Prawns Histamine Information

Prawns, a popular type of shellfish, are generally well-tolerated by most individuals. Regarding histamine content, prawns possess a low histamine level under ideal storage conditions. However, contamination and improper handling can lead to a significant increase in histamine levels. Being sensitive to temperature sparks the growth of bacteria, such as Photobacterium phosphoreum, which can produce histamine (1). Prawns can also act as histamine liberators, releasing histamine stored in the body's mast cells. It is not the prawns themselves but certain compounds in them, possibly their protein content, that can trigger this histamine release. Though ingesting prawns may not elevate histamine levels through additional intake, they may trigger the release of endogenous histamine and lead to symptoms in people with histamine intolerance (2). While prawns may contribute to histamine liberating effects, it's also crucial to consider the other ingredients in your meal. Ingredients like tomatoes, which are high histamine foods, or alcohol, which impairs histamine breakdown, can significantly tip the overall histamine load of your meal towards being high. Lastly, though prawns can potentially increase histamine levels under certain circumstances, they do not possess known histamine-lowering qualities. Further research is necessary to conclude whether any elements of prawns could benefit those with histamine intolerance. 1. Emborg, J., & Dalgaard, P. (2006). Formation of histamine and biogenic amines in cold-smoked tuna: An investigation of psychrotolerant bacteria from samples implicated in cases of histamine fish poisoning. Journal of Food Protection, 69(4), 897-906. 2. Maintz, L. and Novak, N. (2007). Histamine and histamine intolerance. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 85(5), 1185-1196.