Additional Information

Like arginine, histidine is sufficiently produced by the body after the primary period of growth. However, histidine through dietary intake may also be needed in the elderly, when the histidine production process begins to degenerate. Histidine is most commonly associated with histamine.

Bodily Functions Histidine Assists

Histidine is influential largely as a pre-cursor to histamine. It is needed to produce histamine, a neurotransmitter that has various responsibilities such as sleep regulation, nerve suppression and in sexual function. Additionally, the conversion of histidine into histamine aids in the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Also, in order for the liver to store glucose molecules it must first turn them into glycogen, the storage form of glucose, and this process requires histidine. Other processes like red blood cell production, myelin sheath maintenance, cellular repair involve histidine.

Symptoms Of Deficiency:

• Joint pain is the only identified symptom of histidine deficiency.
• A deficiency in babies causes eczema.

Foods High In Histidine

Histidine can be found in bananas, grapes, meat, poultry, milk and milk products. Less adequate sources include root and green vegetables.

Ailments That Histidine Helps Against:

• Aids in cardiovascular disease treatment
• Helps treat rheumatoid arthritis

Side Effects And Toxicity

Patients with kidney or liver disease should consult their doctor before taking histidine supplements. Large doses of histidine may result in premature ejaculation, reduced zinc level and may contribute to an increase in cholesterol levels.