Fondue Histamine Information

Fondue, a popular dish that is traditionally made with cheese, wine, and various spices, can have an impact on histamine levels in the body due to its ingredients. Cheese, particularly aged and fermented varieties commonly used in fondue, contain high levels of histamine [1]. According to the Swiss Interest Group Histamine Intolerance (SIGHI), hard and mature cheeses such as cheddar, Emmental, and Gouda can have high histamine content. Some types of cheese used in making fondue may also contain microbes that facilitate histamine production during fermentation [1]. In addition, the wine typically used in fondue is also high in histamine. Red wine and champagne made from red grapes, as used in traditional fondue recipes, carry high levels of histamine due to the fermentation process and the grape varieties used [2]. Furthermore, both cheese and wine are known histamine liberators, compounds that trigger the release of histamine stored in the body's cells [3]. Therefore, they have a potential double effect – providing histamine and triggering further histamine release in the body. However, the presence of certain spices and ingredients used in fondue may help to mitigate the histamine increase. Garlic and onions, for example, are thought to have anti-histamine properties, as they contain quercetin, a flavonoid known to inhibit the release of histamine in the body [4]. In summarizing, eating fondue could potentially elevate histamine levels especially for those with underlying issues such as histamine intolerance. However, more specific research on the direct correlation between consuming fondue and its impact on histamine levels is required. References: [1] https://www.mastzellaktivierung.info/de/daoendefekte.html [2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11551246/ [3] http://www.histamineintolerance.org.uk/about/the-food-diary/the-food-list/ [4] https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/8/6/352