Sausage Histamine Information

Sausage, being a processed meat, can contribute to histamine levels in the body. When histamine-rich foods like sausage are consumed, they can significantly raise plasma histamine levels, largely because the sausage-making process often relies on microbial fermentation, which is a known producer of histamine [1]. Moreover, sausage usually involves the use of seasonings, additives, and preservatives, some of which are recognized as histamine liberators. Any food, not just sausage, is potentially histaminic if it contains such substances. Histamine liberators do not inherently contain high amounts of histamine, but they trigger the body to release its stored histamine. For instance, many sauces and seasonings added to sausages contain vinegar - a potent histamine liberator [2]. While certain foods can lower histamine, sausage is generally not identified among them. Most foods that help degrade histamine or block its effects are fresh vegetables, oils, and a few fermented products like kefir [3]. To summarize, while sausage may not be a direct and rich source of histamine, its production process and ingredients can raise histamine levels in the body, and potentially contribute to symptoms if consumed by someone with histamine sensitivity. [1] Maintz, L., & Novak, N. (2007). Histamine and histamine intolerance. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 85(5), 1185-1196. [2] Histamine Poisoning (Scombroid Fish Poisoning). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Health Information for International Travel (2014) [3] Sattler, J., Hesterberg, R., Lorenz, W., Schmidt, U., Crombach, M., & Stahlknecht, C. D. (1988). Inhibition of human and canine diamine oxidase by drugs used in an intensive care unit: Relevance for clinical side effects? Agents and actions, 23(3-4), 357-362.