Is Porcine DAO better than Pea DAO? Is DAO naturally sourced?
Is OmneDiem®'s Histamine Digest DAO Naturally Sourced?
Yes. Diamine Oxidase (DAO) is a naturally occurring enzyme produced in the human body, primarily in the lining of the small intestine, where it supports the breakdown of dietary histamine.* The DAO used in OmneDiem's® dietary supplements is also naturally sourced — it is not synthetic. OmneDiem® uses DAOgest®, a natural enzyme-rich protein extract derived from porcine (pig) kidney. This is a naturally derived ingredient, not a laboratory-manufactured compound. For a full explanation of OmneDiem's sourcing approach, visit omnediem.com/an-honest-evaluation.Porcine DAO vs. Pea DAO: What's the Difference?
There are currently two primary natural sources of DAO used in histamine digestion dietary supplements: porcine-derived (from pig kidney) and pea-derived (from pea sprouts). Here is a comparison of each source of naturally derived DAO for you to consider when choosing a histamine digestion supplement:
Porcine-Derived DAO (Used in OmneDiem® Histamine Digest Family of Products)
Porcine DAO has the longer track record in the supplement market and is the source with the greater body of published human research to date. The safety and tolerability of porcine-derived DAO have been evaluated across multiple studies, with no significant adverse effects reported in the published literature.* OmneDiem's DAOgest® is manufactured through an established, quality-controlled extraction process designed to preserve enzyme activity and potency — measured in Histamine Digesting Units (HDU).*
The primary limitation of porcine DAO is that it is not suitable for everyone. Individuals with a pork allergy or those following vegetarian, vegan, kosher, or halal diets should not use porcine-derived products. OmneDiem is transparent about this and encourages all customers to review ingredient sourcing before purchasing.
Pea-Derived DAO
Pea-derived DAO has emerged more recently as a plant-based alternative. As a newer dietary ingredient, it is subject to additional regulatory requirements in the United States, including a New Dietary Ingredient Notification (NDIN) to the FDA. While pea DAO may be appropriate for those with dietary restrictions that preclude porcine-sourced products, it currently has a smaller body of published human clinical research compared to porcine DAO. Variability in enzymatic activity between products is also an area to evaluate carefully when considering a pea-derived option.
OmneDiem monitors ongoing developments in pea-derived DAO research and manufacturing and remains committed to offering the most effective, well-studied formulations available. For OmneDiem's full published comparison, visit omnediem.com/an-honest-evaluation.
What Are HDUs? Understanding How DAO Enzyme Potency Is Measured
HDU stands for Histamine Digesting Units. It is the standardized unit of measurement used to quantify the enzymatic activity — or potency — of Diamine Oxidase (DAO) in a dietary supplement. HDUs tell you not just how much DAO enzyme is present in a capsule by weight, but how much histamine that enzyme is capable of breaking down under standardized laboratory conditions.Why HDUs Matter More Than Milligrams
This is an important distinction that sets DAO supplementation apart from many other supplement categories. With vitamins or minerals, measuring in milligrams is straightforward — you know how much of the substance is present. But enzymes are different. An enzyme is defined by what it does, not simply by how much of it is there.
Two DAO supplements could contain the same number of milligrams of enzyme protein and have very different HDU counts — meaning one is significantly more active and effective at breaking down histamine than the other.* HDUs cut through that ambiguity. A supplement labeled 15,000 HDU has been tested and confirmed to have the enzymatic capacity to break down a measurable, standardized amount of histamine under defined conditions.* A supplement labeled 40,000 HDU has more than 2.5 times that capacity per capsule.*
When comparing DAO supplements, always look at the HDU count — not just the milligram weight — to understand the actual potency you are getting.*
How HDUs Are Determined
HDU values are established through standardized enzyme activity assays — laboratory tests that measure how efficiently and completely a quantity of enzyme degrades histamine under controlled conditions of temperature, pH, and time. The result is expressed in Histamine Digesting Units, giving manufacturers and consumers a consistent, meaningful measure of enzyme strength across different products and formulations.
This is why OmneDiem® Histamine Digest supplements always list HDU values prominently on product labels and in product descriptions — it is the most meaningful number for understanding what you are actually getting based on your individual needs.*
HDU Counts Across the OmneDiem® Histamine Digest® Family
| Product | HDU Per Capsule |
|---|---|
| Histamine Digest® (30, 60, 120 caps) | 30,000 HDU |
| Histamine Complete | 15,000 HDU |
| Menopause Complete | 15,000 HDU |
| Drink HD | 15,000 HDU |
| Histamine Digest® PureMAX | 40,000 HDU |
All OmneDiem® Histamine Digest products use DAOgest® — a naturally derived, porcine-sourced DAO enzyme with a well-documented activity profile and established manufacturing standards.* The HDU values listed reflect tested enzyme activity, not just ingredient weight.
Which OmneDiem® Product Is Right for You?
All OmneDiem® DAO products use porcine-derived DAOgest®. If porcine-sourced ingredients are appropriate for your dietary needs and preferences, OmneDiem® offers three formulations to choose from:
OmneDiem® Histamine Digest® — 30,000 HDU of DAO per designed-release capsule. The foundational formulation for supporting healthy histamine breakdown from food and beverages.* Available in 30, 60, and 120 capsule sizes.
OmneDiem® Histamine Digest® PureMAX — 40,000 HDU of pure DAOgest® DAO with no added excipients. OmneDiem's highest-potency, cleanest formulation — developed for those who may benefit from greater DAO support.* The increased potency reflects advances in extraction and manufacturing that preserve more enzymatic activity per capsule.*
OmneDiem® Histamine Complete — 15,000 HDU of DAO combined with additional ingredients to support healthy seasonal respiratory and sinus function and a balanced histamine response.* Designed for those seeking support for both dietary and environmental histamine pathways in a single daily capsule.*
Consult your healthcare provider to determine which formulation may be most appropriate for your individual health needs.
Shop the full OmneDiem® Histamine Digest® family at omnediemdirect.com/shop/
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. OmneDiem® dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. The information provided in this FAQ is for general educational and informational purposes only, is sourced from OmneDiem's published materials at omnediem.com, and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. OmneDiem® Histamine Digest® products contain a porcine-derived ingredient and are not suitable for individuals with pork allergies or those following vegetarian, vegan, kosher, or halal diets. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement regimen.