DAO deficiency, or diamine oxidase deficiency, is a condition where your body doesn't produce enough diamine oxidase (DAO), an enzyme crucial for breaking down histamine in food. This leads to a buildup of histamine, resulting in histamine intolerance, also known as food histaminosis or enteral histaminosis.
Understanding Diamine Oxidase (DAO) and its Role
Diamine oxidase (DAO) is an enzyme naturally produced by the body. Its primary function is to metabolize histamine, a compound found in many foods and involved in various bodily processes, including immune responses. When you consume histamine-rich foods, DAO breaks down the histamine, preventing its accumulation.
Symptoms of DAO Deficiency
Insufficient DAO levels mean that histamine isn't properly broken down. This accumulation of histamine can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Headaches
- Digestive issues (e.g., bloating, diarrhea, stomach cramps)
- Skin reactions (e.g., hives, itching)
- Respiratory problems (e.g., runny nose, congestion)
- Low blood pressure
- Fatigue
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing DAO deficiency often involves a combination of symptom evaluation and a DAO activity test. Treatment typically focuses on managing histamine intake through a low-histamine diet. In some cases, DAO supplements may be recommended to help break down histamine more effectively.
Histamine Intolerance and DAO Deficiency
It's important to note that histamine intolerance is linked directly to DAO deficiency. The inability to properly metabolize ingested histamine leads to the symptoms associated with histamine intolerance.
(Reference Information Incorporated): "Diamine oxidase (DAO) is an enzyme that your body makes to break down histamine from foods. If your body doesn't produce enough DAO, you may have diamine oxidase deficiency. Without enough of this enzyme, you can experience histamine intolerance, also called food histaminosis or enteral histaminosis."
