What is Histidine? High and low values | Lab results explained

Histidine is the amino acid most necessary during stress. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein in our bodies.

Functions of Histidine:

Histidine is required for:

– maintenance and growth of tissue

– transport of copper

– and it is the precursor of histamine (vasodilator). Histamine stimulates gastric secretions (HCL) and is necessary for proper digestion of food and assimilation of nutrients.

Histidine is commonly low in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Histidine levels in the body must be balanced to ensure good mental and physical health. High levels of this amino acid have been linked to the presence of psychological disorders such as anxiety and schizophrenia, while low levels of histidine are thought contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis and the type of deafness that results from nerve damage.

Lower levels:

– Low histidine levels have been associated with rheumatoid arthritis or a deficiency of the B vitamin folic acid. Salicylates (aspirin-like compounds) and steroids can also decrease histidine levels.

– Low histidine may be caused by too much lysine or arginine supplementation competing for absorption.

– Check dietary protein, or malabsorption if other essential AAs are low.

– Low histidine is associated with rheumatoid arthritis, folate deficiency, and/or salicylate/steroid use. Folate deficiency would be consistent with a partial methylation cycle block.

Higher levels:

– High histidine levels may indicate excessive protein intake or the breakdown of skeletal muscle.

– If 3-Methylhistidine also high, muscle protein breakdown is indicated.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC301869/

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