L-Histidine: Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms, and Its Role in Allergies – Health and Wellbeing News (2024)

(L-Histidine)

Histidine is called a semi-essential amino acid (protein building block) because adults generally produce adequate amounts but infants and children may not. Histidine is a precursor of histamine, a compound released by immune system cells during an allergic reaction.

Infants can obtain histidine from breast and formula milk, whilst pork, soybeans, cheese, baked beans, beef, kidney beans, turkey, dairy products, chicken, mung beans and chickpeas are good dietary sources of histidine.

What it does

1. Anti-Arthritic: Levels of histidine have been shown to be depleted both in the blood serum and joint synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) sufferers, which suggests that histidine supplementation may be of benefit in RA. Some studies have shown benefits of histidine supplementation in strength and mobility in RA sufferers.
2. Heavy Metal Protection: L-Histidine is needed along with L-cysteine to protect the body agains toxic metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and threatening excesses of essential minerals zinc and copper.
3. Sexual Function: Histidine is needed to manufacture histamine, an essential compound for achieving sexual climax in both men and women. Men and women having difficulties achieving org*sms may be helped by histidine supplementation, as this may result in increased histamine levels in the sexual tract, which in turn may make org*sm and ejacul*tion easier. An additional pro-sexual effect of histidine may lay in its vasodilating effect, thus making blood flow to the sex organs easier.

Potential Uses

What is L-histidine used for?

L-histidine is an essential amino acid, meaning that the body cannot produce it on its own and it must be obtained from food or supplements. L-histidine is used to produce histamine, a chemical messenger that helps to regulate a variety of bodily functions, including:

• The immune system: Histamine helps to defend the body against allergens and infections.
• Digestion: Histamine helps to stimulate the production of stomach acid and digestive enzymes.
• Sleep: Histamine helps to regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

L-histidine is also used to produce carnosine, a compound that helps to protect muscles from fatigue.

Benefits of L-histidine

L-histidine may offer a number of health benefits, including:

• Improved allergy symptoms: supplements may help to reduce the symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
• Reduced inflammation: has anti-inflammatory properties, which may be beneficial for people with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and asthma.
• Improved muscle function: helps to produce carnosine, a compound that helps to protect muscles from fatigue. This may be beneficial for athletes and people who exercise regularly.
• Improved wound healing: is essential for wound healing. It helps to produce collagen, a protein that is necessary for the repair of damaged tissues.

L-histidine supplements

L-histidine supplements are available in capsule, powder, and liquid form. They are generally safe for most people to take, but it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

The recommended dose of L-histidine supplements varies depending on the individual’s needs and goals. However, most people should not take more than 1 gram of L-histidine per day.

Histidine deficiency symptoms

Histidine deficiency is rare, but it can occur in people who do not consume enough protein or who have certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease or cancer. Symptoms of histidine deficiency can include:

• Growth retardation
• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Anemia
• Skin problems

Is histamine an amino acid?

No, histamine is not an amino acid. It is a chemical messenger that is produced from the amino acid L-histidine. Histamine is involved in a variety of bodily functions, including the immune system, digestion, and sleep.

L-histidine for allergies

Supplements may help to reduce the symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. This is because L-histidine helps to produce histamine, a chemical messenger that helps to regulate the immune system.

However, it is important to note that supplements can also increase histamine levels in the body. This can trigger allergic reactions in people who are already sensitive to histamine.

It is important to talk to your doctor before taking L-histidine supplements, especially if you have allergies.

Cautions

Should be avoided by people with elevated levels of histidine or histamine such as those with manic depression, schizophrenia and chronic allergies.

Do not use in pregnancy or when breastfeeding.

As histamine triggers gastric secretions, histidine should not be taken by anyone with a peptic ulcer.