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Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

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Diamine Oxidase

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DAO

Description

"Diamine Oxidase (DAO)" test measures the activity of the DAO enzyme, which helps break down histamine in your body. Low DAO levels can lead to histamine buildup, causing symptoms like flushing, hives, headaches, or digestive discomfort. Doctors often recommend this test when allergy-like symptoms have no clear cause. A blood sample is analyzed to assess enzyme function. Results help identify histamine intolerance and guide care through dietary changes, supplements, or lifestyle adjustments to reduce symptom flare-ups.

"Diamine Oxidase (DAO)" test measures the activity of the DAO enzyme, which helps break down histamine in your body. Low DAO levels can lead to histamine buildup, causing symptoms like flushing, hives, headaches, or digestive discomfort. Doctors often recommend this test when allergy-like symptoms have no clear cause. A blood sample is analyzed to assess enzyme function. Results help identify histamine intolerance and guide care through dietary changes, supplements, or lifestyle adjustments to reduce symptom flare-ups.

Category

Enzymes

Procedure

Invasive

Sample Type

Blood – Serum

Units

Units Per Milliliter

Procedure Category

Blood Draw

Test Group

Enzyme Group

Test Group Description

Enzyme Group: Evaluates enzyme levels and activity, offering insights into enzymatic function and related health conditions.

Optimal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Conventional Unit: 10.00–20.00 U/mL

  • SI Unit: Not Frequently Used

Normal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Conventional Unit: 3.00–10.00 U/mL

  • SI Unit: Not Frequently Used

Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)

Increased levels may indicate:


  • Allergies

  • Crohn's disease (chronic inflammation of the digestive tract)

  • Genetic factors (inherited traits influencing DAO activity)

  • Histamine intolerance (inability to break down histamine)

  • Histamine-dich diets (restriction of high-histamine foods)

  • Infections (presence of pathogens in the ...

Key Reasons For Testing

  • Gastrointestinal Function: Assesses the GI tract's ability to metabolize histamine and biogenic amines.

  • Histamine Metabolism: Evaluates DAO's role in breaking down histamine to diagnose intolerance.

  • Food Sensitivities: Identifies histamine intolerance tied to reactions from histamine-rich foods.

  • Gastrointestinal Disorders: Detects DAO deficiency linked to IBS, IBD, or similar conditions.

  • MCAS Diagnosis: Helps diagnose mast cell activation syndrome through histamine regulation.

  • Supplement Monitoring: Tracks the effectiveness of DAO supplementation and adjusts dosing.

Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess

Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.

Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test

Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.

References

Important Note

Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.


Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.

Disclaimer

This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.


Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.

[1] Manzotti G, Breda D, Di Gioacchino M, Burastero SE. Serum diamine oxidase activity in patients with histamine intolerance. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2016;29(1):105-111.
[2] Schwelberger HG. Histamine intolerance: a metabolic disease? Inflamm Res. 2010;59(Suppl 2).
[3] Kofler H, Leitner R, Bauer P, et al. Diamine oxidase (DAO) serum activity: a new possible marker for diagnosis of histamine intolerance. Inflamm Res. 2009;58(Suppl 1).
[4] Maintz L, Novak N. Histamine and histamine intolerance. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85(5):1185-1196.
[5] Izquierdo-Casas J, Comas-Basté O, Latorre-Moratalla ML, et al. Histamine intolerance and dietary management: review of the literature. Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1133.
[6] Wantke F, Gotz M, Jarisch R. Histamine-free diet: treatment of choice for histamine intolerance and supporting treatment for chronic headaches. Clin Exp Allergy. 1993;23(12):982-985.
[7] Comas-Basté O, Sánchez-Pérez S, Veciana-Nogués MT, et al. Histamine intolerance: the current state of the art. Biomolecules. 2020;10(8):1181.
[8] García-Martín E, Ayuso P, Martínez C, et al. Genetic variability of histamine metabolizing enzymes and the risk of asthma. Pharmacogenet Genomics. 2009;19(7):483-490.
[9] Steinbrecher A, Jarisch R. Histamine and histamine intolerance. In: Katelaris CH, ed. Food Allergy: Diagnosis and Management. Springer; 2017:199-208.
[10] Wagner A, Tobudic S, Vychytil A, et al. Serum diamine oxidase activity is associated with residual renal function and dialysis vintage in peritoneal dialysis patients. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2011;26(12):4077-4082.
[11] Tuck CJ, Biesiekierski JR, Schmid-Grendelmeier P, et al. Food intolerances. Nutrients. 2019;11(7):1684.
[12] Morales-Lara MJ, Comas-Basté O, Latorre-Moratalla ML, et al. New insights into histamine intolerance: clinical updates and case studies. Front Immunol. 2021;12:636992.

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