adiDAO® - Diamine oxidase supplementation

adiDAO® is a naturally derived ingredient containing the enzyme Diamine Oxidase (DAO). DAO is a functional enzyme proven to play a key role in the breakdown of dietary histamine. Supplemental DAO can help compensate for low endogenous DAO activity in the gut, helping support digestive confort. 4.2 mg per serving.

adiDAO® - Key features

  • Naturally contains highly active DAO enzyme
  • Supports digestive health by helping the body break down dietary histamine and maintain normal DAO levels
  • Available in three grades: adiDAO original (animal-derived extract), adiDAO Veg (plant-based alternative), and adiDAO microencapsulated (enhanced technological protection and optimized performance)

Science supporting adiDAO®

Over 18 years of scientific research have contributed to the detailed characterisation and clinical evaluation of adiDAO® and its role in supporting histamine metabolism.
Studies have demonstrated the role of DAO in helping manage dietary histamine load and supporting digestive comfort.

Characterisation

adiDAO® naturally contains the enzyme Diamine Oxidase (DAO), obtained through controlled physical processes.
The ingredient provides high enzymatic activity and is available from animal‑ and plant‑based sources.
Both forms are processed to help preserve enzyme integrity and ensure consistent activity.

Composition
•    adiDAO®: Protein extract from pig kidney
•    adiDAO®Veg: Dehydrated pea sprout powder

Enzymatic activity
•    adiDAO®: ≥0,25 mU/mg of ingredient (≥12.000 HDU/mg of ingredient)
•    adiDAO®Veg: ≥0,17 mU/mg of ingredient (≥8.160 HDU/mg of ingredient)

Recommended daily dosage: 4.2 mg per serving, up to 3 servings a day before meals

Microcapsules: A Strategic Solution for DAO Combination Products

Our microencapsulated adiDAO® is produced using a dual-layer encapsulation system that delivers enhanced protection and functionality, ideal for complex formulations and multi‑ingredient products.

Key Advantages of Microencapsulation:

  • Enzyme isolation: Reduces interaction with other actives, helping preserve DAO structure and activity
  • Moisture protection: Improves stability and reduces risk of degradation
  • pH resilience: Enhances resistance to varying pH environments in formulations and the digestive tract

Understanding Histamine & DAO

Histamine is a naturally occurring compound with roles in immunity, digestion, and signalling.
Beyond endogenous production, dietary histamine, found in varying levels across foods, can significantly contribute to total histamine exposure.
Under normal conditions, Diamine Oxidase (DAO) helps break down dietary histamine in the digestive tract.
When DAO activity is reduced, due to genetics, diet, medications, or gut health factors, individuals may experience increased sensitivity after consuming histamine‑rich foods.

This imbalance is often referred to as histamine intolerance (HIT) and is associated with digestive and extraintestinal discomforts.

A recent study determined the prevalence of associated discomforts in 100 subjects with histamine intolerance:

Gastrointestinal, nervous system, and musculoskeletal issues are among the most common. Headache, bloating, and fatigue affect more than 60% of people, while pruritus, flushing, rhinitis, muscle pain, constipation, and low blood pressure are also frequent. 99% reported multiple simultaneous symptoms, affecting overall quality of life
These findings highlight the interest in nutritional strategies that help support normal histamine metabolism, creating opportunities for innovative ingredient solutions such as DAO supplementation.

Duelo et al., 2024

KEY INSIGHTS

  • DAO activity is influenced by genetics, gut disorders, diet, and certain medications.
  • 66% of the population carries a genetic variant linked to low DAO levels.
  • Up to 88% of individuals with HIT report digestive discomfort.

Safety profile

adiDAO® has been evaluated for use in food supplements.

No adverse events related to supplementation have been reported across studies.

adiDAO®Veg has undergone standard safety assessments for its intended use.

  • 30 healthy subjects consumed doses at 10×, 20×, and 50× the recommended daily amount with no adverse effects
  • In individuals with manifestations linked to histamine sensitivity, escalating doses up to 100.8 mg/day for 8 weeks were well tolerated
  • No changes were observed in vital signs or biochemical parameters

Unlock the Potential of DAO with adiDAO®

adiDAO® is available in three formats—animal‑derived, plant‑based, and microencapsulated—offering flexibility for a wide range of applications.

We also offer semi-finished delivery systems designed to optimize enzyme protection and targeted intestinal release, available in bulk, blister, and dispenser formats.

  • adiDAO® Tablets: Gastro-resistant tablets containing the DAO enzyme.
  • EFICAPS adiDAO® capsules - Vitamin C & Quercetin: Gastro-resistant tablets with controlled-release DAO in the intestine and immediate-release of complementary active ingredients such as vitamin C and quercetin.
  • EFICAPS adiDAO® capsules – Caffeine & B Vitamins: Combines DAO enzyme with caffeine, folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 , which act as complementary ingredients to promote optimised function.

 

Interested in semi-finished formats?

Contact us to discuss your formulation needs

Regulatory & Certifications

adiDAO®: Non-GMO, gluten-free
                 Authorised Novel Food Ingredient, Self-affirmed GRAS

adiDAO®Veg: Non-GMO, Halal, Kosher, gluten-free, suitable for vegetarians.
                       Self-affirmed GRAS, under NDIN 

References

COMPETITOR ANALYSIS
Alemany-Fornes et al. bioRxiv. 2023

CLINICAL TRIALS
Molina Perelló P et al.; Int J Transl Med. 2025
Fortes-Marín et al. Genes, 2025
Duelo et al.; Nutrients, 2024
Okutan et al.; J. Clin. Med. 2023
Izquierdo Casas et al.; Clin Nutr. 2019
Izquierdo-Casas et al.; J Physiol Biochem, 2018

This website is intended to provide information about Biotexia’s ingredients, used in various food/dietary supplement products around the world. It is only intended for business to business and to provide information to food/dietary supplement professionals and is not designed for the general public. Statements used on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or any other competent authority. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.