Diamine Oxidase (DAO)
Optimal Result:
42.9 - 200 ng/mL.
Diamine Oxidase (DAO) and Histamine Regulation
Diamine Oxidase (DAO) is a crucial enzyme responsible for regulating histamine levels by breaking down extracellular histamine, primarily in the microvilli of the small intestine. When DAO levels are low, the body struggles to effectively degrade histamine, leading to an accumulation of histamine and related symptoms. Histamine-N-methyltransferase (HNMT) is another enzyme that assists in histamine breakdown, though it plays a secondary role compared to DAO.
Low DAO levels are associated with various symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, hives, allergy symptoms, painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), estrogen dominance, irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmia), inflammation, arthritis, and neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis. These symptoms often mirror those of histamine excess, as both conditions are closely related.
Reduced DAO levels can indicate compromised gut health, often linked to poor mucosal integrity or microvilli atrophy. Individuals with conditions such as urticaria, Crohn's disease, or celiac disease frequently exhibit low DAO activity in their blood. Additionally, low DAO levels can trigger mood disorders like depression or anxiety. Low DAO activity in plasma is used as a diagnostic marker for histamine intolerance. Patients with histamine intolerance may experience widespread reactions and often see improvements with antihistamines. Those prone to anaphylactic reactions also tend to have lower DAO activity.
Adopting a histamine-free diet can lead to significant symptom reduction, or even complete resolution, within a few weeks. It's important to note that many medications can inhibit DAO or damage the gut lining, further reducing DAO production. Alcohol and its byproduct, acetaldehyde, are also known inhibitors of DAO.
Lab Results Explained and Tracked
What does it mean if your Diamine Oxidase (DAO) result is too high?
DAO will increase initially to compensate for higher levels of histamine from dysbiosis and/or immune dysregulation of foods. It is a compensatory response due to challenge of Histamine. Treat by lowering Histamine. Higher levels may also just be due to healthy microvilli and a robust production.
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What does it mean if your Diamine Oxidase (DAO) result is too low?
Low DAO is a result of atrophied microvilli demonstrating gut permeability. This will also result in an inability to degrade Histamine creating sensitivity and symptoms associated with histaminosis.
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