Which organ breaks down histamine?

The Role of DAO in Histamine Breakdown

When you consume foods containing histamine, your body relies on a specialized frontline defender located right in your digestive tract. This crucial job is handled by the DAO enzyme (diamine oxidase).

The DAO enzyme is primarily concentrated in the intestinal villi, specifically within the lining of the small intestine. As food moves through your digestive system, DAO acts as a biological barrier, breaking down dietary histamine before it ever has a chance to cross over into your bloodstream.

By neutralizing histamine locally in the gut, this enzyme helps prevent unwanted systemic reactions and maintains balance in your body's overall response to certain foods.