Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Diamine oxidase (DAO) is an enzyme that plays a critical role in the degradation of histamine, particularly in the small intestine, where it is produced by enterocytes. Its main relevance to the small intestine is its activity in breaking down dietary histamine, which, if accumulated, can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and other manifestations commonly referred to as histamine intolerance. Scientific studies have shown that people with lower intestinal DAO activity may be more susceptible to histamine-related gastrointestinal symptoms.

Supplementation with DAO is marketed to help mitigate these symptoms by enhancing the breakdown of histamine in the gut, thereby reducing its absorption and systemic effects. Several clinical studies and reviews have indicated that oral DAO supplements may alleviate symptoms in individuals with diagnosed histamine intolerance, though the quality and scale of evidence are moderate and often limited by small sample sizes or lack of robust clinical trial design. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) acknowledges the enzyme's physiological relevance but does not endorse it as a general supplement due to insufficient large-scale, high-quality evidence.

In summary, there is a scientific basis for the use of DAO to support the small intestine in the context of histamine intolerance, but the evidence is not yet strong enough for broad recommendations. The current support is primarily for symptomatic individuals rather than the general population.

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