Is an Omega-3 Supplement High in Histamine? A Guide to Nutrition Diet

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

A key factor in managing histamine sensitivity is a product's freshness and processing. Addressing the concern, is omega-3 supplement high in histamine, requires understanding the differences between raw fish, fermented products, and high-quality, purified fish oil.

Quick Summary

High-quality, purified omega-3 supplements are typically low in histamine, unlike raw or fermented fish products, with histamine levels dependent on processing and storage methods for both supplements and food sources.

Key Points

Purified Supplements: High-quality, professionally processed fish oil supplements are typically low in histamine and safe for those with histamine intolerance.
Processing and Freshness: Histamine levels rise in fish due to poor handling and storage, which can affect lower-quality supplements. Look for freshness indicators and third-party certifications.
Plant-Based Options: Flaxseed, chia seed, and especially algae-based omega-3s are excellent, naturally low-histamine options that provide EPA and DHA.
Fermented Products: Fermented fish products are very high in histamine and should be avoided entirely by individuals with histamine intolerance.
Anti-inflammatory Benefit: Omega-3 fatty acids possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help regulate the body's immune response and may help manage overall histamine levels.
Quality Assurance: Seek out third-party certifications like IFOS to ensure the supplement is of the highest purity, with minimal risk of histamine contamination.

What is Histamine and Histamine Intolerance?

Histamine is a chemical involved in the immune system, digestion, and central nervous system. While essential for certain bodily functions, excess histamine can cause problems. Histamine intolerance occurs when the body has a deficiency of the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO), which is responsible for breaking down excess dietary histamine. This enzyme deficiency can lead to a build-up of histamine, triggering a range of symptoms from headaches and rashes to gastrointestinal issues and respiratory problems. For individuals with this condition, managing dietary intake of histamine-rich foods is vital for symptom control.

Is Omega-3 Supplement High in Histamine? The Role of Processing

The short answer is that a high-quality, professionally produced omega-3 supplement is not high in histamine. Histamine is not fat-soluble, meaning it does not accumulate in the oil during the purification process. The real risk of histamine contamination comes from the quality and handling of the source fish before it is processed into a supplement. This is why freshness and a rigorous manufacturing process are so critical for histamine-sensitive individuals.

Source and Storage: Histamine is formed by bacteria acting on the amino acid histidine in fish flesh. This process accelerates significantly when fish are not handled properly or stored for extended periods, especially at warmer temperatures.
Processing: During the purification of high-grade fish oil, the oil undergoes multiple steps, including molecular distillation, bleaching, and deodorization. These processes effectively remove impurities and contaminants, including any trace amounts of histamine that may have been present in the initial raw material.

Why High-Quality Matters for Low Histamine

Not all omega-3 supplements are created equal. The difference between a low-histamine product and one that could cause a reaction often comes down to the quality control of the manufacturer. To ensure you are choosing a supplement that is safe for histamine intolerance, look for these indicators:

Third-Party Certification: Reputable brands will often have their products tested by third-party organizations for purity, potency, and contaminants. A common certification for omega-3s is the International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS) program. IFOS certification guarantees that a product meets high standards for freshness and purity, which is directly linked to lower histamine levels.
Freshness Testing: Good manufacturers conduct testing to ensure the freshness of their raw materials and final products. Indicators of rancidity or oxidation in the oil can point to improper handling, which could also increase histamine levels.
Sourcing: Brands that prioritize sustainability and rapid processing of fresh fish, such as those sourcing from cold, remote waters, often produce higher-quality oil with minimal histamine risk.

The Histamine Content of Different Omega-3 Sources

Not all sources of omega-3 are created equal when it comes to histamine. The following list breaks down the histamine risk associated with various sources:

Animal-based sources:

High-Quality Fish Oil: Purified fish oil is generally considered low-histamine and safe for those with histamine intolerance.
Cod Liver Oil: Like other fish oils, commercially produced cod liver oil is generally low-histamine, though quality and freshness are still important factors.
Fresh Oily Fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel): These are good sources of omega-3 but contain moderate levels of histamine even when fresh. Histamine levels increase significantly with improper storage.
Fermented Fish Oil: Unlike purified oil, fermented fish products are extremely high in histamine and should be avoided by those with sensitivity.

Plant-based sources:

Algae Oil: A perfect choice for vegans and those with severe histamine intolerance, algae oil is a direct source of DHA and EPA with no associated histamine risk.
Flaxseed and Chia Seeds: These contain ALA, a precursor to EPA and DHA, and are naturally low in histamine.
Walnuts: While an omega-3 source, some individuals report that walnuts act as a histamine liberator, triggering a release of the body's own histamine.

Omega-3 Source Comparison for Histamine Intolerance


Source	Histamine Risk	Comments
High-Quality Fish Oil	Low	Purified oil has histamine removed during processing. Check for third-party testing.
Fermented Fish Oil	Very High	Fermentation process creates significant histamine. Avoid for intolerance.
Fresh Oily Fish	Moderate	Naturally contains some histamine, levels rise quickly if not very fresh or properly stored.
Algae Oil	Very Low	Plant-based, no animal protein to create histamine. Excellent choice.
Flaxseed/Chia Oil	Very Low	ALA precursor source, naturally low-histamine.
Walnuts	Potential	While low-histamine themselves, some find they trigger internal histamine release.

Omega-3's Anti-inflammatory Effects on Histamine

Interestingly, beyond the low-histamine nature of purified supplements, omega-3 fatty acids themselves may play a role in managing inflammation related to histamine intolerance. Research has shown that omega-3s possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties by reducing the production of molecules and substances linked to inflammation, like certain cytokines. Some studies suggest that omega-3s can help regulate the immune response that releases histamine, potentially leading to lower overall histamine levels in the body. This makes a high-quality omega-3 supplement a potentially beneficial addition to a low-histamine regimen, not just a benign one.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Nutrition Diet

The question of is omega-3 supplement high in histamine is a valid concern for anyone with histamine intolerance, but the answer depends entirely on the product's quality and processing. While fresh fish can carry moderate histamine and fermented products are very high, professionally produced, purified fish oil is low-histamine and generally safe. For those seeking maximum safety, plant-based options like algae oil provide a potent and guaranteed low-histamine source of EPA and DHA. The key is to prioritize brands that demonstrate rigorous quality control and provide third-party verification of purity. With the right supplement, you can gain the numerous health benefits of omega-3s without triggering a histamine reaction. Consulting a healthcare provider or a dietitian is always recommended for personalized advice. For more information on supplements and dietary triggers, you can visit 3X4 Genetics.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all fish oil supplements are guaranteed low in histamine. The histamine content depends heavily on the freshness of the fish used and the quality of the processing and purification methods. High-quality, purified fish oil should have histamine removed, but lower-quality products might not.

The manufacturing process is crucial. Histamine is poorly fat-soluble, so it is removed during the refining, bleaching, and deodorizing stages of producing a high-quality, professional fish oil supplement. Improper or minimal processing could leave higher levels of histamine.

While high-quality omega-3 supplements are low in histamine, the fatty acids themselves are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. By helping to regulate the body's overall inflammatory and immune response, omega-3s may indirectly help manage symptoms related to histamine intolerance.

Fresh oily fish naturally contains some histamine, and levels increase significantly if it is not handled and stored properly. Purified fish oil supplements, however, are processed to remove impurities like histamine, meaning a high-quality supplement will have a much lower histamine load than improperly stored fish.

Similar to standard fish oil, professionally produced cod liver oil is considered low in histamine. As always, the key is to ensure you are purchasing a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer with stringent processing standards.

Excellent low-histamine, plant-based omega-3 sources include flaxseed, chia seeds, and algae oil. Algae oil is particularly valuable as it provides the long-chain fatty acids EPA and DHA directly.

To choose a low-histamine supplement, look for third-party certifications like IFOS, opt for purified fish oil over fermented versions, and consider plant-based alternatives like algae oil. Prioritize brands with transparent sourcing and manufacturing practices.