Collagen and Histamine Sensitivity
As an Australian food manufacturer, we are guided by the food labelling legislation of Australia, specifically the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, which requires us to provide mandatory warnings on the following allergens: wheat, fish, crustacean, mollusc, egg, milk, lupin, peanut, soy, soya, soyabean, sesame, nuts, tree nuts, barley, oats, rye and sulphites.
We are also required to provide mandatory advisory statements, these relate to the inclusion of any of the following products: bee pollen or propolis, cereal beverages, evaporated milk products, phenylalanine, quinine, guarana, plant sterols or esters, caffeine, unpasteurised products. A percentage labelling statement may be included if an allergen if this is present, for example ‘95% fish product’, 'unblended', or ‘trace amounts of tree nuts. Food manufacturers are also required to provide accurate nutritional panel and country of origin labelling in line with the Code.
As an Australian collagen manufacturer and supplier, as well as a HACCP-accredited & independently audited facility, we are required to abide by this legislation and provide clear and accurate information about the above allergen status within our products. We have strict controls in place within our facility and processes to ensure that cross contamination does not occur. The nutrition and country of origin labels we use are generated from the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) site itself.
Although it is recognised that there are many other foods that may potentially cause an allergic reaction or sensitivity, these do not currently require mandatory declaration for foods sold in Australia and New Zealand.
How does this impact people with sensitivities to histamine?
Unfortunately for people sensitive to histamines, bovine collagen powder supplements, gelatin, and bone broths can present a challenge. Histamines can be present in certain species of fish so choosing Marine Collagen as an alternative may not always be the best option either. The appropriateness of a collagen supplement is also very individualised and dependent on the individual's level of tolerance, so one product may be more suitable than another.
If you have a dietary histamine sensitivity or Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (severe, clinically diagnosed histamine intolerance) then a collagen protein powder or bone broth may not be appropriate due to their sourcing and long processing/cooking times and the bioaccumulation of histamine from a range of foods sources within a time frame, which may increase levels of histamine overall.
Dark chocolate, oxalate-rich vegetables, probiotics, fermented products, and cheeses also increase the accumulation of histamines within the body. Histamine sensitivitiy is a complex dietary issue that scientific research is only just beginning to gain a picture of.
What should you do if you are worried about food sensitivities?
Always consult with a medical professional if you have any concerns about histamine or any other food intolerance when looking at starting a supplement or for any dietary concerns. We are happy to provide further information to our customers regarding our product’s ingredients, allergen status or potential contraindications with rare food sensitivities but this should not take the place of medical consultation.
If you think you or a family member may have a food intolerance, it is vital to seek advice from a medical practitioner as symptoms you may be experiencing can also be caused by other disorders or medical issues. Keeping a food diary and noting any symptoms that may be related to food can be strategies used.
Medical diagnosis of a food intolerance usually involves the elimination of all suspect foods from the diet and then reintroduce them one by one, to see which food or component(s) of the food causes the reaction. This should only be done under medical supervision since some of the reactions can have serious health implications, such as the triggering of asthma or allergic reaction which may require intervention or hospitalisation.
Disclaimer: As with any dietary choice, it's essential to strike a balance. A varied and balanced diet, coupled with a healthy lifestyle, is key to overall well-being. This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with your Doctor or healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs before making any changes to your health routine or starting any new dietary supplements.
Check out our range of hydrolysed collagen powder supplements, beef gelatin and bone broth powders:
