1-Methylhistidine (Urine)

1-Methylhistidine is a component of the dietary peptide anserine. Anserine is beta-alanyl-1-methyl-L-histidine, and it is known to come from chicken, turkey, duck, rabbit, tuna, and salmon. Other food sources (especially trout and fowl) also are likely but are not documented. The peptidase enzyme that hydrolyzes anserine is present in the small intestine and present in the liver, spleen, kidney tissues, and blood serum. Some direct uptake of dietary anserine is normal, and moderate levels of urinary 1-methylhistidine are normal. However, high levels suggest increased uptake of short-chain peptides, possibly increased gut permeability, and increased hydrolysis of short-chain dietary peptides by peptidases in blood, liver, and spleen. Elevated 1-methylhistidine suggests a dietary overload of anserine-source foods, increased gut permeability, and decreased activity of digestive peptidases in the small intestine. There may or may not be associated with symptomatology. 1-Methylhistidine itself is not known to be detrimental.

A reduction in the intake of such dietary protein sources may be warranted, and supplemental B-12 and folic acid may be beneficial.

It is a component of the dietary peptide anserine. Anserine is beta-alanyl-1-methyl-L-histidine, and it is known to come from chicken, turkey, duck, rabbit, tuna and salmon.