Propionic acid

Other names propanoic acid, E280

Propionic acid: moderate in histamine. If you're sensitive to any of these, check it against your profile before eating.

To avoid

Moderate

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Intolerances

Histamine (+liberators / DAO inhibitors)
Moderate
Propionic acid (E280) is the bread preservative - it is what stops sliced loaves going mouldy and it is what gives Swiss cheese its holes, since the bacteria that make Emmental produce it themselves. It is in pseudoallergen protocols on limited evidence, with no established histamine mechanism.
Sources· 2
- SIGHI food list
- EFSA re-evaluation of propionic acid and propionates, 2014
Tyramine
None
Salicylate
None
Sucrose
None
FODMAPs
None
LactoseFODMAPs
None
OligosaccharidesFODMAPs
None
SorbitolFODMAPs
None
FructoseFODMAPs
None
Nickel
None
Oxalates
None
Gluten
No

Intolerance levels are based on our documented scientific sources. See sources →

React to Histamine (+liberators / DAO inhibitors)? Check these too

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Frequently asked questions

Which intolerances does propionic acid affect?

Propionic acid is notable for histamine. Clear on tyramine, salicylate, sucrose, FODMAPs, lactose, oligosaccharides, sorbitol, fructose, nickel, oxalates and gluten.

Does propionic acid contain histamine?

Propionic acid contains moderate levels of histamine. Propionic acid (E280) is the bread preservative - it is what stops sliced loaves going mouldy and it is what gives Swiss cheese its holes, since the bacteria that make Emmental produce it themselves. It is in pseudoallergen protocols on limited evidence, with no established histamine mechanism. Amounts vary by brand and recipe, so always check the label of the exact product.

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