Digesting histamine intolerance image

Digesting histamine intolerance

You may never have heard of histamine intolerance, but it’s a gastrointestinal condition that affects as much as 1-3% of the global population.1,2 And still, it hasn’t been a focus for dietary supplement manufacturers – until now.

Explore everything you need to know about this relatively unknown, yet common digestive health condition with our interactive guide.

Start here
Histamine explained

Histamine is a naturally occurring molecule produced by the human body. It is also present in many foods and beverages.

Histamine explained graphicHistamine explained graphic
The DAO effect

Histamine is usually broken down by diamine oxidase (DAO) enzyme in the gastrointestinal tract. But when the body does not naturally-produce enough DAO or there is low DAO activity, this results in DAO deficiency.

The DAO effect graphic imageThe DAO effect graphic image
A balancing act

An imbalance between the intake of histamine and the body’s ability to degrade it, creates an excess of histamine in the body and can trigger allergy-like symptoms.

A balancing act graphic imageA balancing act graphic image
Common symptoms

As people, we’re all different – therefore histamine intolerance may cause varying symptoms from one person to the next. In severe cases, it can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life.

Headache and dizziness symptom icon imageHeadache and dizziness symptom icon image
Sneezing, runny nose or congestion symptom icon imageSneezing, runny nose or congestion symptom icon image
Flushing symptom icon imageFlushing symptom icon image
Hives and itching symptom icon imageHives and itching symptom icon image
Asthma symptom icon imageAsthma symptom icon image
Gastrointestinal issues and abdominal pain symptom icon imageGastrointestinal issues and abdominal pain symptom icon image
Histamine rich-foods

Foods and drinks that contain high levels of histamine can worsen histamine intolerance.

These include:

Alcoholic beverages imageAlcohol
Cheese imageCheese(all types, especially aged)
Spinach imageSpinach
Aubergine imageAubergine
Tomatoes imageTomatoes
Aged, cured, processed or fermented meats imageAged, cured, processed or fermented meats(sausage and bacon)
Histamine liberators

Histamine liberators help to release histamine from other foods, despite these foods not containing a lot of histamine content.

Such foods include:

Strawberries imageStrawberries
Pineapples imagePineapples
Bananas imageBananas
Citrus fruits imageCitrus fruits
Seafood imageSeafood
Cocoa imageCocoa
DAO enzyme inhibitors

Other factors can slow down or inhibit DAO enzyme functionality, activity or production, including:

Genetics icon imageGenetics
Certain diseases icon imageCertain diseases
Specific medications icon imageSpecific medications
Alcohol icon imageAlcohol
Supporting the body’s response

A low-histamine diet and antihistamines can help to manage the symptoms of histamine intolerance. However, some consumers find this too restrictive and difficult to follow long-term.

DAO supplementation can support a metabolic response to histamine in the body.3,4,5
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3. Reduces symptoms

By supporting histamine digestion, DAO supplementation allows individuals to eat (and enjoy) food while reducing associated allergy-like symptoms.

An untapped opportunity

The number of diagnosed histamine intolerance cases is on the rise. And as the global population becomes increasingly aware of the condition, DAO-based solutions are estimated to increase at a CAGR of 10.4% between 2020-2028.6

This presents an exciting opportunity for manufacturers to make their mark on the digestive health market.

The number of diagnosed histamine intolerance cases is on the rise
2022
The number of diagnosed histamine intolerance cases is on the rise graphic
+10.4%

DAO-based solutions are estimated to increase at a CAGR of 10.4% between 2020-2028.6

Ready to start a new chapter in digestive health?

Partner with Bioiberica to power your next innovation with DAOgest – a premium ingredient containing diamine oxidase enzyme to support histamine degradation.

Find out more
Making histamine intolerance history image
References
  1. Maintz & Novak. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2007; 85: 1185-1196.
  2. Comas-Basté. Biomolecules, 2020;10:1181.
  3. Ibid, 16-19.
  4. Comas-Basté. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 2019; 411:7595-7602.
  5. Hrubisko et al. Nutrients 2021; 13:2228.
  6. Grand View Research, Global Digestive Health Supplements, Market Analysis 2022.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or other 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. Therefore, BIOIBERICA assumes no liability for the statements that the producer of the final product may include in its own publicity to consumers.