Trace Elements in Allergy: Narrative Review

Allergic diseases are increasing worldwide and reflect a complex interplay between genetic susceptibility and environmental exposures. Among environmental determinants, trace elements contribute to epithelial barrier dysfunction, tissue remodeling, redox homeostasis, and immune regulation and may influence the development and severity of allergic diseases. This narrative review summarizes current mechanistic, epidemiological, and clinical evidence on the role of essential and non-essential trace elements in allergy. We discuss essential elements, including iron, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, iodine, molybdenum, and boron, which support antioxidant defense, epithelial integrity, and immune homeostasis. We also review sensitizing and potentially toxic elements such as nickel, chromium, cobalt, silicon, and fluoride, which may promote allergic sensitization and inflammation through hapten-driven immune responses, oxidative stress, and adjuvant-like effects. Evidence across asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and food allergy indicates that trace elements may contribute to the development and heterogeneity of allergic disease. However, reported associations between elemental status and allergic diseases remain heterogeneous across studies. This variability likely reflects both underlying biological differences and methodological heterogeneity, including variation in study design, biological matrices, exposure assessment, and analytical techniques. Better methodological harmonization will be essential to elucidate the roles of trace elements in allergy development and to strengthen future translational and preventive research efforts. At present, available evidence does not support routine assessment of trace element status or generalized supplementation in the prevention or management of allergic diseases, except in cases of documented deficiency or clearly defined clinical indications.