Porcine-derived DAO vs. Pea-derived DAO: An Honest Evaluation
DAO, or diamine oxidase, is an enzyme naturally produced in the body that helps break down histamine from the foods we eat. For individuals who experience symptoms related to histamine intolerance, a DAO supplement can be a valuable tool to support digestive health. The two primary sources of DAO in supplements are porcine (pork) and, more recently, pea-derived.
The following will compare these two options, highlighting their pros and cons, and offer a recommendation while adhering to all DSHEA, FDA, and FTC regulations.
Porcine-Derived DAO: The Established Option
Porcine-derived DAO, often sourced from pig kidney extract, has been the traditional and most widely available form of this supplement for years. OmneDiem’s Histamine Digest is a well-known example of a product that uses this type of DAO.
Pros of Porcine-Derived DAO:
- More Clinical Evidence: Porcine DAO has been the subject of more human clinical trials and research studies. This body of evidence suggests that it can be effective in helping to reduce gastrointestinal and other symptoms associated with histamine intolerance in some individuals.
- Widespread Availability: Due to its long history in the market, porcine DAO supplements are readily available from many brands, offering a variety of dosage options and formulations.
- Established Safety Profile: The safety and tolerability of porcine-derived DAO have been evaluated in numerous studies, with no significant adverse effects reported.
- Proven Activity Level and Testing
Cons of Porcine-Derived DAO:
- Not Suitable for All: This is a major drawback. Individuals with a pork allergy or those who follow vegetarian, vegan, kosher, or halal diets cannot use porcine-derived DAO.
- Potential for Variable Activity: While research shows positive results, some studies have noted variability in the enzymatic activity of different porcine-derived products, which may be due to factors in manufacturing or ingredient stability.
Pea-Derived DAO: The Emerging Alternative
Pea-derived DAO is a newer, plant-based option that offers an alternative to those with dietary restrictions or allergies to pork. It is typically sourced from pea shoot extract.
Pros of Pea-Derived DAO:
- Dietary Inclusivity: This is the most significant advantage. Pea-derived DAO is suitable for individuals who are vegetarian, vegan, or follow specific religious dietary laws.
Cons of Pea-Derived DAO:
- Limited Human Clinical Evidence: This is the most critical difference between the two. While in vitro (test tube) and animal studies show promising results, there is currently a lack of published, large-scale human clinical trials specifically on pea-derived DAO to demonstrate its efficacy in treating histamine intolerance symptoms. More research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in humans.
- Potential for Pea Allergy: While it avoids a porcine allergy, individuals with a pea allergy would need to avoid this supplement.
- Unproven Activity: While testing has shown that fresh pea contains amounts of DAO it is unproven that these amounts can be extracted and conserved in an active form. Data shows that dried / dehydrated pea contains no DAO. Only active DAO is able to degrade histamine in the gut.
DSHEA, FDA, and FTC Compliance
It is essential to understand that all dietary supplements, including both porcine and pea-derived DAO, are regulated by the FDA under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA). This means:
- The FDA does not approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed.
- Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products are safe and accurately labeled.
- New dietary ingredients, like pea-derived DAO, are required to submit a New Dietary Ingredient Notification (NDIN) to the FDA, providing a basis for concluding that the ingredient is reasonably expected to be safe.
Additionally, all claims made about a supplement must be truthful and not misleading, and they must be substantiated by competent and reliable scientific evidence, as per Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations. Any claims suggesting a product can “cure” or “treat” a disease are not permitted, as supplements are not regulated as drugs.
Recommendation
For individuals exploring DAO supplementation, the best choice depends on your specific needs and dietary requirements.
- For most people, especially those who do not have a porcine allergy or dietary restrictions, porcine-derived DAO is the most well-studied option with the most available clinical evidence. Products like OmneDiem’s Histamine Digest are backed by research on their active ingredient and are a good starting point for supporting the management of histamine intolerance goals.
- If you are a vegetarian, vegan, or have a pork allergy, pea-derived DAO is a valuable and necessary alternative. However, it’s important to understand that the human clinical evidence for its efficacy is currently limited. When choosing a pea-derived product, look for one from a reputable brand that provides detailed information about its sourcing and manufacturing processes. Make sure to ask for independent test results from a US lab showing the activity and that the product is in a gastro-resistant capsule to protect it through the stomach and get the active enzyme to the small intestine.
As always, before starting any new dietary supplement, it is highly recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian. They can help you determine the best approach for your individual health needs and ensure the supplement is safe and appropriate for you.