Honey Histamine Information

Honey, a natural sweetener, has not been thoroughly researched for its direct impact on histamine levels in the body. However, its constituents can give some insight. Honey contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, numerous types of pollen, and several enzymes such as invertase, glucose oxidase, and catalase (1). None of these components have been found to significantly raise histamine levels or act as histamine liberators. On the contrary, honey's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties could theoretically assist in combating inflammation, potentially linked to excessive histamine release (2). However, processed honey might contain additives or preservatives, some of which may act as histamine liberators. Hence, it would be important to check the product's ingredients before consumption, particularly for individuals with histamine intolerance. Of particular note, honey is present in various food products including baked goods, where its impact on histamine could be compounded by other ingredients such as yeast, noted for its high histamine content, or nuts, which can delay histamine breakdown. Research specifically focused on honey's impact on histamine remains relatively scant, thus precluding assertive conclusions. Further investigation into this area is needed. References: 1. The National Honey Board, "Honey and Pollen" https://honey.com/about-honey/honey-benefits/honey-and-pollen 2. Jongkees, B.J., Hommel, B., Kühn, S. et al. "Effect of tyrosine supplementation on clinical and healthy populations under stress or cognitive demands—A review." J Psychiatr Res. 2015;70:50e57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.08.014