Histidine as a therapeutic supplement
Histidine is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including protein synthesis, renal function, and immune response. While the body typically produces sufficient histidine, supplementation may be considered during periods of rapid growth or specific health conditions. Proposed therapeutic uses of histidine include management of rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic syndrome, and anemia related to kidney failure. Although individuals with rheumatoid arthritis may exhibit lower histidine levels, research has yet to establish definitive benefits of histidine supplementation for this condition. Existing studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in addressing metabolic disorders and anemia, highlighting its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Additionally, histidine shows potential for organ preservation, myocardial protection, and possibly improving skin health and neurological disorders, though further research is needed. Generally regarded as safe, histidine's maximum dosages for certain populations remain undetermined, necessitating careful consideration when used as a supplement.
Histidine as a therapeutic supplement
DEFINITION: Natural substance of the human body used as a supplement to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: None
OTHER PROPOSED USE: Rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic syndrome, organ preservation, myocardial protection, anemia associated with kidney failure, ulcers, neurological disorders, skin health
Overview
Histidine is a nutritionally essential amino acid, which means the body normally makes as much as it needs. Like most other amino acids, histidine is used to make proteins and enzymes. Histidine is necessary for renal function, neurotransmission, gastric secretion, and a healthy immune system. The body also uses histidine to make histamine, which causes the swelling and itching of an allergic reaction.
It appears that people with rheumatoid arthritis may have low levels of histidine in their blood. This has led to some speculation that histidine supplements might be a good treatment for this kind of arthritis, but no studies have confirmed this. The established uses for histidine are treating metabolic disorders and managing anemia associated with kidney failure. However, other proposed uses exist.
Requirements and Sources
Although histidine is not required in the diet, histidine deficiencies can occur during periods of very rapid growth. Dairy products, meat, poultry, fish, and other protein-rich foods are good sources of histidine.
Therapeutic Dosages
A typical therapeutic dosage of histidine is 4 to 5 grams daily.
Therapeutic Uses
Although individuals with rheumatoid arthritis appear to have reduced levels of histidine in the blood, this does not prove that taking histidine will help. One study designed to evaluate this question directly found no significant benefit. Further, the study was conducted in the 1970s. Studies have established that histidine is beneficial in treating metabolic disorders. Research has also shown that supplementation with histidine for anemia associated with kidney failure or for patients on dialysis is beneficial. Histidine has been noted to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. It has shown promise in helping to treat weight issues as well. In the 2020s, clinical study confirmed decades of observations that noted histidine's promise in treating organ preservation and providing myocardial protection, but further study investigating other benefits was needed. Finally, histidine has been proposed to treat ulcers; improve skin appearance, hydration, and elasticity; and help treat neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Increased study in these areas is necessary to prove these benefits.
Safety Issues
As a necessary nutrient, histidine is believed to be safe. However, maximum safe dosages of histidine have not been determined for young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease. As with other supplements taken in large doses, it is important to purchase a quality product, as contaminants present even in very small percentages could conceivably add up and become toxic.
Bibliography
Gerber, D. A., et al. "Free Serum Histidine Levels in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Control Subjects Following an Oral Load of Free L-Histidine." Metabolism, vol. 25, 1976, pp. 655-657.
Holeček, Milan. "Histidine in Health and Disease: Metabolism, Physiological Importance, and Use as a Supplement." Nutrients, vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 848, 22 Mar. 2020, doi:10.3390/nu12030848.
Kessler, Aleeza. "Biochemistry, Histidine - StatPearls." NCBI, 30 July 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538201. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.
Lefton, Jennifer. "What Are the Benefits of L-Histidine?" Verywell Health, 9 Sept. 2024, www.verywellhealth.com/histidine-4777164. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.
Pinals, R. S., et al. "Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis with L-Histidine." Journal of Rheumatology, vol. 4, 1977, pp. 414-419.
Sather, Rita. "Histidine - Health Encyclopedia." University of Rochester Medical Center, www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=19&contentid=Histidine. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.