Can histidine improve atopic dermatitis? Original paper

Atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition characterized by a compromised skin moisture barrier, resulting in dryness, itchiness, bacterial infiltration, inflammation, and pain. Filaggrin is a protein that is important for maintaining the skin moisture barrier and is often low in people with atopic dermatitis. L-histidine is an essential component of filaggrin, and the researchers in this study hypothesized that L-histidine supplementation could improve atopic dermatitis.

In a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, 49 children with atopic dermatitis took a placebo or 0.8 grams of L-histidine daily. Atopic dermatitis was measured via the Eczema Area And Severity Index (EASI).

There was a notably greater improvement in overall EASI score in the histidine group that was statistically significant at 12 weeks but not earlier. The proportion of participants in each group who reported adverse events was comparable.