Histidine
Description
Histidine is one of the 20 common amino acids, and it is considered 'essential' in humans, meaning the body cannot synthesize it and it must be obtained through diet or supplements. It is a fundamental building block for proteins and plays a significant role in various physiological processes, particularly those involving growth and tissue repair. Its unique imidazole side chain gives it a buffering capacity, allowing it to help regulate pH levels in the body, especially within muscle tissue. A key function of Histidine is its role as a precursor to histamine, a potent compound involved in immune responses, allergic reactions, stomach acid secretion, and neurotransmission. It is also a precursor to carnosine, a dipeptide found in high concentrations in muscle and brain tissue, known for its antioxidant and anti-glycation properties. Additionally, Histidine contributes to the formation of myelin sheaths, which protect nerve cells and ensure efficient nerve signal transmission, and is involved in red blood cell production as a component of hemoglobin. Beyond these specific roles, Histidine contributes to overall immune system function, helps protect the body from damage due to radiation and heavy metals through chelation, and is important for healthy digestive function. Its diverse roles underscore its importance in maintaining overall health, from neurological function to physical repair and immune defense.
Sources
Meat (beef, pork, poultry)Fish (tuna, salmon)EggsDairy products (milk, cheese)Legumes (lentils, beans)Nuts (peanuts, almonds)Seeds (chia, sesame)Grains (rice, wheat, oats)
Cheapest Histidine supplements
Best Histidine Supplements
Value Histidine supplements
Optimal Dosage
Minimum500 mg
Maximum1500 mg
Safety & Toxicity
Interactions
Positive Interactions
Zinc
Histidine can form complexes with Zinc, enhancing its absorption and bioavailability in the body.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is a crucial cofactor for the enzyme histidine decarboxylase, which converts Histidine into histamine.
Carnosine
Histidine is a direct precursor, alongside Beta-Alanine (not listed), for the synthesis of Carnosine, an important antioxidant dipeptide.
Glutamine
As an amino acid, Histidine works synergistically with other amino acids like Glutamine in protein synthesis, muscle repair, and overall metabolic health.
Arginine
Histidine, as an essential amino acid, supports overall amino acid balance and protein synthesis in conjunction with Arginine and other amino acids.
Recommended products
Best 
Caprotein
Mt. Capra
Histidine: 217 mg
Caprotein is a goat milk protein powder that supplies a full range of amino acids and calcium, aiming to support muscle, bone health, energy, and overall wellness.
No image
Beta Alanine Extreme
Prolab
Histidine: 75 mg
Prolab Beta Alanine Extreme provides 800mg of CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine and L-Histidine in capsules, primarily used to help support muscle endurance during physical activity.
Value 
Essential Aminos
Pure Encapsulations
Histidine: 50 mg
This product offers all nine essential amino acids in capsule form, supporting fundamental bodily functions and overall protein synthesis for general well-being.
Best 
Aller-Max
Country Life
Histidine: 200 mg
This larger size of Aller-Max combines several vitamins, minerals, and botanicals, including Quercetin and NAC, to support immune and respiratory health, offering a better price per serving.
Best 
Amino Acid Synergy
Designs for Health
Histidine: 338 mg
This supplement delivers a broad spectrum of essential amino acids, complemented by active Vitamin B-6 and Alpha-Ketoglutarate, intended to support overall body functions.
Best 
Pharmaceutical Grade AjiPure L-Histidine 500 mg
Swanson Ultra
Histidine: 500 mg
A high-quality L-Histidine supplement featuring 'Pharmaceutical Grade AjiPure' at 500mg per capsule, known for its excellent value and strong customer reception.
Best 
Amino-9 Essentials Powder
NOW Sports
Histidine: 319 mg
This powder delivers all nine essential amino acids, making it a versatile supplement for daily support of muscle, energy, and overall bodily functions.
Budget 
Amino:Cuts Amino-Charged Energy Drink Blue Raspberry
ALLMAX
Histidine: 50 mg
A convenient drink mix that offers a natural energy boost with caffeine and taurine, coupled with a spectrum of amino acids for workout support and daily vitality.
Value 
Amino:Cuts Amino-Charged Energy Drink Pink Lemonade
ALLMAX
Histidine: 50 mg
A convenient drink mix that offers a natural energy boost with caffeine and taurine, coupled with a spectrum of amino acids for workout support and daily vitality.
Best 
Amino-NR
Pure Encapsulations
Histidine: 77 mg
This comprehensive amino acid blend, fortified with active B vitamins and Alpha-Lipoic Acid, offers broad support for energy, muscle, and cognitive functions.
Best 
Amino Complex Berry Flavored
Thorne
Histidine: 150 mg
A comprehensive berry-flavored amino acid powder from Thorne, delivering a broad spectrum of essential amino acids for widespread body support, from energy to mood.
Value 
Iron Complex
Advanced Nutrition by Zahler
Histidine: 100 mg
This Iron Complex offers 25mg of chelated iron, complemented by Vitamin C, active B12, Folic Acid, and L-Histidine to support energy, mental focus, and overall vitality.
Best 
MacroMeal Ultimate Chocolate Protein Powder
MacroLife Naturals
Histidine: 445 mg
This is a multi-source protein powder enhanced with greens, digestive enzymes, and probiotics, aiming for broad nutritional support in a convenient chocolate-flavored drink.
Best 
L-Histidiine 600 mg
NOW
Histidine: 600 mg
Offering 600mg of L-Histidine per capsule from a well-known brand, this supplement is a practical choice at a good price point for supporting amino acid levels.
Best 
L-Histidine 600 Milligrams
Montiff
Histidine: 600 mg
A straightforward L-Histidine supplement providing 600mg per capsule, suitable for those seeking this amino acid, though at a higher price point than some alternatives.
Product stats
Price per product
Average$30.99
Median$29.99
Price per serving
Average$1.13
Median$0.78
Price per 100 mg
Average$1.46
Median$0.80
Price distribution
Price per serving distribution
Price per 100 mg
Reference amount: 100 mg
Forms
Paired ingredients
Ingredient forms
L-Histidine Hydrochloride (5) 82
L-Histidine Hydrochloride is a common and highly bioavailable salt form of L-Histidine. L-Histidine is an alpha-amino acid that serves as a precursor to histamine, a neurotransmitter, and carnosine, an antioxidant and anti-glycating agent. This form is often used in dietary supplements due to its good solubility and stability, ensuring efficient delivery of histidine for various physiological roles, including its involvement in immune response and neurological functions.
Pros
- High bioavailability of L-Histidine.
- Excellent water solubility, facilitating absorption.
- Good stability for use in formulations.
- Provides an essential amino acid for human health.
Cons
- May cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some individuals, especially at higher doses.
- The hydrochloride content might add a slight acidic load, though typically negligible in standard supplementation.
Per product
Avg$23.24
Med$29.99
Per serving
Avg$0.12
Med$0.12
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.32
Med$0.32
Price distribution
L-Histidine Hydrochloride Monohydrate (1) 81
L-Histidine Hydrochloride Monohydrate is a hydrated salt form of L-Histidine, containing one molecule of water per molecule of L-Histidine Hydrochloride. This form is highly water-soluble and stable, making it suitable for dietary supplements. L-Histidine is an alpha-amino acid crucial for various physiological processes, including immune function, tissue repair, and acting as a precursor to important compounds like histamine and carnosine, which contribute to neurological function and antioxidant defense. The hydration state has minimal impact on the bioavailability of the histidine itself.
Pros
- Excellent bioavailability of L-Histidine.
- Highly water-soluble, aiding absorption.
- Stable form, suitable for various formulations.
- Provides the essential amino acid Histidine for biological functions.
Cons
- Contains water of hydration, meaning slightly less L-Histidine by weight compared to the anhydrous form.
- May cause mild gastrointestinal upset in sensitive individuals, especially at high doses.
Per product
Avg$52.00
Med$52.00
Per serving
Avg$1.73
Med$1.73
Per 100 mg
Avg$1.15
Med$1.15
Price distribution
L-Histidine Monohydrochoride (1) 82
L-Histidine Monohydrochloride is a salt form of the amino acid L-Histidine, chemically equivalent to L-Histidine Hydrochloride. It is characterized by its high solubility in water and good stability, making it an excellent choice for dietary supplements. L-Histidine is a conditionally essential amino acid involved in numerous bodily functions, including its role as a precursor to histamine (a neurotransmitter) and carnosine (an antioxidant), which are important for immune function, tissue repair, and supporting neurological health.
Pros
- High bioavailability of L-Histidine.
- Excellent water solubility, facilitating absorption.
- Good stability for use in formulations.
- Provides an essential amino acid for human health.
Cons
- May cause mild gastrointestinal upset in sensitive individuals or at high doses.
- The hydrochloride content might slightly impact acid-base balance at very high doses, but typically negligible.
Per product
Avg$25.69
Med$25.69
Per serving
Avg$0.43
Med$0.43
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.13
Med$0.13
Price distribution