The Science Behind Histamine & DAO
Histamine is a natural compound found in many everyday foods — such as citrus fruits, fermented vegetables, dairy products, seafood, meat, poultry, and wine — and it’s also produced by your body. It plays important roles in immune responses, digestion, and communication between cells. When you eat foods containing histamine, your body breaks it down in the small intestine using an enzyme called diamine oxidase (DAO).
When the amount of histamine you consume is more than your body can break down, some of it may enter the bloodstream and disrupt normal digestion. This can contribute to general discomforts linked to histamine sensitivity. A number of factors — including genetics, gut health, diet, and certain medications — can influence how effectively your body metabolises histamine.
DAOfood® Plus, DAOfood® & DAOfood® VEG
DAOfood® Plus, DAOfood® & DAOfood® VEG help support the breakdown of dietary histamine.
DAOfood® Plus, DAOfood® & DAOfood® VEG are dietary supplements that provide diamine oxidase (DAO), the enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine from food. They are formulated to support the normal digestion of dietary histamine by helping the body metabolise the histamine you ingest. By supplying DAO that is structurally and functionally equivalent to the enzyme found naturally in the human body, DAOfood® Plus, DAOfood® & DAOfood® VEG help increase DAO activity and reduce the absorption of dietary histamine.
DAOfood® Plus helps support the breakdown of dietary histamine.
✔ Supports the metabolism of food‑derived histamine with high‑activity DAO. (1)
✔ Trusted leaders in DAO: backed by 18 years of science excellence.
✔ DAOfood® supports digestive health by helping the body break down dietary histamine and supporting normal DAO levels.
✔ EFICAPS® capsules contain gastro‑resistant tablets with controlled‑release DAO and immediate‑release Vitamin C and Quercetin.
✔ Provides supplemental DAO — the same enzyme the body naturally produces to break down histamine in the gut.(1)(2)
✔ Includes Quercetin and Vitamin C — as complementary ingredients. (6)
✔ The Diamine Oxidase (DAO) contained in DAOfood® Plus serves as a supportive solution to the same enzyme found naturally in the body that is responsible for metabolising histamine. Taking DAOfood® Plus before meals helps elevate the amount of DAO in the small bowel to support breakdown of dietary histamine. This adds to the processing in the digestive tract of the histamine found in different foods. (1)
Advanced EFICAPS® Technology
Ensures controlled release of DAO, Vitamin C, and Quercetin for optimal timing and absorption.
Four‑Part Capsule Structure
Each capsule contains:
Two gastro‑resistant DAO mini‑tablets (controlled intestinal release) One pellet with immediate‑release Vitamin C One pellet with immediate‑release Quercetin
Triple‑Action Formula
Combines DAO enzyme with Quercetin and Vitamin C, acting as complementary ingredients.
Supports Histamine Metabolism
Provides exogenous DAO enzyme to help break down food‑derived histamine in the small intestine.
Convenient Daily Use
Easy‑to‑swallow capsules designed for use before meals to support normal digestion of histamine throughout the day.
DAOfood® helps support the breakdown of dietary histamine.
✔ Supports the metabolism of food‑derived histamine with high‑activity DAO.
✔ Trusted leaders in DAO: backed by 18 years of science excellence.
✔ DAOfood® supports digestive health by helping the body break down dietary histamine and supporting normal DAO levels.
✔ Gastro‑resistant mini‑tablets protect the DAO enzyme from stomach acidity so it can reach the small intestine intact.
✔ Provides supplemental DAO — the same enzyme the body naturally produces to break down histamine in the gut.
✔ The Diamine Oxidase (DAO) contained in DAOfood® serves as a supportive solution to the body’s own DAO, helping elevate DAO availability in the small bowel when taken before meals.
✔ Small, easy‑to‑swallow mini‑tablets in a convenient dispenser for everyday use at home or on the go.
Single‑Enzyme Formula
Focused formula providing DAO only, for targeted dietary histamine breakdown.
Mini‑Tablet Format
Each serving contains a gastro‑resistant DAO mini‑tablet for efficient intestinal release.
Gastro‑Resistant Technology
Mini‑tablets are engineered to withstand stomach acidity and ensure DAO is released where it is needed — the small intestine.
Supports Histamine Metabolism
Provides exogenous DAO enzyme to help break down food‑derived histamine in the small intestine.
Convenient Daily Use
Easy‑to‑swallow mini‑tablets designed for use before meals to support normal digestion of histamine throughout the day.
DAOfood® VEG helps support the breakdown of dietary histamine.
✔ Supports the metabolism of food‑derived histamine with high‑activity DAO.
✔ Trusted leaders in DAO: backed by 18 years of science excellence.
✔ DAOfood® VEG supports digestive health by helping the body break down dietary histamine and supporting normal DAO levels.
✔ Gastro‑resistant mini‑tablets protect the DAO enzyme from stomach acidity so it can reach the small intestine intact.
✔ Provides supplemental DAO — the same enzyme the body naturally produces to break down histamine in the gut.
✔ The Diamine Oxidase (DAO) contained in DAOfood® VEG serves as a supportive solution to the body’s own DAO, helping elevate DAO availability in the small bowel when taken before meals.
✔ Made from dehydrated pea-sprout powder naturally containing DAO enzyme, DAOfood® VEG is designed to meet a wide range of consumer needs.
Single‑Enzyme Formula
Focused formula providing DAO only, for targeted dietary histamine breakdown.
Mini‑Tablet Format
Each serving contains a gastro‑resistant DAO mini‑tablet for efficient intestinal release.
Plant-based DAO enzyme
Naturally-sourced DAO enzyme, addressing most consumer needs.
Gastro‑Resistant Technology
Mini‑tablets are engineered to withstand stomach acidity and ensure DAO is released where it is needed — the small intestine.
Supports Histamine Metabolism
Provides exogenous DAO enzyme to help break down food‑derived histamine in the small intestine.
Convenient Daily Use
Easy‑to‑swallow mini‑tablets designed for use before meals to support normal digestion of histamine throughout the day.
Innovation in Nutritional Science
DR Healthcare specialises in developing advanced nutritional solutions based on Diamine Oxidase (DAO), an enzyme naturally involved in the metabolism of food‑derived histamine.
With a focus on innovation, science, and care, the goal is to help individuals maintain balance through DAO enzyme dietary supplementation.
Driven by belief in the power of nature backed by science, DR Healthcare is committed to delivering high‑quality nutritional solutions that help maintain health and daily wellness.
The amount of DAO contained in DAOfood® Plus, DAOfood® & DAOfood® VEG complement the body’s own enzyme, enhancing the breakdown of dietary histamine. Thus, DAOfood® Plus, DAOfood® & DAOfood® VEG supports histamine metabolism locally in the small intestine.
DAOfood® Plus, DAOfood® & DAOfood® VEG are designed to support individuals break down the histamine from food.They support the breakdown of dietary histamine in the gut.
Taking DAO enzyme regularly may help support healthy DAO activity in the small intestine. Supporting DAO activity may contribute to the metabolism of food‑derived histamine and support normal DAO activity/levels in the gut.
Talk to your healthcare professional about your options, including following a low‑histamine diet and taking one capsule before each main meal (do not exceed 3 capsules/tablets a day).
For continuous, long‑term supplementation, speak to your healthcare professional.
DR Healthcare is a pioneer in DAO‑related science. Products are developed with high‑quality manufacturing standards and are recommended by international experts in the nutritional enzymatic field.
Product Details
DAOfood® Plus: 60 capsules with gastro‑resistant DAO mini‑tablets.
DAOfood® & DAOfood® VEG: 60 gastroresistant tablets with intestinal release DAO.
Developed by experts in DAO enzyme.
Manufactured in the EU.
Ingredients backed by rigorous research and a solid scientific foundation.
DAOfood® Plus, DAOfood® & DAOfood® VEG are dietary supplements intended for supplementation of DAO, the enzyme that breaks down dietary histamine. If you feel you may benefit from this product or have any questions, talk to a healthcare professional.
Usage Information
Directions:
DAOfood® Plus: take one capsule with water 20 minutes before main meals. Do not exceed 3 capsules a day. The capsule must be swallowed whole. If you cannot swallow it whole, you may open it and swallow only the pellets inside without chewing, splitting, or breaking them.
DAOfood® & DAOfood® VEG: Take one tablet with water 20 minutes before main meals. Do not exceed 3 tablets a day.
Consumption & Storage Information
Not suitable as the only source of nutrition.
Keep out of reach of children.
Intended for adults only.
Store in a cool place; if consumed only occasionally, refrigerate.
Keep away from heat sources (enzyme is thermolabile).
See best‑before date on packaging.
Speak to your healthcare professional if you have questions about consumption.
DAOfood® Plus: Quercetin (95%), Potato starch, L‑ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) (20%), Pig kidney protein extract (with 7% Diamine Oxidase – DAO) (2%), Rice starch, Medium‑chain triglycerides, Microcrystalline cellulose, Hydroxypropyl cellulose, Ethyl cellulose, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, Magnesium stearate, Sodium alginate, Fatty acids, Dicalcium phosphate, Caramel IV colouring, Vegetable capsule (Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose).
DAOfood®: Bulking agents: microcrystalline cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose; pig kidney protein extract with 7% diamine oxidase; glazing agent: ethyl cellulose; potato starch; stabilizers: sodium alginate and magnesium salts of fatty acids; medium chain triglycerides; glazing agent: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; stabilizers: oleic acid and stearic acid.
DAOfood® VEG: Microcrystalline cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose. Dehydrated Powder: Pea sprouts (Pisum sativum) containing 7% Diamine Oxidase; Coating Agent: Ethylcellulose. Potato Puree Stabilizers: Sodium alginate and magnesium salts of fatty acids. Medium-Chain Fatty Acids Sodium Alginate and Magnesium Salts of Fatty Acids. Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs). Coating Agent: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Stabilizers: Oleic acid and stearic acid.
1. Comas‑Basté 2020
2. Tan 2023
3. Schnedl 2019
4. Izquierdo‑Casas 2019
5. Kawazoe 2006
6. Mlcek 2016
7. Komericki 2010