Vitamin B12 and histamine intolerance

The connection between vitamin B12 and histamine intolerance

Vitamin B12 and histamine intolerance are closely linked, as imbalances in essential nutrients can influence the body’s ability to manage histamine effectively. Histamine intolerance occurs when the body cannot break down excess histamine due to insufficient production of the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO). DAO plays a key role in breaking down dietary histamine, preventing it from accumulating and triggering symptoms such as headaches, skin rashes, digestive discomfort, and nasal congestion. There are supplements that contain DAO, which can help to regulate the excess histamine and help to reduce associated complaints.*

Low levels of certain vitamins and minerals, including B12, B6, vitamin C, zinc, and copper, can negatively impact DAO production, worsening histamine intolerance symptoms. Understanding how these nutrients work can help individuals manage histamine intolerance effectively and improve their overall well-being. You have a lot of different supplements containing these essential vitamins and minerals. One of them is Cozidase. Cozidase supports the function of the DAO enzyme.*

The role of vitamin B12 in histamine intolerance

When discussing B12 histamine intolerance, it’s important to recognize that vitamin B12 is essential for overall energy production, nerve function, and red blood cell formation. A deficiency in B12 can lead to fatigue, brain fog, and poor gut health, all of which may exacerbate histamine intolerance symptoms.

Vitamin B12 supports the methylation process—a biochemical pathway that helps the body detoxify and regulate histamine levels. When B12 is lacking, methylation slows down, leading to higher histamine concentrations in the blood. This can trigger symptoms such as headaches, itching, and gastrointestinal issues, particularly in individuals sensitive to histamine.

Supplementing with vitamin B12 can improve methylation, which in turn helps regulate histamine metabolism. However, it is important to ensure you are taking a form of B12 (like methylcobalamin) that is easily absorbed and utilized by the body.

Boosting DAO production with key nutrients

In addition to vitamin B12, several other nutrients can significantly enhance DAO enzyme production, helping the body process histamine more efficiently.

1. Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 is a crucial cofactor for DAO production. Without adequate B6, the body struggles to synthesize DAO effectively. Adding B6-rich foods like poultry, fish, and bananas—or supplementing when needed—can support the breakdown of dietary histamine.
2. Vitamin C: Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine and helps stabilize histamine levels in the body. It supports DAO production while reducing the overall histamine load. Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, kiwis, and bell peppers, are excellent sources of vitamin C.
3. Zinc: Zinc is another key nutrient required for DAO synthesis. Zinc deficiencies are common and can impair histamine metabolism, leading to symptoms of histamine intolerance. Foods like lean meats, nuts, seeds, and shellfish are rich in zinc. Zinc supplementation may also be beneficial when levels are low.
4. Copper: Copper works alongside zinc to boost DAO activity. While both nutrients are necessary, it’s crucial to maintain balance because excessive zinc can interfere with copper absorption. Liver, seafood, nuts, and seeds are good dietary sources of copper.

Managing histamine intolerance through nutrient support

Combining vitamin B12 and histamine intolerance management strategies with other nutrient supplementation can help provide relief from symptoms. By boosting DAO production with B6, vitamin C, zinc, and copper, individuals can enhance their body’s ability to regulate histamine naturally.

If you suspect B12 histamine intolerance, consult a healthcare provider to determine your nutrient levels and identify deficiencies. Personalized supplementation, combined with a low-histamine diet, can improve overall health and histamine metabolism.

You can read more about the topic in our knowledge bank or you can contact one of our dieticians for personalized advice. If you’re facing symptoms and don’t know where they come from, you can take the intolerance test for more information:

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.