Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the evidence regarding the disease concept of histamine intolerance as a state of inadequate histamine inactivation.
Methods
Keyword-based systematic screening of the scientific literature and of public websites focusing on diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Results
Histamine intolerance is commonly diagnosed based solely on subjective reporting of symptoms instead of following systematic diagnostic procedures based on objective laboratory and physical parameters. The only effective long-term therapy is avoidance of histamine-containing food.
Conclusions
The concept of histamine intolerance as a metabolic disease is in need of more experimental and clinical evidence and affected patients will benefit from a clear, evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic regime.
References
Maintz L, Novak N. Histamine and histamine intolerance. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85:1185–96.
Schwelberger HG. Histamine intolerance: overestimated or underestimated? Inflamm Res. 2009;58(Suppl 1):S51–2.
Amon U, Bangha E, Küster T, Menne A, Vollrath IB, Gibbs BF. Enteral histaminosis: clinical implications. Inflamm Res. 1999;47:291–5.
Sarkadi L. Histamine in food. In: Falus A, editors. Histamine: biology and medical aspects. Budapest: SpringMed Publishing, 2004: 176-85.
Schwelberger HG. Histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT) enzyme and gene. In: Falus A, editors. Histamine: biology and medical aspects. Budapest: SpringMed Publishing, 2004: 53-9.
Schwelberger HG. Diamine oxidase (DAO) enzyme and gene. In: Falus A, editor. Histamine: biology and medical aspects. Budapest: SpringMed Publishing; 2004. p. 43–52.
Schwelberger HG, Drasche A, Petersen J, Raithel M. Genetic polymorphisms of histamine degrading enzymes: from small-scale screening to high-throughput routine testing. Inflamm Res. 2003;52(Suppl 1):S71–3.
Taylor SL. Histamine food poisoning: toxicology and clinical aspects. Crit Rev Toxicol. 1986;17:91–128.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Schwelberger, H.G. Histamine intolerance: a metabolic disease?. Inflamm. Res. 59 (Suppl 2), 219–221 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00011-009-0134-3
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00011-009-0134-3