A Deep Dive into the Functions and Implications of DAO During Lactation
Breastfeeding is essential in providing newborns with all the nutrients and immunity necessary for their growth and development. During human lactation, several enzymes play a vital role in ensuring the quality and quantity of milk produced. One such enzyme is diamine oxidase (DAO).
This blog post will cover the advantages of DAO supplements during breastfeeding and how they can ease symptoms of deficiency for both the mother and baby, so keep reading!
Diamine Oxidase – An Overview
Histamine is present in many foods and produced by the body as part of its immune response, leading to discomfort and unwanted symptoms. DAO enzymes help break down histamine and other biogenic amines in the body to reduce its negative effects.
How it works
DAO enzymes are primarily produced in your kidneys, thymus, and the intestinal lining of your digestive tract. Its primary function is to break down excess histamine in your body. Histamine intolerance can develop as a result of DAO deficiency and lead to various uncomfortable symptoms that often mimic an allergic reaction.
DAO enzymes also help to regulate the microbiome (a diverse community of microorganisms found in the gut) by preventing the overgrowth of certain bacteria that can produce excessive amounts of histamine. These microorganisms help to break down food, synthesize nutrients, and support the immune system.
DAO Deficiency in Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers who experience DAO deficiency may find it challenging to manage their symptoms while providing adequate nutrition for their infants.
Symptoms
Not having enough DAO enzyme can lead to different symptoms for each person, but typical signs include abdominal pain, headaches, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, flushing, itching, and hives.
Causes
DAO deficiency can be caused by several factors such as genetics, impaired DAO synthesis, exogenous sources of histamine, and dietary intake of histamine-rich foods. The latter is particularly relevant for people who follow a low-histamine diet. Foods that are high in histamine or trigger the release of histamine can exacerbate the symptoms of DAO deficiency.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing DAO deficiency requires a comprehensive assessment of symptoms, dietary intake, and a DAO blood test. A healthcare practitioner may also recommend an allergy test to rule out any immune-related food allergies and antibody-related or IgE-related food allergies.
Implications of DAO Deficiency on Breastfeeding & Lactation
DAO deficiency can have significant implications on breastfeeding. Studies have shown that DAO activity in breast milk is highest on the second lactation day and gradually decreases over the subsequent days of lactation. Breastfed infants during this lactation period have a lower risk of histamine intolerance. As the lactation period progresses, the amount of DAO activity in breast milk reduces, which may exacerbate the symptoms in infants who have DAO deficiency.
Furthermore, breast milk is a rich source of polyamines, which are crucial for the growth and development of infants. However, polyamines can also cause histamine release, resulting in an allergic response in DAO-deficient infants. Clinical research suggests that supplementing breastfeeding mothers with vitamin B6 can enhance DAO activity, reducing symptoms of histamine intolerance in breastfed infants.
Managing DAO Deficiency and Ensuring Healthy Lactation
Mothers who experience DAO deficiency may face challenges in providing sufficient and nourishing milk supply to their babies. Consequently, infants nursed by mothers with DAO deficiency face potential symptoms of histamine intolerance that can adversely affect their health.
It is crucial to manage DAO deficiency in lactating mothers to ensure healthy lactation for both mother and baby.
Using DAO Supplements for Breastfeeding
Research has shown that consuming DAO supplements can ease symptoms of histamine intolerance in lactating mothers, resulting in lower histamine levels in their breast milk compared to non-supplemented mothers. Using DAO supplements during early lactation may be more effective in decreasing histamine levels and relieving symptoms of histamine intolerance for both the mother and the infant.
It’s crucial to take DAO supplements under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner and maintain a balanced diet while breastfeeding. It’s also important to ensure that DAO supplements are obtained from credible providers to guarantee quality and safety.
SeeBeyond Shop is a trusted source for DAO enzyme supplements, providing high-quality products that have been thoroughly tested and proven effective in reducing histamine intolerance symptoms for breastfeeding mothers and their infants.
Practical Steps for DAO-Deficient Mothers During Lactation
If you’re a mother who is DAO deficient, here are some practical steps you can take to enhance your lactation experience and reduce the risk of histamine intolerance in your infant:
Adjust your diet
Dietary adjustments are helpful in managing histamine intolerance. Avoiding or limiting high-histamine foods such as aged cheese, fermented foods, and processed meats can help reduce histamine levels in your body and breast milk.
Stay hydrated
Drinking enough water is crucial for maintaining healthy milk production levels. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day and avoid dehydrating beverages such as caffeine and alcohol.
Recognize signs of histamine intolerance in your infant
Infants with histamine intolerance may display particular symptoms, including colic, irritability, eczema, or reflux. Pay attention to your baby’s reaction to certain foods and talk to your healthcare practitioner if you suspect a food allergy or histamine intolerance.
Prioritize self-care
Managing histamine intolerance while breastfeeding can be stressful. Prioritizing self-care activities such as getting enough sleep, practicing relaxation techniques, and finding time for physical activity can help reduce stress levels and improve lactation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, diamine oxidase (DAO) is an essential enzyme for breaking down histamine in the body and is particularly important for lactating mothers with histamine intolerance.
There are several practical strategies that lactating mothers and healthcare providers can use to manage DAO levels during this phase. These include following a low-histamine diet, increasing the intake of DAO-boosting nutrients such as vitamin C and vitamin B6, and potentially using DAO supplements or DAO-enriched brea
