Overview

Histidine is an essential amino acid. It is not made by the body, but is consumed in foods. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein.

Histidine is involved in many different metabolic processes in the body.

People use histidine for diarrhea due to cholera infection, eczema, kidney failure, metabolic syndrome, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • An infection of the intestines that causes diarrhea (cholera). Drinking a solution containing histidine seems to reduce diarrhea in people with cholera who are also receiving antibiotics.
There is interest in using histidine for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Histidine is commonly consumed as part of the diet. Histidine supplements are possibly safe when used short-term. Doses of up to 4 grams daily have been used safely for up to 12 weeks. It seems to be well-tolerated.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Histidine is commonly consumed as part of the diet. Histidine supplements are possibly safe when used short-term. Doses of up to 4 grams daily have been used safely for up to 12 weeks. It seems to be well-tolerated.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Histidine is commonly consumed as part of the diet. There isn't enough reliable information to know if histidine is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Folic acid deficiency: People with folic acid deficiency should avoid histidine. It can cause an unwanted chemical called formiminoglutamic acid (FIGLU) to build up in the body.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for HISTIDINE overview.

Dosing

Histidine is a natural part of the diet. L-histidine supplements have most often been used by adults in doses of 4 grams by mouth daily. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.