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Histidine is an essential amino acid, manufactured in sufficient quantities in adults, but children may at some time have a shortage of this important vitamin. It is one of t he basic (reference to pH factor) amino acids due to its aromatic nitrogen-heterocyclic imidazole side chain. This amino acid is metabolized into the neurotransmitter histamine and the set of genes that produce the enzymes responsible for histidine synthesis.
Histidine is also a precursor of histamine, a compound released by immune system cells during an allergic reaction.
Histidine is significant in the growth and repair of tissues. It is important for the maintenance of the myelin sheaths that protect nerve cells, and is needed for the production of both red and white blood cells. Histidine also protects the body from radiation damage, aids in removing heavy metals from the system, and may help in the prevention of AIDS.
In the stomach, histidine is also helpful in producing gastric juices, and people with a shortage of gastric juices or suffering from indigestion, may also benefit from this nutrient.
Sources
Natural food sources of histidine include rice, wheat, and rye.
Molecular Description
Histidine is one of the basic (with reference to pH) amino acids due to its aromatic nitrogen-heterocyclic imidazole side chain. This amino acid is biochemically metabolized into the neurotransmitter histamine and the set of genes that produce the enzymes responsible for histidine biosynthesis are controlled by the well-studied histidine operon. The disruption of histidine biosynthesis in bacteria is the basis for the famous Ames test, used to determine the mutagenability of various chemicals. Histidine is incorporated into proteins and enzymes at a molar percentage of 2.1 compared to the other amino acids.
Histidine Deficiency
Inadequate levels of histidine may contribute to rheumatoid arthritis and may be associated with nerve deafness. Methionine has the ability to lower histidine levels.
Histidine Health Benefits
Histamine, an important immune system chemical, is derived from histidine. Histamine aids in sexual arousal. Because the availability of histidine influences histamine production, taking supplemental histidine - together with vitamins B-3 (niacin) and B-6 (pyridoxine), which are required for the transformation from histidine to histamine - may help improve sexual functioning by helping with the lengthening of orgasms and also more intense sexual enjoyment and pleasure. Because histamine also may be helpful for people with indigestion resulting from a lack of stomach acid.
Although not conclusively proven, it is thought that histidine may be beneficial to people suffering from arthritis and nerve deafness.
Supplemental Forms
Tablet
Capsule
Histidine Dosage
Some people take 1,000 mg of histidine two to three times per day in capsule or tablet form but it is best to work out the dosage requirements as 8-10 mg per day per kilogram of body weight.
Best taken with vitamin B-3 (niacin) and vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine).
RDA Requirement:
- Infant 3-6 months: 33 mg per kg of body weight
- Child 10-12 years: not known
- Adults: not known
Toxicity & Symptoms of High Levels of Histidine
There are no reported side effects with histidine, but histidine levels that are too high may lead to stress and even psychological disorders such as anxiety and schizophrenia; people with schizophrenia have been found to have high levels of histidine in their bodies.
Histidinemia is an inborn error of the metabolism of histidine due to a deficiency of the enzyme histidase, where high levels of histidine are found in the blood and urine, and may manifest in speech disorders and mental retardation.
Cautions
Persons with manic (bipolar) depression should not take supplemental histidine unless a deficiency has been identified.
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics - Amino Acids Index
HISTIDINE SUPPLEMENT PRODUCTS
L-Histidine, 500 mg, 60 Tabs
L-Histidine is a Non-Essential Amino Acid that is found abundantly in hemoglobin. L Histidine has been used in the treatment of: Rheumatoid arthritis, Allergic diseases, Ulcers, and Anemia. A deficiency can cause poor hearing.
Histidine / L-Histidine Supplements & Products
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