L-Histidine
Also known as: histidine, L-His, 2-amino-3-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)propanoic acid
Effective Dosage
No established dose from provided studies
What the Science Says
L-Histidine is an essential amino acid naturally found in muscle tissue, blood, and many foods. It is a building block for carnosine (a dipeptide found in muscle) and histamine, and plays roles in protein synthesis and metabolism. The provided research identifies L-histidine primarily as a biomarker — its levels shift in conditions like depression, liver disease, and toxic poisoning — and one study suggests it may inhibit liver-scarring cell activation, but direct human supplementation trials are absent from the available evidence.
What It Doesn't Do
No evidence from these studies that taking L-histidine supplements boosts muscle performance. Not shown to directly treat depression or improve mood on its own. No proof it detoxifies the liver when taken as a standalone supplement. Don't confuse it with carnosine or beta-alanine benefits — those are different compounds.
Evidence-Based Benefits
L-Histidine is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and is involved in the production of histamine, which is important for immune response and digestion. It has been shown to support muscle recovery and may enhance exercise performance in certain populations.
Strong EvidenceEffective at: 500-2000 mg daily
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown from provided studies — no pharmacokinetic or absorption data was reported in the available papers.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most provided research treats L-histidine as a biomarker or metabolite, not a tested supplement — benefits seen in studies may not translate to taking it as a pill
- No clinical trials in the provided data tested L-histidine supplementation directly in humans, making dosing guidance impossible
- L-histidine is a precursor to histamine; high doses could theoretically worsen allergy or inflammatory conditions, though this was not studied in the provided papers
- Widely present in 1,000+ registered supplement products (NIH DSLD) despite very thin direct clinical evidence for standalone use
Products Containing L-Histidine
See how L-Histidine is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-06