Sardines Histamine Information

Consumption of Sardines may impact histamine levels in two significant ways. Firstly, as a fish product, especially when canned or smoked, sardines inherently carry a certain level of histamine, potentiated by the process of histidine decarboxylase activity of bacteria during storage and processing. This may affect those susceptible to histamine intolerance, potentially triggering symptoms similar to an allergic reaction such as flushing, itching, or hives. Secondly, certain components in sardines may behave as 'histamine liberators' which, though do not inherently contain histamine, could provoke cells to release the compound. However, the effect of sardines as histamine liberators remains varying and individualized. On the flip side, sardines are an exceptional source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B6 that might help to reduce histamine levels. Omega-3 fatty acids can alleviate inflammation that may be associated with histamine reactions. Also, vitamin B6 is an essential coenzyme for the DAO enzyme – responsible for histamine breakdown in the body – thereby promoting histamine degradation. It's noteworthy that these beneficial components may counterbalance the potential histamine burden imposed by sardines in many individuals, but more research in this field is required for definitiveness. References: 1. Ennaas N, Hammami R, Gomaa A, et al. (2016). "Histamine-producing bacteria in fish and fish products: A review." Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408398.2012.742042 2. Yagami A, Suzuki K, Nakamura M, et al. (2018). "Analysis of the Factors that Induced Fatty Fish Intolerance in Patients with Chronic Urticaria". Allergology International. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/allergo/67/3/67_PA2061/_article/-char/ja/ 3. Maintz L, Novak N. (2007) "Histamine and histamine intolerance". The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 85, Issue 5, Pages 1185–1196, https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/85/5/1185/4633007. 4. "Frequently Asked Questions – Histamine Intolerance". Histamine Intolerance UK. https://www.histamineintolerance.org.uk/about/faqs/.