Myth-busting: 5 common misconceptions about histamine intolerance – article

You’re probably familiar with lactose intolerance or fructose intolerance. But what about histamine intolerance? Histamine intolerance is set to inspire the next generation of digestive health solutions in the dietary supplement space. However, it remains poorly recognised and misunderstood. To restore balance and illuminate why dietary supplement manufacturers should care about this prevalent but unmet consumer need, this article busts the most common myths and misconceptions surrounding histamine intolerance. Read on for expert insights to power your next digestive health development.

1. MYTH: “It’s just digestive issues”

BUSTED: Histamine intolerance is often undetected as consumers can dismiss it as a general digestive issue without pinpointing the source of the problem. The effects of histamine intolerance vary from person-to-person, but can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, so consumers are advised to get their digestive issues checked out if they flare up after eating particular foods or continue after a prolonged period of time.  

2. MYTH: Histamine intolerance is an allergy

BUSTED: The effects of histamine intolerance may resemble an allergy and it is sometimes informally referred to as an allergy too; but it’s far from it. Histamine intolerance, sometimes called a histamine sensitivity, is an excess of histamine in the blood. This usually occurs because dietary histamine has not been metabolised effectively in the small intestine. In contrast, allergic reactions involve an immediate allergic response to an allergen – involving the immune system.

Unlike allergies (like an allergy to cow’s milk), histamine intolerance is not linked to one specific food and doesn’t cause an immune cell reaction. This is similar to lactose intolerance – the inability to digest lactose in dairy products effectively. Because many foods and beverages contain histamine and can trigger different effects, this makes histamine intolerance very challenging to identify.

3. MYTH: Histamine intolerance is caused by high-histamine foods

BUSTED: Histamine intolerance is an intolerance to histamine consumed through food – yes. But, although it is characterised by high levels of histamine in the body, this is not the root cause– even if many consumers believe it is.

Like lactose intolerance – a condition that arises when the body does not produce enough of the enzyme, lactase, decreasing an individual’s ability to degrade and digest lactose – those with histamine intolerance do not have enough of the enzyme that breaks down the chemical. Formerly known as histaminase, DAO (diamine oxidase) enzyme is an important digestive enzyme that is naturally produced in the body and involved in the metabolism and inactivation of histamine in the digestive tract.

4. MYTH: A food or beverage has to be ‘histamine-rich’ to trigger histamine intolerance

BUSTED: Wrong! It’s true that foods and beverages with high-histamine content – like alcohol, processed meats and cheese – trigger allergy-like effects in individuals with histamine intolerance. But did you know that some foods, called ‘histamine liberators’, can contribute to the problem too? These food products may not be histamine-rich but do promote the release of the chemical from other foods, even if they do not contain a lot of histamine content.[1]

Genetics, certain diseases and medications can also exacerbate histamine intolerance because they can affect the function, activity or production of DAO enzyme.

5. MYTH: Consumers can detect histamine intolerance via a home test kit

BUSTED: While there’s been a notable rise in home kits to test for the presence of intolerances, there are currently no reliable, clinically-approved tests available to identify histamine intolerance – despite what some companies claim. Most kits on the market only assess levels of histamine in the blood, for instance. To determine DAO-deficiency more accurately, histamine levels in the small intestine would need to be tested, as this is where the enzymatic activity takes place. The rise in digestive health concerns worldwide and growing view that the digestive system is the gateway to overall wellness has fuelled more consumers to take a proactive approach to digestive health maintenance too. This includes making themselves more aware of the root of their digestive problems and how to address any issues.

Suspected food intolerances should be investigated by an experienced specialist – such as a dietician – before experimenting with the diet and confirming if histamine intolerance indeed affects that individual. To confirm if histamine contributes to a person’s symptoms, they may be asked to avoid histamine-containing foods for two-four weeks and then slowly reintroduce foods into the diet to investigate how well they are tolerated.

Inspired by the next big opportunity in the digestive health market?

Intrigued to find out more about this lesser-known gastrointestinal condition? Discover why it is becoming a growing focus of innovation in the dietary supplement market with our latest infographic. Plus, find out about Bioiberica’s DAOgest solution – a premium ingredient containing diamine oxidase enzyme and effective at 4.2 mg/serving – to support histamine degradation.

View Bioiberica's infographic to learn more about the causes of histamine intolerance.

These statements have not been evaluated by competent food authorities. The product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is only for business-to-business use and not meant to be addressed to final consumers

[1]  Maintz & Novak. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2007; 85: 1185-1196.