Catfish Nuggets Histamine Information

Many people relish eating catfish nuggets, both for their taste and claimed health benefits. However, various content and components of catfish nuggets could have implications for the histamine level, an important factor for people with histamine intolerance. Primary among these components are proteins, fats, and certain vitamins present in catfish. Research shows that fish, including catfish, do not inherently have high levels of histamine unless mishandled or spoilt. However, when the fish is improperly stored or subjected to bacterial contamination, the histamine level may increase (Thatcher et al., 2006)[^1^]. As catfish nuggets are often prepared with a batter that may contain ingredients such as yeast, wheat flour, or occasionally, preservatives, it is essential to note that these ingredients are known for histamine release or delaying the breakdown of histamine (Maintz and Novak, 2007)[^2^]. For instance, yeast is a rich source of histamine and if used in preparing catfish nuggets, it stands to increase the histamine content. On the other hand, catfish is rich in nutrients like vitamin B6 and B12 (USDA)[^3^]. Research suggests that these vitamins may help with lowering histamine by encouraging the production of the DAO enzyme that breaks down histamine in the body (Comas-Basté et al., 2020)[^4^]. Given the possible histamine content due to bacterial contamination, and the potential of the batter ingredients to liberate or delay the breakdown of histamine, consumption of catfish nuggets could influence histamine levels in the body. However, the potential advantageous impact of the nutritional properties of catfish needs further investigation. [^1^]: Thatcher, N.J., A.F. Benner, R.A., and Eklund, M.W. (2006). Histamine Production by Klebsiella pneumoniae and an Incident of Scombroid Fish Poisoning. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. [^2^]: Maintz, L., and Novak, N. (2007). Histamine and histamine intolerance. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. [^3^]: USDA. (n.d.). Fish, catfish, channel, wild, raw. FoodData Central. [^4^]: Comas-Basté, O., Sánchez-Pérez, S., Veciana-Nogués, M.T., Latorre-Moratalla, M.L., and Vidal-Carou, M.C. (2020). Histamine Intolerance: The Current State of the Art. Biomolecules.