Histidine
Essential amino acid behind histamine and tissue repair.
What is Histidine?
Histidine is one of the nine essential amino acids, meaning it has to come from food. Its best-known job is serving as the raw material for histamine, a signaling molecule involved in immune responses, digestion and sleep–wake cycles. Histidine also helps form hemoglobin and the protective myelin sheath around nerves.
Health benefits of Histidine
- Precursor to histamine, used in immune and digestive signaling
- Helps build hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood
- Supports the myelin sheath that insulates nerve cells
- Acts as a buffer and antioxidant in muscle tissue (as carnosine)
Top food sources of Histidine
See full rankingMeat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, soy, beans and whole grains. Values shown per 100 g.
Whale, beluga, meat, dried (Alaska Native)
2,999 mg
Seal, bearded (Oogruk), meat, dried (Alaska Native)
2,947 mg
Soy protein isolate
2,303 mg
Soy protein isolate, potassium type
2,303 mg
Soy protein isolate, potassium type, crude protein basis
2,303 mg
Soy protein isolate, PROTEIN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, SUPRO
2,300 mg
Seal, bearded (Oogruk), meat, partially dried (Alaska Native)
2,226 mg
Soy protein isolate, PROTEIN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, ProPlus
2,200 mg
Egg, white, dried, powder, glucose reduced
1,872 mg
Fish, cod, Atlantic, dried and salted
1,849 mg
Egg, white, dried
1,830 mg
Egg, white, dried, flakes, glucose reduced
1,748 mg
How much Histidine do you need?
There is no FDA Daily Value for individual amino acids. The WHO estimates adults need roughly 10 mg per kg of body weight per day, which a normal protein intake easily covers.
Histidine deficiency
A true dietary shortfall is rare on a normal diet. Very low intake has been linked to anemia, and people on long-term dialysis can become deficient.
Nutrition data per 100 g from the USDA & FooDB databases. Daily Values follow the FDA 2016+ labeling standard for a 2,000-calorie diet. This guide is for general information and is not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does Histidine do?
Histidine is one of the nine essential amino acids, meaning it has to come from food. Its best-known job is serving as the raw material for histamine, a signaling molecule involved in immune responses, digestion and sleep–wake cycles. Histidine also helps form hemoglobin and the protective myelin sheath around nerves.
How much Histidine do I need per day?
There is no FDA Daily Value for individual amino acids. The WHO estimates adults need roughly 10 mg per kg of body weight per day, which a normal protein intake easily covers.
Which foods are highest in Histidine?
Per 100 g, some of the richest sources are Whale, beluga, meat, dried (Alaska Native), Seal, bearded (Oogruk), meat, dried (Alaska Native), Soy protein isolate, Soy protein isolate, potassium type, Soy protein isolate, potassium type, crude protein basis.
What happens if I don't get enough Histidine?
A true dietary shortfall is rare on a normal diet. Very low intake has been linked to anemia, and people on long-term dialysis can become deficient.