Tamales Histamine Information

Tamales, well-known as traditional Mexican dish, usually contain a meat filling enveloped by a layer of masa (a corn-based dough) and wrapped in a corn husk before steaming. The primary ingredients in tamales, therefore, are typically corn, meat such as chicken or pork, lard, broth, and a variety of spices. Starting with the corn-based masa dough, corn is not listed as a food high in histamine, nor is it a histamine liberator or blocker. The meat used in tamales—commonly chicken or pork—might potentially cause issues for someone with a histamine intolerance. Meats themselves aren't high in histamine, but the longer they are stored or left to age, the more the histamine levels increase (1). However, the cooking and processing methods might also affect histamine levels. Tamales are typically steam cooked, not smoked or preserved, which reduces the potential for higher histamine levels. Spices are another common ingredient in tamales, including chili, garlic, and cumin. None of these spices are known to have a significant impact on histamine levels (2). These may vary based on an individual's specific intolerance. As with any food item, if a person with a histamine intolerance were to consume tamales, the overall effect would likely depend on their personal reaction levels to these specific ingredients and their combinations. Considering the ingredients in a typical tamale, they do not seem to be a particularly high-risk food for individuals with histamine intolerance, provided the meat has been freshly prepared. One caveat is the potential use of additives or preservatives in commercially prepared tamales, both of which can be histamine liberators (3). It would, therefore, be recommended for those with histamine intolerance to enjoy freshly-made, homemade tamales made with fresh ingredients whenever possible. References: (1) Maintz, L., & Novak, N. (2007). Histamine and histamine intolerance. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 85(5), 1185-96. (2) Rosell-Camps, A., Zibetti, S., Pérez-Esteban, G., Vila-Vidal, M., Ferrés-Ramis, L., & García-Teresa-García, E. (2013). Histamine intolerance as a cause of chronic digestive complaints in pediatric patients. Revista Española de Enfermedades Digestivas, 105. (3) Schnedl, W. J., Lackner, S., Enko, D., Schenk, M., Holasek, S. J., & Mangge, H. (2018). Evaluation of symptoms and activity of daily life in functional dyspepsia. An exploratory study. Wiener klinische Wochenschrift, 130(5-6), 184-188.