Histidine

Histidine

What's

Histidine

Histidine is a vital amino acid, one of the building blocks that make up proteins in your body. It's considered 'essential' because your body can't produce it on its own, so you need to get it from your diet. Foods like meat, fish, dairy, and grains are rich in histidine. This amino acid plays a key role in many bodily functions. It helps in the production of hemoglobin, a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. It also contributes to the growth and repair of tissues, and is involved in the maintenance of your immune system. Moreover, histidine is a precursor to histamine, a compound that is released during allergic reactions and plays a part in your stomach acid secretion and brain function. Histidine is a small but mighty nutrient that supports your overall health and well-being.

If Your Levels Are High

High levels of histidine in your body could indicate a variety of things. It could mean that you're consuming a diet rich in histidine-containing foods like meat, fish, dairy, and grains. It could also suggest that your body is working hard to produce hemoglobin, repair tissues, or maintain your immune system. Additionally, high histidine levels could be a sign that your body is producing more histamine, which is involved in allergic reactions, stomach acid secretion, and brain function. Certain medications, such as antihistamines or acid reducers, could also potentially affect histidine levels. However, it's important to note that while histidine is essential for your health, too much of it could potentially lead to an imbalance in your body's amino acid levels.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of histidine may include fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. Some people may also experience nausea, confusion, or agitation.

If Your Levels are Low

Low levels of histidine in your body could mean that you're not getting enough of this essential amino acid from your diet. Histidine is found in foods like meat, fish, dairy, and grains. It's important for making hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in your blood. It also helps your body grow and repair tissues, and keeps your immune system working properly. Additionally, histidine is needed to make histamine, a compound that's released during allergic reactions and helps regulate stomach acid and brain function. Certain medications, like methotrexate, used for treating cancer and autoimmune diseases, can also lower histidine levels. So, if your histidine levels are low, it could affect these important bodily functions.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of histidine could include anemia (due to reduced hemoglobin production), slow wound healing, weakened immune system, and potential neurological issues like poor memory or cognitive function.

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See References

Test for

Metabolomix+ by Genova Diagnostics

Urine

The Metabolomix+ combines a variety of tests to analyze key nutritional biomarkers, including organic acids, amino acids, and oxidative stress markers. This test cannot be ordered for patients under two years of age.

NutrEval® Plasma by Genova Diagnostics

Whole Blood

Urine

Serum

Plasma

The NutrEval® Plasma evaluates a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other biomarkers to determine nutritional deficiencies and imbalances. This test cannot be ordered for patients under 2 years of age.

NutrEval® FMV by Genova Diagnostics

Whole Blood

Urine

Serum

The NutrEval® FMV evaluates a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other biomarkers to determine nutritional deficiencies and imbalances. This test cannot be ordered for patients under two years of age.

Neurotransmitters by ZRT Laboratory

Urine

The Neurotransmitters profile, formerly the NeuroAdvanced Profile, measures a variety of neurotransmitters to assess neurochemical imbalances and a variety of common issues such as mood disorders, sleep problems, and ADD/ADHD.

Cellular Micronutrient Assay by Cell Science Systems

Whole Blood

The Cellular Micronutrient Assay measures the effect of micronutrients on a patient's immune function to identify nutrient insufficiencies. This test cannot be ordered for patients under 9 years of age.

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