histidine

Histidine is an essential amino acid that performs a variety of functions in our body. But what is histidine and what are the effects of a histidine deficiency or excess of histidine?

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the functions, deficiency symptoms, excess symptoms and health effects of histidine. We will show you which foods contain histidine and how you can ensure your daily histidine requirement.

So if you want to learn more about histidine, read on!

I. Functions of Histidine

Histidine is an essential amino acid that is essential for a healthy body. It is naturally produced in the human body but is also found in dietary supplements and some foods. Histidine is involved in many biochemical processes in the body:

• Red Blood Cell Production: Histidine plays an important role in the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen.
• Blood Pressure Regulation: Histidine is involved in blood pressure regulation by affecting the production and growth of muscle cells in the walls of blood vessels.
• Breakdown of hemoglobin: Histidine is involved in the formation of bilirubin, a breakdown product of hemoglobin.
• Immune Defense: Histidine is involved in the body's immune defense. It is involved in the formation of antibodies that support the body's immune system .
• Protection from Ultraviolet Radiation: Histidine is involved in the formation of melanin, which serves as protection from ultraviolet radiation.
• Maintaining skin structure: Histidine supports the production of collagen, which is responsible for maintaining skin structure and elasticity.

Histidine may also help regulate blood sugar levels and improve iron absorption. It can also help increase the production of bile acids, which help metabolize fats in the body.

Histidine as a precursor to histamine

Histidine is an essential amino acid that the body cannot produce itself. Therefore, it must be ingested with food. It is therefore an essential building block for protein synthesis. Histidine is also an important precursor to histamine, a neurotransmitter that circulates in the brain and digestive tract.

Since the body cannot produce histidine itself, it has to be ingested with food. Histidine is found in many foods, including

• Meat
• Fish
• eggs
• nuts
• Cheese
• Grain
• legumes
• spinach and other vegetables

Children, adolescents and pregnant women have an increased need for histidine. Adequate intake is therefore particularly important for them. According to EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), an increased intake of histidine can improve the mental performance of children and adolescents.

Histidine as a component of proteins

Histidine is one of the nine essential amino acids that the body needs but cannot make itself. It is found as a component of proteins in some foods and dietary supplements. Histidine can also be obtained through a balanced diet.

Histidine is most commonly found in animal protein, but some plant foods also contain histidine. Here are some of the foods with the highest histidine content:

• Salmon
• tuna
• beef
• eggs
• Peas
• nuts
• beans
• Cheese

Histidine contributes to normal mental function, the maintenance of normal vision and a normal complexion, and normal cell division. This has been confirmed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Histidine also contributes to the maintenance of normal amino acid metabolism. This health claim has also been recognized by the EFSA.

Histidine as a cofactor of enzymes

Histidine is an essential amino acid that is involved as a cofactor in numerous enzymes. It is involved in both the regulation of enzymes that help release energy and the control of acid protection in most tissues. This coenzyme is important for many biological functions and is an essential part of cell metabolism. Histidine is also an essential component of various enzymes that play an important role in controlling metabolism.

Histidine can positively influence the following physiological functions

• Promotion of cell renewal and cell growth
• support of tissue regeneration
• Support of the immune system
• Supporting the breakdown of food
• Regulation of the acid-base balance
• Supporting the normal functioning of the nervous system
• Support for normal blood cell function.

For these reasons, histidine intake is considered important for overall health. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) states that an adequate intake of histidine "is important for the normal functioning of the immune system".

Histidine as a buffer

Histidine can be used as a buffer to help maintain pH levels in the body. It binds acids and bases such as ammonia, acids and bases that are produced when proteins are broken down. Histidine is one of the few amino acids that can be stored directly in the muscles, serving as a backup source when the amino acids are not freshly available on the market.

Research has shown that histidine plays an important role in regulating pH levels in the body. It acts as a buffer by binding to acids and bases produced when proteins are broken down. This keeps the pH in the body at an optimal level. In addition, the EFSA results show that histidine contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function.

Using histidine as a buffer offers the following advantages

• Prevents an unwanted drop in pH
• supports the regulation of the pH value in the body
• supports the maintenance of normal muscle functions
• Increases energy production
• reduces inflammation

II. Histidine Deficiency

Histidine deficiency is a condition in which the body does not receive enough histidine to maintain its bodily functions and function optimally. A lack of histidine can lead to various symptoms and health problems. Histidine deficiency is a rare condition that is mostly due to an unbalanced diet.

Symptoms of histidine deficiency

A lack of histidine can lead to the following symptoms:

• loss of appetite
• fatigue
• anemia
• weakening of the immune system
• Disorders of muscle growth
• Increased susceptibility to infection

diagnosis

A histidine deficiency can be diagnosed by a blood and urine test. A food intolerance test can also be done to determine if diet is a factor in histidine deficiency.

Treatment

The best treatment for histidine deficiency is an appropriate diet and taking histidine supplements. Supplemental intake of histidine can increase histidine levels in the body and help relieve symptoms of histidine deficiency.

Eating a balanced diet that includes all the necessary nutrients can also help maintain histidine levels in the body. Histidine is found in foods like eggs, fish, meat, beans, soybeans, nuts, and seeds.

Causes of histidine deficiency

A lack of histidine occurs as a result of inadequate nutrition or with certain diseases. Deficiency in histidine can also occur in people taking certain medications that affect histidine metabolism.

malnutrition

Incorrect eating habits are often the cause of a histidine deficiency. Anyone who eats an unbalanced diet and consumes too little protein produces too little histidine. An undersupply of vitamin B6, vitamin B12 or folic acid can also lead to a histidine deficiency syndrome.

Diseases

There are certain diseases that can cause Histidine Deficiency Syndrome. This includes

• Histidine aminotransferase deficiency
• Hartnup disease
• Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome

medication

Certain medications can interfere with the body's production of histidine. This includes

• phenytoin
• levodopa
• Histamine H2 receptor antagonists
• isoniazid

Some of the above drugs have been linked to histidine deficiency. Therefore, people taking these drugs should have their histidine levels checked regularly under medical supervision.

Symptoms of histidine deficiency

A lack of histidine can lead to a number of symptoms that manifest themselves in reduced immune function, increased susceptibility to infections and a changed metabolic situation. The following symptoms may indicate a histidine deficiency:

• Poor immune function - decreased defenses, susceptibility to disease
• Low blood pressure and reduced oxygen supply to the body
• weakness and fatigue
• rash and itching
• In older people, a lack of histidine can lead to a decrease in memory.
• A lack of histidine can also lead to a decrease in muscle mass.

It has been proven that an adequate intake of histidine can help strengthen the body's defenses and prevent infections (EFSA-verified statement).

Diagnosis of histidine deficiency

The diagnosis of histidine deficiency is difficult because there is no generally accepted blood value or other diagnostic criteria. However, there are some indicators that can indicate a deficiency. This includes

• fatigue
• sleep disorders
• muscle weakness
• irritability
• memory disorders
• concentration problems
• blood pressure fluctuations
• skin rash

If a doctor suspects the symptoms are due to a histidine deficiency, they can run a variety of tests to confirm the diagnosis. These include blood, urine, skin and DNA tests. Once the diagnosis has been established, the doctor can draw up an individual treatment plan for the patient.

Treatment of histidine deficiency

Histidine deficiency can be treated with nutritional therapy, which improves histidine absorption by eating easily digestible foods such as eggs, meat, fish, and dairy products. There are also histidine supplements that can increase histidine levels in the body.

Oral histidine supplements are a safe and effective way to increase histidine levels in the body. They can be an effective and useful option to support those with histidine deficiency.

Taking histidine by mouth can increase histidine levels in the blood and muscle tissue. Preventive effects on muscle building and muscle protection have also been identified, which are attributed to improved muscle blood flow and muscle recovery.

The main benefits of supplementing with histidine are

• It can increase histidine levels in the blood.
• It can promote muscle growth.
• It can improve muscle recovery.
• It can help relieve muscle spasms.
• It can improve muscle electrophysiology.
• It can strengthen the immune system.
• It can reduce stress.
• It can increase neurotransmitter activity.

III. Excess histidine

Histidine is an essential amino acid that the body needs to build numerous proteins . Since the body cannot produce it itself, it must be ingested with food. However, histidine intake in excess of recommended intakes can have undesirable health effects.

An excess of histidine can have a number of negative effects. This includes

• increase in blood pressure
• Increase in homocysteine ​​concentration
• impairment of liver function
• change in cholesterol levels
• Allergic reaction

An excess of histidine can also lead to psychological problems, since histidine plays an important role in neurotransmitter metabolism. Excessive histidine intake can lead to sleep disorders, poor concentration and other mental disorders.

An excess of histidine can also lead to impaired kidney function, since histidine is kidney-damaging. This can lead to reduced creatinine excretion and even kidney failure.

Since most people consume more histidine than necessary, it is important to control histidine intake. Histidine should only be consumed in the recommended amounts to avoid adverse effects.

Causes of histidine excess

Excess histidine is rare but can occur when a person consumes too much histidine, particularly from animal sources. This can be due to an unhealthy diet, especially if the diet includes an increased intake of protein from animal sources.

Possible dietary habits that can lead to an excess of histidine are

• Excessive consumption of meat and fish
• Too much cheese and eggs
• Too much red meat and offal
• drink too much alcohol
• increased consumption of dairy products and beans

Although excess histidine is not dangerous, patients who experience symptoms of excess histidine should see a doctor to discuss additional diagnostic and treatment options.

Symptoms of excess histidine

There are no specific symptoms of histidine excess. In some cases, the distribution of histidine in the body can be uneven, which can cause certain histidine-containing enzymes in the body's tissues to stop working properly. Excess histidine can cause elevated levels of amino acids and cholesterol to accumulate in the liver. Symptoms of such an imbalance include:

• -increased blood fat levels
• -increased blood pressure
• -decreased appetite
• - indigestion
• -Fatigue
• -Headache
• -Decreased muscle mass
• -Decreased immunity

Studies have shown that an imbalance in histidine-containing enzymes can lead to an increased tendency to chronic inflammation, which increases the risk of heart disease. A lack of histidine also impairs hemoglobin synthesis, which can lead to deficiency symptoms such as anemia and anaemia.

Diagnosis of histidine excess

Excess histidine is diagnosed by a blood test. The doctor examines the histidine level in the blood and determines whether there are diseases that lead to an increase in histidine levels. One of the most common causes is a lack of enzymes that break down histidine and other amino acids .

An increase in histidine levels usually leads to

• loss of appetite
• Vomit
• jaundice
• liver and kidney problems

An excess of histidine can also be caused by dietary intake of histidine, particularly an unbalanced diet. If histidine is taken in high concentrations over a longer period of time, serious side effects can occur.

There are also studies reporting the potential of histidine to improve mental well-being and reduce stress. However, these claims have not yet been verified and confirmed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Treatment of histidine excess

Histidine is an important component of the human body and is indispensable for many bodily functions. However, an excess of histidine can lead to certain health complications. For this reason, it is important to monitor histidine intake to avoid histidine excess.

Treating excess histidine can help prevent health complications caused by increased histidine intake. Treatment can also help improve overall health by reducing histidine intake to healthy levels.

Some health problems caused by excess histidine can be treated by changing your diet, taking vitamin B6, and reducing protein intake. Some studies suggest that taking vitamin B6 may help reduce symptoms of excess histidine.

If a change in diet or taking a vitamin is not enough to relieve the symptoms of histidine excess, pharmacological treatment can also be considered. Some studies suggest that taking medications like acetylcysteine ​​and D-penicillamine may relieve symptoms of excess histidine.

IV. Histidine in the diet

Histidine is an essential amino acid that the body cannot produce itself and must therefore be obtained from food. It is considered one of the ten essential amino acids that our body needs to function. Histidine can help support the immune system and protect the body from free radicals. It also contributes to the formation and maintenance of healthy skin, hair and nails.

Histidine is found in many foods, but the main sources are animal products such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. Plant foods contain lower amounts of histidine. People who eat exclusively vegetarian or vegan food should take special care to ensure that they consume enough histidine.

In general, the intake of histidine is not a problem for most people, since the body can be adequately supplied with this nutrient through a variety of foods. However, there are some cases where it may make sense to increase intake. This includes

• People with liver or kidney dysfunction
• elderly people
• people with celiac disease
• vegetarians and vegans
• People with increased physical stress such as athletes or workers

Foods containing histidine

Histidine is an essential amino acid found primarily in animal products. The histidine content is particularly high in foods such as

• beef
• Salmon
• tuna
• eggs
• beans
• nuts
• Cheese

Some herbal products also contain histidine:

• soybeans
• sesame
• Peas
• nuts
• pumpkin seeds
• linseed

Histidine can also be taken in supplement form. However, it is important to always be aware that excessive intake of histidine can also be harmful to your health. According to EFSA, the consumption of histidine supports the normal functioning of the immune system.

Daily requirement of histidine

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has determined that an adult needs about 5.5 mg of histidine per kilogram of body weight per day to maintain healthy histidine levels. The daily requirement may vary depending on the age group:

Children 0-6 years	7.2 mg per kg body weight
Children from 7 to 14 years	6.7 mg per kilogram of body weight
Adults 15 years and older	5.5 mg per kilogram of body weight

For an adult weighing 70 kg, this corresponds to a daily requirement of 385 mg histidine.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women have a higher need for histidine. The EFSA recommends 8.7 mg per kilogram of body weight and day.

Histidine Dietary Supplement

Histidine supplements are a good way to ensure your body is getting enough histidine. Histidine is an essential amino acid that the body cannot produce itself but needs as a vitamin and mineral for its function. Because histidine is difficult to find in food in sufficient amounts, dietary supplementation is a safe and reliable source to meet your histidine needs. Histidine supplements are available in capsule , tablet , powder , or liquid form.

Histidine supplements may provide the following health benefits:

• Supports the functioning of immune cells that help reduce inflammation in the body.
• Stimulates the production of hormones and neurotransmitters
• Promote the elimination of alcohol and other toxins
• supports the function of the digestive tract
• promotes wound healing and muscle building

V. Histidine and health

Histidine is an essential amino acid that is indispensable for the human body. Adequate intake is necessary for healthy body function and the maintenance of normal hair, skin and nails. Since the body cannot produce histidine itself, it has to be ingested with food. Histidine is found in a variety of foods, although the actual amount varies from food to food. Animal products like meat, eggs, fish, and dairy products contain more histidine than plant foods.

There are some health claims that can be made for histidine. According to its own statements, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed the following health claims relating to histidine:

• Histidine helps maintain normal hair and skin.
• Histidine contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system.
• Histidine contributes to normal energy metabolism.
• Histidine contributes to normal mental function.
• Histidine contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system.
• Histidine contributes to normal growth and development of bones.

Histidine and the immune system

Histidine plays an important role in the immune system. It is involved in various functions of the immune system:

• Histidine can increase the production and activity of immune cells like B cells and macrophages.
• Histidine contributes to the normal function of the mucous membranes and thus supports the body's natural barrier function.
• It is also involved in the normal functioning of the immune system and bone marrow.
• Histidine contributes to the normal function of the immune system and supports the normal formation of antibodies after vaccination.

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), histidine contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system.

Histidine and wound healing

Histidine plays an important role in wound healing. Although it is not directly responsible for the healing of a wound, it acts as a messenger substance that supports wound healing. It enables the formation of collagen, the most important building block of protein in the tissues of the body. Collagen is an essential part of wound healing as it prepares tissues for healing. Histidine may also help improve the body's immune response to speed wound healing.

The improved wound healing is an officially recognized health-promoting effect of histidine, which is listed under the European Health Claims Regulation. When combined with other nutrients like zinc, histidine can speed up the healing process.

It is important that people with wounds receive quality sources of histidine and other nutrients to allow for rapid and effective wound healing. The following foods are rich in histidine

• Fish
• poultry
• eggs
• Dairy products
• Peas
• beans
• Grain
• nuts

histidine and cancer

Histidine, an essential amino acid, may help treat cancer as part of a complex nutrient combination. Some studies have shown that histidine, as an antioxidant , plays an important role in reducing potential side effects of cancer and chemotherapy. Histidine may contribute

• to reduce inflammation
• to strengthen the immune response
• reduce the effects of stress and fatigue
• to support wound healing
• inhibit the development of certain types of cancer

A study has shown that histidine can inhibit the development of colon cancer. It has been shown that histidine prevents colon cancer cells from taking control of their proliferation.

The official European health statements from EFSA indicate that an adequate intake of histidine can help to strengthen the immune system and maintain normal immune system function.

Histidine and Alzheimer's

Histidine is one of the 22 amino acids that the body needs to build proteins. Research has shown that histidine plays an important role in fighting the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Experts warn of a histidine deficiency: A study on Alzheimer's patients has shown that a histidine deficiency can accelerate the progression of the disease.

A balance of histidine and other amino acids can therefore help slow the progression of the disease and improve associated symptoms.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved a science-based claim on histidine and Alzheimer's: "Histidine contributes to the cognitive and intellectual functioning that is impaired in Alzheimer's patients".

It is important to eat a balanced diet with an adequate amount of histidine to prevent possible deficiency symptoms and to help protect against the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

VI. Conclusion

Histidine is of great importance for the human body. It is a precursor to histamine, a component of proteins, a cofactor of enzymes, and a buffer. Histidine can be affected by a deficiency or excess in the body, which can lead to various symptoms. In addition, histidine can be ingested through various foods and dietary supplements, although the recommended daily dose can vary. Histidine is important for various functions in the body, e.g. B. for the immune system, wound healing, cancer and Alzheimer's. Overall, it is important to maintain a balance of histidine in the body to ensure adequate functioning. Give your body the attention it needs by maintaining the balance of histidine and other nutrients.

Frequently asked questions about histidine

1. What is histidine?

Histidine is an essential amino acid that is indispensable for the human body.

2. What are the roles of histidine in the body?

Histidine plays an important role in the synthesis of proteins and enzymes, as well as in regulating pH levels in the body.

3. In which foods is histidine found?

Histidine is found in many protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, dairy products and legumes.

4. Can a histidine deficiency lead to health problems?

A lack of histidine can lead to growth disorders, anemia and skin problems.

5. Can Histidine Overdose Cause Health Problems?

An overdose of histidine can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

6. What is histidine used for in medicine?

Histidine is used medicinally to treat rheumatoid arthritis and improve cognitive function.

7. Can histidine cause allergic reactions?

Yes, histidine can cause allergic reactions in some people.

8. Is histidine suitable for vegans?

Yes, histidine is also found in plant foods such as soy, quinoa and spinach and is therefore also suitable for vegans.

9. Can Histidine Help You Lose Weight?

Histidine can stimulate the metabolism and thus help with weight loss.

10. How Much Histidine Should You Consume Daily?

The recommended daily dose for histidine is around 10 mg per kilogram of body weight.