Seaweed Histamine Information

Seaweed, a common component of Asian diets in particular, has numerous nutritional benefits. Its high fiber content aids digestion and keeps you satiated, while its store of iodine is essential for thyroid function. But let's delve deeper into its histamine potential. Seaweed's impact on histamine levels is not straightforward - primarily because of its various types and processing methods. However, a few insights may illuminate its effect. Seaweeds are rich in substances called sulfated polysaccharides, which are known to inhibit histamine release from mast cells (1). This suggests that seaweed might actually have a histamine-lowering effect. Furthering this, a study conducted on algal sulfated polysaccharides (from brown algae) shows effective inhibition of mast cell degranulation, thereby causing histamine levels to decrease (2). On the other hand, it should be considered that the fermentation or drying process seaweed might go through, especially for Kombu or Nori type, could influence its histamine content. Fermented foods have an established connection to being sources of high histamine (3). Given the compiled inputs, if not subjected to long period fermentation, seaweed doesn't appear to raise histamine levels or act as a histamine liberator, and possibly lowers histamine. Nevertheless, everyone's reaction to a certain food is individual, and personal monitoring is advised. References: (1) Chiu, C. Y., et al. (2019). Effects of Sulfated Polysaccharides from Solieria robusta on Metabolic Profile and Histamine Level in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Mice. Marine Drugs, 17(4), 238. (2) Wijesekara, I., et al. (2011). Biological activities and potential health benefits of sulfated polysaccharides derived from marine algae. Carbohydrate Polymers, 84(1), 14-21. (3) Maintz, L., & Novak, N. (2007). Histamine and histamine intolerance. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 85(5), 1185-1196.