Sulfite
Sulfite is high in Histamine. It has low levels of Tyramine. If you're sensitive to any of these, check it against your profile before eating.
Intolerances
- Histamine (+liberators / DAO inhibitors)High
Sulfites (E220-228) are the best-evidenced additive on this list. They do not contain histamine: they inhibit DAO, the enzyme that clears it, so they lower your headroom for everything else in the meal. This is also why wine is worse than its histamine content alone suggests — the sulfites and the alcohol both block the same clearance. Sources: Maintz & Novak, Am J Clin Nutr 2007 (histamine intolerance review); Comas-Basté et al., Biomolecules 2020; EFSA re-evaluation of sulfites, 2016. Note EU law already requires 'contains sulphites' above 10 mg/kg, so the label will tell you.
- TyramineLow
- FODMAPsNone
- LactoseNone
- GlutenNone
- FructoseNone
- OligosaccharidesNone
- SorbitolNone
- SucroseNone
- SalicylateNone
- NickelNone
- OxalatesNone
Intolerance levels are based on our documented scientific sources. See sources →
React to Histamine (+liberators / DAO inhibitors)? Check these too
More in Additives
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- Acetic acid→
- Acetic acid esters of mono/diglycerides→
- Acetylated distarch phosphate→
- Acetylated oxidized starch→
- Acetylated starch→
- Adipic acid→
- Agar-agar→
- Alginic acid→
- Allura Red AC→
Frequently asked questions
Which intolerances does Sulfite affect?
Sulfite is notable for Histamine and Tyramine.
Does Sulfite contain Histamine?
Yes — Sulfite is high in Histamine. Sulfites (E220-228) are the best-evidenced additive on this list. They do not contain histamine: they inhibit DAO, the enzyme that clears it, so they lower your headroom for everything else in the meal. This is also why wine is worse than its histamine content alone suggests — the sulfites and the alcohol both block the same clearance. Sources: Maintz & Novak, Am J Clin Nutr 2007 (histamine intolerance review); Comas-Basté et al., Biomolecules 2020; EFSA re-evaluation of sulfites, 2016. Note EU law already requires 'contains sulphites' above 10 mg/kg, so the label will tell you.
Does Sulfite contain Tyramine?
Sulfite contains only low levels of Tyramine. Amounts vary by brand and recipe, so always check the label of the exact product.