs, glands, or tissues.
• Tones – Product names ending in “Tone” are for symptoms of congestion or stress in systems, organs, glands, or tissues.
• Chords – Product names ending in “Chord” are for symptoms related to systems, organs, glands, or tissues that are compromised or overburdened by toxins.

Energetix remedies work best when combining a Chord with a Tone; the Chord addresses toxicity in the body, while the Tone provides drainage support to excrete the toxins. Paths can be taken without the support of a Tone.

Here is my list of go-to Energetix Remedies for MCAS.

Relax Tone is one of my favorite supports for restlessness and sleep

Relief Tone is helpful for addressing injuries and trauma

Calm Five – is helpful for trauma

Isopathic Phenolic Rings supports those with multiple sensitivities

MycoCan-Chord is for symptoms of candida mold toxicity

Para-Chord is for addressing parasites

Viru-Chord is helpful for clearing viral infections such as EBV

Neuro-Chord is helpful for neurotoxins

Hepata-Chord pairs with Hepatic-Tone, and is for general liver toxicity

Tox-Chord is for chemical toxicity

Drainage Tone supports detox pathways

Hypothamalapath – assists with neuropathy, concussion, brain fog, sleep, and hot flashes

Metabopath – supports the Krebs cycle and metabolism

Lymph-Tone II assists with detoxing chronic issues

Lymph-Tone III is helpful in detoxing issues due to hypersensitivities and neuropathy

Metabopath supports the Krebs cycle and aids metabolism

BioCatalin Lotion – is for joint and muscle pain and sciatica

MycoDerm – is an ointment for rashes and skin conditions

PhytoGel – is an aloe-based arnica gel

Cautions for using supplements for MCAS

• MCAS patients can be very sensitive, and you can react to a supplement just as you might to a triggering food or environmental exposure.
• Keep in mind that all supplements have the potential to interact with medications or to affect a person adversely if they have certain contraindications.
• Always discuss any supplements you plan to try with your managing provider. Vitamins and minerals can cause toxicity and too much can cause severe side effects and complications.
• Do not assume that just because something is derived from nature or is available without a prescription that it is safer than pharmaceutical medications.