Histidine is an amino acid found in high-protein foods and certain grains. It is involved in various biological functions, including the formation of the myelin sheath, detoxification, and the production of enzymes and gastric enzymes. Low levels may be related to disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and hearing loss, while high levels may be linked to depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Supplementation may benefit some individuals but is contraindicated in others, such as those with kidney or liver disorders.
Histidine is one of 22 amino acids derived from high-protein foods, as well as certain grains. It is one of the aromatic amino acids that starts out as an essential amino acid in human infants, but then becomes a non-essential amino acid when the body begins to synthesize it from imidazole, an organic compound and component of the aromatic ring in The chemical structure of acid. Histidine is also a precursor to certain amines and amino acid peptides, such as histamine and carnosine. The full chemical name of this substance is written as 2-amino-3-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)propanoic acid, but it is often abbreviated as L-histidine, His, or simply “H.”
Like other amino acids, histidine is found in virtually every cell in the body and is involved in various biological functions. It is key to the formation of the myelin sheath, the protective barrier that surrounds neural cells and supports the transmission of brain signals to different parts of the body. It is also involved in the detoxification of heavy metals and other cellular waste for removal through the liver and kidneys. This substance is necessary for the body to make white and red blood cells. Finally, since this acid is involved in the production of histamine, it plays a role in the production of gastric enzymes necessary for proper digestion, helping the immune system to respond to the presence of allergens, and promoting normal sexual function.
L-histidine is necessary to allow the body to metabolize many trace minerals, including iron, zinc, copper, and manganese. For example, in terms of iron utilization, it is needed to produce ferritin and “fur,” also known as iron storage protein and iron absorption regulation protein, respectively. Histidine is also required to produce a variety of enzymes, such as the antioxidant superoxide dismutase.
There is evidence to suggest that low histidine levels, or impaired metabolism, may be related to a variety of disorders. For example, researchers suspect that a deficiency may lead to an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in some people. Abnormally low levels have also been linked to hearing loss after injury due to specialized cells in the myelin sheath, called ‘Schwann cells’, which are unable to initiate repair of damaged nerves. In contrast, high levels of this amino acid have been linked to a higher prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders, as well as schizophrenia.
While supplementation with this amino acid may benefit certain individuals, it is contraindicated in others. For one thing, its effects on the central nervous system and histamine regulation suggest that people with depressive disorders should avoid it unless otherwise directed by a doctor. Also, people with kidney or liver disorders should not take this amino acid in supplement form.
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