Does Vitamin D Contain Histamine?
No, vitamin D does not contain histamine. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is crucial for the absorption of calcium in our bodies. However, as it is involved in the processes of the immune system, it is possible that it can influence the levels of histamine in our body through the regulation of the immune system. So keep in mind that while Vitamin D doesn't contain histamine, it can affect histamine activity.
What Is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is also colloquially known as the sunshine vitamin. It has a crucial role in maintaining our bodies nutritiously balanced. However, it is not just a vitamin but also a prohormone (which means that it can be converted into a hormone by our body) needed for various functions [1]. When our skin is exposed to sunlight, it is naturally produced in our body [2, 3].
Although it might sound surprising, vitamin D is not just one substance, but rather five different substances. In humans, the most important ones are Vitamin D2 and Vitamin 3.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, ensuring its efficient transport [1, 4, 5]. Vitamin D has a fundamental role in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism and ensures that our bones are strong and healthy [6, 7]. It is also essential for other processes such as modulating cell growth and immune system function. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties supporting the activities of both immune systems the innate and also the adaptive [6].
Vitamin D receptors are located within our cardiovascular system, lungs, pancreas, skeletal muscle, skin and reproductive organs. It is also involved in insulin regulation. Hence we can see that their function in the body has a wide range of influence on our health [1, 8].
Although Vitamin D is extremely important for our functioning, more than 50% of the world's population is at risk for vitamin D deficiency, mostly due to inadequate sun exposure but also due to the misconception that a healthy diet can provide an adequate amount of vitamin D [6, 2, 9]. Therefore it is important to note that sunlight is not the only source of vitamin D and that it can also be obtained from certain foods or supplements [10, 6].
What Are The Benefits Of Vitamin D?
Vitamin D provides a wide range of benefits, including supporting the abovementioned functions within our body like the benefits related to the cardiovascular system [11, 12]. In addition to that, it also contributes to muscle function. It helps with muscle growth and the development of muscles and boosts lung function [13].
Vitamin D also helps to fight against infections and diseases and ultimately aids in improving resistance to certain diseases [10, 6].
Another important benefit of vitamin D is its role in mental health. It has been suggested that vitamin D is associated with improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression. Additionally, some research also suggests that vitamin D intake can improve memory and thinking skills in older adults [1, 10].
Emerging evidence from some studies also associates the benefits of adequate vitamin D levels with reduced risk of certain cancer types such as colon cancer [1]. It is also suggested to have a role in kidney health and may have renoprotective functions [1, 14].
Lastly, vitamin D may also contribute to oral health. It is suggested to benefit dental hygiene, potentially reducing the risk of dental caries [15, 13].
What Is Histamine?
Histamine is a biogenic amine. It is a type of organic compound derived from the amino acid histidine [16]. Histamine can be synthesized by the enzymatic activity of histidine decarboxylase in many different cells like basophils, mast cells or even neuronal cells [17].
Interestingly, histamine is found throughout the body with the lungs, basophils and mast cells having the highest concentration [18].
Histamine is involved primarily in immune responses. It acts as a mediator in allergic reactions and inflammation [16, 18]. However, it can also affect your gastrointestinal tract, [18]. In fact, it aids with the gastric acid secretion crucial for digestion [16, 17]Histamine is also a neurotransmitter, which can regulate the sleep/wake cycles, hormonal secretion, cardiovascular control and thermo-regulation [19].
The effects of histamine are mediated through four different G-protein coupled receptors[20]. Hence, histamine can act on different tissues through tissue-specific signalling networks[20]. It is also why the alternations in histamine-related factors could be an important part of the cause of multiple diseases [20].
Does Vitamin D Have Histamine?
No, vitamin D does not contain histamine. Vitamin D and histamine are two distinct molecules which can be found in our body. However, vitamin D is involved in the immune system. It can influence the response of our bodies to allergens which in fact involves the release of histamine.
However, the relationship between vitamin D and allergic diseases is complex and not fully understood. Some studies have suggested that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to an increase in allergy and asthma [21], while others have found that vitamin D supplementation can result in relative symptom improvement in allergic rhinitis patients with vitamin D deficiency [22].
In conclusion, while vitamin D does not contain histamine, it plays a role in the immune response that can influence the release of histamine in the body.