Histidine amino acid

[Guest guest]

Histidine amino acid information page

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 the 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 required for

Histidine is also a precursor of histamine, a compound released by

immune system cells during an allergic reaction.

It is needed for growth and for the repair of tissue, as well as the

maintenance of the myelin sheaths that act as protector for nerve

cells.

It is further required for the manufacture of both red and white

blood cells, and helps to protect the body from damage caused by

radiation and in removing heavy metals from the body.

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.

Deficiency of histidine

None known, but it is reported that an increase in the intake of this

nutrient helps with the lengthening of orgasms and also more intense

sexual enjoyment.

Dosage

The dosage listed is the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), but be

aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to

ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the

therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased

considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.

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.

Toxicity and symptoms of high intake

There are no reported side effects with histidine, but too high

levels of histidine may lead to stress and mental disorders such as

anxiety and people with schizophrenia have been found to have high

levels of histidine.

People suffering from schizophrenia or bipolar (manic) depression

should not take a histidine supplement without the approval of their

medical professional.

Best used with

Best taken with vitamin B3 (niacin) and B6 (pyridoxine).

When more may be required

Although not conclusively proven – it is thought that histidine may

be beneficial to people suffering from arthritis and nerve deafness.

Other interesting points

Histidine is also used for sexual arousal, functioning and enjoyment

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.

Food sources of histidine

Dairy, meat, poultry and fish are good sources of histidine as well

as rice, wheat and rye.

Jeff el